Every parent wonders after their child grows up if what they taught them actually stuck with them in a meaningful way. So what are we responsible for as parents? In parenting, we can and should sow good seeds into our children’s minds and hearts. And we should “water” and nurture them with great vigor and diligence. The sweat on our brow from our hard work in raising our kids should be significant. But, as they grow into teens and young adults, we cannot ultimately control whether those seeds will grow exactly as we expected and bear all the fruit we desire. We can significantly influence, but cannot control what they’ll believe, what they’ll value, or how they’ll behave. Here are some ways to have a huge, positive influence on our children’s lives: Making memories: Creating good memories or redeeming bad memories has a lasting impact on kids. Looking back on their childhood someday, the fruit of those seeds will be found in the stories that they share. And those stories will also be how they describe and define your family for future generations. Teaching life lessons: Keep your eyes open for “teachable moments” to convey big life lessons. For example, […]

Choose your own adventure at Camp Viking! Enjoy weekly themes that incorporate arts & crafts, fitness, games and more! Camp Viking is open to rising Kindergarten through 8th grade students (rising PK4 St. Anne-Pacelli students may attend, as well). In 2019, camp begins June 3rd and runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., daily, throughout the summer. Camp Viking offers parents flexibility—kids can attend all seven weeks or just the weeks you need. Participants DO NOT have to be St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School students. 2019 Camp Viking Themes June 3-7: Under the Big Top Kids will have a blast at this circus-themed camp complete with inflatables, face painting and much more. June 10-14: The Mighty Jungle  “In the jungle, the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight”…everybody sing now! Campers will create, sing, dance and act their way through a wild week of camp. June 17-21: Artful Antics Campers will explore various art mediums and create mini masterpieces to take home. June 24-28: Party in the U.S.A.! From a rodeo in Texas, to a hula in Hawaii – we’ll celebrate our nation during this fun-filled week, stopping in several states along the way. July 1-5: NO CAMP Camp is closed this week. Happy Fourth of July! July […]

It’s likely your child will receive tons of chocolate and candy from school, grandma, and community egg hunts. This Easter, ask the Easter Bunny to leave your child some of these fun alternatives for a sugar-free holiday! Non-Food Goodies: Bath Bombs Matchbox Cars Garden Tools Bubbles Books DVDs Socks Bath Crayons Bubble Bath Bath Drops Crayons Markers Movie Tickets Chuck E. Cheese Gift Card Reusable Water Bottle Paints Silly String Nail Polish Board Games Card Games Paints Whiffle Ball/Bat Kite Small Craft Kits Sand Toys Character Masks Character Capes Nerf Guns LEGO Creator Kits Etch-a-Sketch Doll Clothes Water Toys Butterfly Kit Grow Toys Fairy Garden Kit Seeds Garden Tools Wall Climbers Pinwheels Puppets Silly Straws Silly Shoe Laces Slippers Jump Rope Kinetic Sand Fluffables Chalk Putty Play-Doh Sunglasses Slime Plates Balls Puzzles Stickers Toothbrushes Hairbrushes Coloring Book Water WOW Books Dollar Bills Wind Up Toys For Infants: Teether Toys Board Books Lovies Pacifiers O-balls Sippy Cups Eating Utensils Bibs Onesies Socks Basket ideas: Sand Trucks Wagons Sand Buckets Hats Umbrellas Rain boots Backpack Sandbox Beach Bag Shopping Cart For Tweens Inexpensive gift cards Headphones Phone Pop Socket Adult Coloring Books Coloring Tools Soduku Books Nail Polish or Pens Card Games […]

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction and is often characterized by repetitive or obsessive behaviors. It is also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the severity of the symptoms vary so greatly that it is hard to find two people affected by autism whose symptoms are exactly alike. Recently, through the efforts of advocates of those affected by autism, a greater public awareness and understanding has been developed. However, there are still a few myths about autism that should be put to rest.  People with autism do not feel any sort of emotion Those with autism may have difficulty deciphering subtle non-verbal cues, such as when another uses body language to convey how they feel.  Someone with autism may struggle with communicating their own feelings, but they do experience the same types of emotions as those without autism. Social skills training can help people with autism improve their ability to interpret non-verbal cues but it is a long-term effort that requires plenty of practice. To share your feelings with someone with autism, it is best to speak in a direct manner and rely less on facial expressions and body language. People with autism are […]

Ingredients 2 cups of fry oil 5 graham cracker sheets 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 pound chicken tenders honey, for drizzling DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or plastic bag with a rolling pin. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt to the graham cracker crumbs, combine. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl, put aside. Bread the chicken: dip it in the egg, let the excess drip off, roll it in the crumb mix. Repeat for all tenders. Add only two or three tenders to the hot oil at a time, and fry until golden brown and 165-degrees internally. It should take about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with all tenders.  Drizzle with honey and serve. Courtesy of dessertfortwo.com  Additional Links: Veggie Pizza Ham & Cracker Dip Apple Donuts

The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that one in 5 Americans are affected by mental health conditions. When you understand some of the misconceptions and how to appropriately communicate with someone who may be down or anxious, they will be less likely to feel the shame and fear that can often come along with struggling in silence.  Depression affects all ages. There are a variety of reasons a kid may be depressed. “A lot comes from stressors from school, expectations from parents or being bullied or cyberbullied,” said Lucy Tovar Murillo, LPC at Columbus Counseling Associates.  Depression has other negative ramifications. “It can lead to self-harm behaviors, hopelessness, low self-worth and low self-esteem,” said Murillo. Since your child’s stressors may not be the same as yours it can be hard to understand at times. “Show some empathy for your child and do not just dismiss them on what they are going through because it contributes to the depression more when they are not believed or even disappointing parents,” said Murillo. Although you may do everything in your power to keep your child happy, he can still become depressed. There is no surefire prevention. “Having an open line of communication is […]