Trick or Treat for Unicef

Trick or Treating is such a fun activity for kids and parents to do together.  But did you know that you can have fun and raise money for a great cause all at once?  For 60 years, children and their families have been "trick or treating for Unicef," and making a huge difference.  If you haven't yet, your chance to start is now.  Just head into Toys"R"Us  or Babies"R"Us between now and October 30, 2010 and pick up a collection box for Unicef at the Guest Services desk.  Then take it door to door with you as you trick or treat  and ask people to donate their pocket change to Unicef.  (Also, check out the website to see how else you can help, even if you don't have kids!)

Why do this?

Well, first of all, Unicef is a worthwhile charitable organization to raise money for, as they do work to help children around the world.  Money donated to Unicef goes towards research, education, disease prevention, family support systems, child protection, AIDS/HIV relief efforts, and so much more.

Plus, many of our world's problems could be solved if we solved them earlier in life.  By helping children around the world, we are preparing the world for a better future with fewer problems.

And think about the message that you are sending to your own children at an early age.  Teaching your children to help others who are less fortunate than they are is so important for their development, and this is a great way to do it because it's fun, you will be able to see the results of your hard work, and the best part: you're helping children!  Children helping children is so important because it helps them to see that people who are their "peers," and perhaps considered their "equals," can still be in need of assistance and it shows them that it's okay to reach out.

So please, this Halloween, think about doing some trick or treating for Unicef!

Peace and Love,
Meagan

Children

Whitney had it right. "I believe the children are our future... teach them well, and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside." So true.

Children are beautiful. They imagine, wonder, question, learn, play, and feel everything so strongly. They are curious, loving, funny, and inspiring.

As a teacher, one of my favorite things is when a student asks me a question that I never thought that they would ask. I actually like being surprised by abstract thoughts and ideas or just things that I never considered. The children are our future, so we must teach them well like Whitney said, but more importantly... I think we must remember all that they teach us.

They inspire us to be more humble, kind, compassionate, empathetic, curious, aware, and fun.

We were outside the other day and one of my roommates, K., said that she liked to revert to childish activities like coloring with sidewalk chalk and playing games like 4 square. I feel her. I like to "revert" sometimes too. It comes from the life lessons I've learned from the students; relax, have fun, leave responsibility behind and "revert." But I do wonder... why is it "reverting?" Why can't adults just enjoy the things that they enjoyed as kids? What's so wrong with that?

Here's something I loved as a kid and still love very much: The Land Before Time. I used to watch that movie every day in kindergarten. It's amazing. And yes, maybe I love it so much now because I loved it then, but that's okay. It still moves me. And yes... it is a children's movie. So what?

As I watched it again recently, I was humbled and I felt so much emotion. At one pivotal moment involving the main character's mom (a brontosaurus by the way) I was moved to tears. Laugh if you want, but I was emotionally stirred. I texted my mother. I said "I'm watching the Land Before Time and it made me miss my mommy. I love you mom." I'm a cheeseball... but I meant it.

Amazing how childish things bring you back to center. My mom and I disagree a lot. Sometimes we get a little tense towards one another. But the thing is... she's my mom, and I love her, and she did a lot for me. So no matter what... I will always come back. I have to. My mom is a part of me.

"I believe the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way..."

Well, I am not a parent yet, but I am my mother's child, which means that I am the future, and I will lead the way. I'll lead the way home; I'll lead the way to the playground; I'll lead the way to the sidewalk where K. and I are drawing cats, peace signs, and other fun things; I'll lead the way to innocence, to learning, to hope, to magic, love, and miracles. I'll lead the way. I hope you follow, at least until you too can lead...