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Thanksgiving and the Occupy Movement

Whether you support the Occupy Movement, are against it, or are somehow unaware of its existence, one thing remains true. This is a historic event. Generations from now, genealogists will wonder if any of their ancestors were part of the 99%. This year, Thanksgiving was celebrated in a different way. Holidays, and the way we celebrate them, are important. Thanksgiving is usually a day that people spend with their families, in a warm and comfortable home, surrounded by plenty of good food. It is a day to give thanks for everything that we have. Genealogists can learn a lot about … Continue reading →

Make Thanksgiving a Teachable Moment

Who says Thanksgiving is just a day set aside to expand your waistline? If you are a parent, consider using the holiday to broaden your kids’ minds. In many cases children are taught the history of Thanksgiving in class. They get generic lessons about the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, Pilgrims and Indians, but far less time is spent schooling youngsters about the true meaning of the day—-gratitude. Whereas the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, when Governor Bradford of the Plymouth colony appointed a day for public praise and prayer after the first harvest, the first national observance didn’t come until … Continue reading →

Discipline After Divorce

As a parent, even when I was married, I struggled with how to discipline Hailey. I wanted to make sure that we used these times as teachable moments, not just punishment. For the most part, I think we succeeded when her father and I were parenting her together. When you are married discipline seems a little easier, there is another person there to look at the situation and offer input. When you are single, disciplining your child becomes harder but even more important. Sometimes I was afraid of overreacting. Usually my days were long and my patience short and many … Continue reading →

On This Day in History – November 24 – 26

My kids and I enjoy looking at dates in history and seeing how we can apply those events to what we’re doing on a day-to-day basis. It’s fun to celebrate holidays both big and small, and to commemorate people who contributed in some way to who we are, but are often not remembered. I am starting a new series here on Families.com for anyone who would like to follow us throughout the year and mark those special (and sometimes downright weird) events. I will also share ideas for how to make those days special. I don’t imagine too many people … Continue reading →