Grocery shopping is not my favorite activity.  Lately, it seems like a mad rush to grab a gallon of milk or find that last-minute ingredient for the school bake sale I just learned about!  But there are days when I enjoy the experience.  There is beauty in the produce section.  The vivid, shiny colors.  The bakery aromas bring back cookie-making weekends with my grandmother.  And the pasta and salad dressing aisle brings a smile to my face.  That’s because there is always someone smiling back at me — Paul Newman.  There he is staring at me from the labels of his pasta sauces, salsas, marinades, and more.  I have always been a fan of his acting and blue eyes.  But as a philanthropy geek, I get a rush from the Newman’s Own company which he started and has ended up being a joyful nod to social enterpreneurism.  The Newman’s Own Foundation donates all profits from the products it sells to thousands of charities and has been doing so since 1982 to the tune of over $300 million dollars!  Knowing this, I always enjoy directing my daughter to select the Newman’s Own pasta sauce instead of other brands.  We happen to like the taste, but I also use the opportunity to remind her how choosing that product results in money going to charities. Plus, it’s fun to read the Newman’s Own-isms like “Sockarooni” and “Industrial Strength” to describe his product flavors. Okay, okay! I am an unabashed groupie, and why not? Newman’s Own is a great reminder that doing good can be good fun.

© YesKidzCan, 2011

When our kids do something great, we naturally tell them or show them how proud we are.  Recognition is an important part of teaching our kids about community service.  Of course, we hope that when our kids give back, they feel good about their actions on their own.  But have you noticed when we say ”atta boy” or “atta girl” to provide that extra pat on the back, our kid’s response is something like, “You are just saying that because you are my mom or dad!’

One way to try to get around this never-ending back and forth of words is to provide a more objective recognition.  Surprise your kid with a “You Did Good” Certificate of Achievement. You can download and print it out for free.  There is room on the certificate for you to sign it, and if it helps in any way, the certificate also has our signatures  — the co-founders of YesKidzCan!  We may not be rock stars, but we do know kids and philanthropy!  You could also consider giving them a cool t-shirt, binder, or mousepad with fun messages about giving back. (100% of the profits go to support children’s causes, by the way. You can tell your kids that, too!)

Check out more ideas for recognizing the good in your kids, and let us know other ways you’ve gotten responses beyond the eyeroll and heavy sigh!  We would love to know about them professionally . . . and as parents, too!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

Every night, I would love to create a home-made meal for my daughter.  Hard as I try, it just can’t happen.  Some evenings, I just pop a box in the microwave and tear open the pouch.  Just as much as we want to nourish our kids’ bodies, we also want to nourish who they are as members of the human race.  One way to do this is teaching them how to give back.  Sometimes, it feels like there is not a lot of time to do this either.

That’s why YesKidzCan! has created a variety of quick and easy charitable giving projects for your kids.  They include crafts ideas, games, recipes, and other activities that are simple to set up, fun to do, and reinforce the importance of kind acts.  All the materials are free and downloadable with a click of the mouse.  Print out our “You’re Awesome” Card, and have your kids color it in and give to someone as a day brightener.  Next time you ask your kids to clean out their closets, download our Surprise Messages for them to fill out an tuck inside the outgrown shoes for the donation bag.

Check out some of our other simple projects.  You may just end up having extra time to cook that home-made meal after all!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

Did you know that many parents in developing countries do not have photos of their children?  One organization, Dog Meets World, is dedicated to remedying this.  This memory making nonprofit has “photo diplomats” who travel abroad to take photographs of families and give them a picture as a gift.  A a $30 dollar donation, covers the cost of 100 photos, and you receive your own Foto pup – a stuffed animal that is the organization’s mascot and is held by participants when their picture is taken.  Talk to your kids about using some allowance, birthday, or holiday money to support this effort.  Talk about a nice way to make someone smile!  

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

It is no surprise that moms and kids see the world from different vantage points.  Why should the topic of giving back be any different?  As revealed by a recent survey conducted by Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks®, The Parenting Group’s MomConnection® Research Network , there is a balance to be reached between kids who expressed their eagerness to give back and moms who feel understandably challenged when it comes to figuring out how and when to support their kids’ interests.  The research shows that parents struggle with:

• deciding what is the appropriate age kids should start giving back,
• determining the right activities,
• believing that kids can make more of a difference locally rather than globally,
• making time, and
• lacking funds to support charitable efforts.

 On the other hand kids are ready, willing, and able to give back according to this research.  Kids feel they:

• can give back in meaningful ways at any age,
•  would enjoy any number of volunteer activities – ranging from sending care packages to soldiers to participating in fundraisers,
• can help anyone anywhere in the world, and
• would rather be giving adults when they grow up than wealthy adults.

As with most parent-child relations, perhaps the answer is somewhere in the middle.  Your family has to do what works best for all members of your family.  Here’s one easy option to consider. Now through May, you can look for specially marked “Win & Give” Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks packages in stores.  For every child that wins in the United States, Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks will donate a laptop to a child in Africa.  It’s a pretty easy way for parents and kids to help change the lives of other kids.  And if you don’t win from your purchase, you and your kids can visit WinOneGiveOne online,  and play “Be a Hero” to help donate additional computers to kids in need.  Whether making a purchase or going online, it takes limited time.  It costs little to nothing. And, you can do it together and make a difference for a kid living on another continent. 

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

Giving back . . . We know it’s important to teach it.  We know our kids will benefit from it.  And, we know our communities need it.  It does take time and energy.  In fact, a recent survey of moms confirmed that they feel challenged when it comes to engaging kids in charitable activities.  According to the Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks®, The Parenting Group’s MomConnection® Research, “40 percent of moms said they don’t have enough time, and nearly one-third believe they lack the funds necessary to get kids involved.”  But there are ways to engage young kids in charitable giving that are convenient for you, fun for your kids, and worthwhile overall.  Especially with Spring Break around the corner, we are all looking for ways to keep our kids interested, energized, and occupied.  Here are some ideas to consider to minimize the challenges and maximize the ease of involving younger kids in community service.

1) Start Young:  You can involve your kids in a giving experience when they are as young as three or four. Even toddlers can help put outgrown shoes in a donation bag, pass along unwanted stuffed animals or toys, or gather canned goods.

2)  Talk. Rather than feel pressured to plan a volunteer activity, talk about giving back.  During meals, driving in the car, or bedtime, ask your kids if they know what it means to be charitable.  You can explain that giving back can include donating money, time, or talent.  You can also give or ask for examples of kind acts and build on these discussions over time.

3)  Think small!  Reinforce your kids’ little acts of kindness.  When your children show signs of compassion (such as saying hello to classmate who is shy, giving a friend a hug, or paying someone a compliment) acknowledge their actions by telling them how proud you feel. 

4) Find the right fit.   Take the time to select a community service activity that works well with your kid’s personality, interests, and learning style.  If your child is shy, for example, avoid volunteering in an environment that is over-crowded, loud, or overwhelming.  Tap into what your kid loves.  If your child adores animals, consider supporting an animal shelter.  Your kid may be more engaged by a book with messages about giving back or kindness.  Watch a movie or television program about social action, going green, or animal welfare.  Characters or storylines that illustrate good deeds can help reinforce the values you are trying to teach.  

5) Make it fun.  Invite over a play date and involve the kids in a simple service project such as writing thank you notes to members of the military, drawing pictures for children recovering in a hospital, or baking treats for a neighbor.  Afterwards, go out for ice cream, lunch, or to a playground. 

The importance of making charitable giving part of your kids’ lives is underscored by the research as well:  “Most 7-12 year olds realize they don’t need to be an adult to make an impact, and more than nine in ten believe they’ve already made someone’s life better by helping them out. So, try out something simple and see where it takes you.  Kids already have the belief and the interest.  Many times, it is we parents that need the extra support!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

YesKidzCan! has the unique distinction of being a social entrepreneurial company.  This means we are business dedicated to bettering the world, and we donate 100% of our net profits to children’s causes. One way that we support our beneficiaries is by offering products for purchase that you can use with the kids in your life to create fun giving experiences. 

Through the online store, Zazzle, your can buy fun t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, binders, mugs, tote bags, and aprons with messages like “Have Good Fun” and “Have an AOK (Act of Kindness) Day!  And, you can also purchase items with “YesKidzCan!” on them which is, of course, the name of our company as well as what we believe:  Yes, kids can change the world one kind act at a time!

Consider purchasing one of these items to reinforce an important message in an easy and enjoyable way.  Or use these items as giveaways for an activity or event with friends, family, clubs, or school.  Or, simply enjoy!  Your purchase will help kids lead the way in changing our world for the better.

 © YesKidzCan!, 2011

Early this week, we shared ways you and your kids can turn $5.00 or less into a charitable giving effort that carries a lot of value.  Here are several more ideas to consider!

• Send a free e-card:   Your kids can inspire or motivate someone to do something good or act kindly by sending a free e-card for different occasions.  Your choice helps support various causes! Visit Care2 with your kids to select and email your card.
• Don’t let shipping costs get in your way:  For no money at all, your kids can send much-needed items to children in war-torn areas through Operation Give, a nonprofit that helps collect and distribute toys and necessities to kids in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Have your kids go through their toy boxes to find gently used items including stuffed animals, puzzles, or picture books.  Or, they can donate school or art supplies.  (See their website for more needed items.)  Here’s the best part:  Thanks to FedEx, shipping is free!! Go to Operation Give’s donation page  to contact them about shipping instructions. 
• Show your kids how far a small contribution goes.  There are many organizations that have programs that encourage small donations or micro-contributions.  Here’s a sampling.  For just two dollars, you and your kids can save two children from Malaria by donating this small amount to MassiveGood, a world-wide effort dedicated to stopping the spread of deadly diseases in developing countries.  It is part of the United Nations Millennium Foundation.  For just one dollar, you and your kids can help stop deforestation. Through Avon’s initiative, Hello Green Tomorrow , you can help plant one million trees in South America’s Atlantic Rainforest.  One dollar equals one tree!

Whether it is one click of your mouse, one dollar, or one hour of time, encouraging your kids to participate in small acts of giving can have big results for your family, for your community, and for people around the world.

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

Here’s a good News Year’s resolution.  Giving back does not have to cost a bundle. There are ways for you and your kids to be charitable for five dollars or less or for free!  It just goes to show that the price point has nothing to do with the difference you can make. Here are some creative ideas that take donating time, talent, and a little bit of treasure to a whole new level!  

• Adopt a favorite outdoor spot.  If your child loves the outdoors, pick a favorite spot such as a park, trail, or playground and make a commitment to go there regularly; not just to enjoy what it offers, but also to keep it clean for the community.  This costs nothing but a little time! 
• Encourage a research project.  Talk with your child about what issues or causes are important to him or her.   Invite your child to do some research on the topic, write it up, create a PowerPoint presentation, or give a little speech on the subject to the family.  Not only will you be helping your child feel great pride and a sense of accomplishment, your kid’s enthusiasm could be contagious and motivate your family to do more in this area.
•  Set up a “give” registry:  For an upcoming special event such as a birthday, bar mitzvah, communion, or holiday, talk with your child about a cause that is important to him or her.  Through an online organization called, Changing the Present, , you can set up an online giving registry online where friends and family can make donations to a specific charity that has significance to your child.  There is no cost to set up the registry.  You and your kids can log in regularly to watch the contributions grow. 

Our next blog will feature another handful of ways to make a big difference with a small investment!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

With the New Year just days away, as Co-Founder of YesKidzCan!, I’ve been taking stock of what we’ve accomplished over the past year, and I realized that my two young boys (among many other kids!) have played a sizeable role in helping to shape our company.

My kids have tested many YesKidzCan! community service activities including making giving jars, baking dog biscuits for animal shelters, making pillow cases for wounded soldiers, painting murals for local hospitals, acting in an educational video, and posing in countless photos.   Through these giving experiences, they’ve developed a strong sense that community service is rewarding and fun.   In fact, they constantly ask me when they can do another YKC community service project.

To say the least, I’m thrilled with their enthusiasm for community service.  However, I’ve also realized that because they’ve been so busy participating in the activities that I’ve selected, they haven’t yet developed a true sense of their personal philanthropic interests.  While I don’t think this is a terrible thing – we all have to begin somewhere in teaching our kids charitable giving – I do think that part of building our community leaders of today and tomorrow involves helping these young givers gain a sense of what topics interest them.   So often, we sign up our kids for this club activity or that school fundraiser without considering their charitable interests.

To give my kids even more of a voice in their charitable giving efforts, I decided to make a few of my own giving resolutions for 2011:

1)   Talk more frequently with my kids about their philanthropic interests and help them to discover the causes they want to support.

2)   Talk with my kids about what they enjoy doing (sports, reading, cooking, arts and crafts, etc.) and how these activities can tie into charitable areas they like.

3)   Together with my kids, research how to support their charitable interests.

4)   Undertake at least one service activity to support a cause of their choosing.

We’ve witnessed countless examples on the evening news, in the newspapers, or around our communities of an inspired child who passionately championed a particular cause and achieved great things.  Anything is possible.  That next child could be yours!

Fellow Co-Founder of YesKidzCan! Lisa and I send our best wishes for 2011, and hope the New Year is full of many wonderful giving experiences for you and your kids.