My Big News and a $100.
It just dawned on me that I have had some super exciting news that I haven't officially shared!
You all know how I feel about the importance of optimism and resiliency in the successes I've had in my life and how important it is to pass those on to my son.
Did you know my company is named "Bright Future Managment"? Doesn't get more optimistic than that!
A few months ago, I was contacted by a PR firm representing Pepperidge Farm.
They were interested in interviewing me for a faculty position for Fishful Thinking, an initiative that offers parents tools for fostering optimism in kids.
Now, as the director of one of LA's largest and oldest private summer camps, I get contacted to participate in all kinds of things for kids... usually, I pass, as I want to spend all my free time with my boys.
But in this case, the message and the presentation was so incredible, I jumped at the chance and agreed to the interview.
Within the first 5 minutes of the interview I was out of my mind excited. Fishful Thinking headed by Dr. Karen Reivich , was new, innovative and well executed.
I LOVED that they were looking to moms to send the message.
When I got the call a few weeks ago that I would be one of 10 moms flying to NY to learn more about the program and meet Dr. Reivich in person, I beyond was thrilled.
So, I leave this weekend to embark on an exciting new journey and can't wait to share the info with you.
I can absolutely say, without a doubt, that my optimism and faith that I can achieve amazing things has been the key to living the life I love.
You all know how much I LOVE a good contest.
And, I feel so strongly about the Fishful Thinking Initiative, that I am giving away a TWO $100 gift cards to Target.
Yes, two people will win a $100. each {I've had these cards sitting around from our credit card points and was waiting to do something special...}
Head over to Fishful Thinking and take a look. Then come back here and tell me the best feature. I will know if you really went over there, so do this right!
Post about the contest, linking back here and to Fishful Thinking for an additional FIVE entries.
Contest ends Sunday, March 7th at midnight.
You all know how I feel about the importance of optimism and resiliency in the successes I've had in my life and how important it is to pass those on to my son.
Did you know my company is named "Bright Future Managment"? Doesn't get more optimistic than that!
A few months ago, I was contacted by a PR firm representing Pepperidge Farm.
They were interested in interviewing me for a faculty position for Fishful Thinking, an initiative that offers parents tools for fostering optimism in kids.
Now, as the director of one of LA's largest and oldest private summer camps, I get contacted to participate in all kinds of things for kids... usually, I pass, as I want to spend all my free time with my boys.
But in this case, the message and the presentation was so incredible, I jumped at the chance and agreed to the interview.
Within the first 5 minutes of the interview I was out of my mind excited. Fishful Thinking headed by Dr. Karen Reivich , was new, innovative and well executed.
I LOVED that they were looking to moms to send the message.
When I got the call a few weeks ago that I would be one of 10 moms flying to NY to learn more about the program and meet Dr. Reivich in person, I beyond was thrilled.
So, I leave this weekend to embark on an exciting new journey and can't wait to share the info with you.
I can absolutely say, without a doubt, that my optimism and faith that I can achieve amazing things has been the key to living the life I love.
You all know how much I LOVE a good contest.
And, I feel so strongly about the Fishful Thinking Initiative, that I am giving away a TWO $100 gift cards to Target.
Yes, two people will win a $100. each {I've had these cards sitting around from our credit card points and was waiting to do something special...}
Head over to Fishful Thinking and take a look. Then come back here and tell me the best feature. I will know if you really went over there, so do this right!
Post about the contest, linking back here and to Fishful Thinking for an additional FIVE entries.
Contest ends Sunday, March 7th at midnight.
Comments
I loved the link with Activities for Parents & Kids. My 11 year old has MAJOR issues with optimism. We are constantly working with him. Tonight after baseball practice, we are going to start the treasure box activity. I'm going to have him write down one good thing that happened at practice and how that made him feel versus the negativity that envelopes him when something goes wrong.
Give me a day or two and I will ABSOLUTELY write a post!
http://tattooedminivanmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/bitchelor-and-his-string-alongs.html
Kristi
guntergirl71@hotmail.com
I love the Positive Frustration activities. It can be hard to get it through my sons head to not give up after one try!!
I also like the quizzes to help you, as a parent, figure out how to foster resiliency in your kid. This is a great site!
I should use some of their techniques for ME. I mean dancing off frustration is right up my alley.
http://imnotyouraveragesoccermom.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-shoveled-my-way-out.html
http://martinfam1999.blogspot.com/2009/03/back-in-stirrups-again.html
Have fun this weekend! =)
I'll be back with the link.
I found the expert advise interesting!
Have a great weekend!
Side note: I'm really glad they are making their fish with whole grains now :)
Congrats on being part of this:0)
http://screamingmimitoo.blogspot.com/2009/03/great-contest-great-project.html
http://theadams7.blogspot.com/2009/03/have-you-heard-of-fishful-thinking.html
My favorite part was actually the quiz, I had several different answers (depending on the five situations)--obviously my daughter worries about different things. She had some good advice on how to help her cope with things that are hard for her. I will definitely be sharing about this. Thank you!
Congrats on the invite!
This also reminds me to buy some goldfish crackers next time I am in the grocery store =)
Good luck with this endeavor, I'm sure you'll be great!! Also, enjoy NY - sorry it's so cold here right now! Brrrrrrrr...
I like that they have activities to reinforce/build positive thinking and dealing with emotions. I think I'll be checking out the bookclub. Do they have a blog? They need a blog...
looking forward to seeing you in NY. I hope this contest helps get the word out there.
And, I just have to get this off my chest. I'm so happy for you, but wish I was in YOUR company. I know 4 or 5 of you now that are ambassadors (you, Jyl with Mom it Forward, Cheryl with Twinfatuation, Cecily with My Chaos my Bliss) and since I *HEART* all of you I would have loved to be able to be apart of this with you. Alas, I'm not, so I'm going to wholeheartedly support your campaign. It sounds wonderful.
I'm heading to my blog now to post about it. It will publish on Friday.
And, as always, you are beyond generous with this giveaway!
Secondly, what a generous giveaway.
I like the Treasure Box idea. I actually don't have any kids myself. But, often, I find myself dwelling on negative, rather than positive things, as well. Maybe I should try this myself?!?
I'm definitely gonna post about this on my blog, too!!!
In the new products they have the Goldfish and Starfish for the citywalk charity I love it I love that story! What a great cause
I think this will be great for my husband and me, too!
Looking forward to delving deeper into the site.\
I've even read their latest book selection - The Secret Life of Bees! And I'm going to check out The Glass Castle. So I guess I'd say that I liked the book recommendations the most.
Congrats again on getting chosen!
I stopped by the sight and loved everything! I like how everything is kept positive and of course the bright color! I think parents learn more when they are taught and not told! The activities are amazing!
I work for a preschool and will be passing this link on to my parents!!
Have a great week!
Angela
http://shannonsnuthouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/optimism-it.html
Good luck with everything!!!
I posted about Fishful Thinking and your giveaway about 2 minutes ago!
Sherri
Great contest! Sure hope I win!!!
I love the activities offered...and the access to newsletters and more.
I've blogged about it and linked back to you and to Fishful Thinking. Please stop by and drop me a note. Thanks again.
You gals kick butt!
My kids are out of the demographic and I don't work with kids....
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME! Yeah!
Your words today were exactly what I needed to hear and struck me to the core, thank you
I've searched their site a few times now and I'm really impressed by the activities for kids and parents. I was just looking again and am especially liking the emotional awareness activities. I think for us doing the foster-to-adopt process this information will be useful.
PS I need a giftcard! ;)
I hope that is weekend you enjoy the conference and learn lots. I can't wait to here about it.
I like their site. I love parent question areas. Always informative and entertaining.
I'll link back to your site.
Way to go! Have fun
carma
I blogged about it!
I am a big of the Q&A with Dr. Reivich. Also, the from the Experts section with the different articles. I have read through the 'How Not to Talk to Your Kids' piece and can't wait to read some others! GREAT site!
I can't wait to hear more about your interview. Good Luck!
I read the mission of "Fishful Thinking" and the comment that I most identified with was:
"By teaching kids Optimism today, we are equipping them with the skills and strategies they can rely on to shine in the face of adversity for the rest of their lives."
Optimism is such a valuable virtue to teach. Many kids that are born into negative situations believe that there is no better path. They have no hope.
This project by Pepperidge Farm is perfect for teaching these values. I think this program can really make a difference in society.
I can't wait to sit this weekend and read all the articles as I sit in a nice, relaxing hotel with a nice, relaxing cup of tea... I'm positively excited!!
I will post about this contest either tonight or tomorrow! Thanks!!! I'm crossing my fingers ;-)
-ErikaJean
Wow...how great is it for kids to learn that message??
I'm going to fully check out this site - congrats on being part of it!!!!
Good luck in New York, and have fun!
Okay so my favorite thing over at the Fishful Thinking, and this was hard because the whole Child/Family Development thing is what I went to school for and I tend to be a snob when it comes to sites like this, but.....I like the tips on positive thinking. It was really well done. A lot of sites geared towards families don't include tips on positive thinking. I mean REAL tips. I'm impressed!
I think it's more then just teaching kids optimism. All this teaches kids self esteem and gives them the tools to go out into the world and make a difference. A lot of people think you can't make a difference because you are one person but I believe that is where it starts. If one person touches another and then so on and so on. Just think of the impact. Thanks for spreading the word on this.
That is really cool that you are involved in this. I bet that just feels awesome! You sound like such a great mom too =)
And what a great giveaway! Woohoo!
My fave feature of the site is the Q&A with Dr. Reivich. I'm a sucker for advice from the professionals and usually manage to glean some helpful tips from the issues that others bring up.
I like the Keeping Kids Active feature on that site. Our kids today just don't MOVE much like we did when I was a kid and there are some neat activities to get kids out of the house and away from the computers, video games and text messaging.
Mary
mynew30{at}gmail{dot}com
While the articles are useful, I liked the quiz the best as it gave me more a gauge where my child was coping well and areas where improvement is needed.
What I would think would be even better if there were more interactive things for grade-schoolers through teens to do and maybe more self-assessment for them to take and things that are on their level that they can read and do as the older kids get, the more independent they strive to be and having Mom tell them what to do, or worse yet, feeling the need to have the parent tell them what to do when lowers their self-esteem.
My son is a freshmen in high school although he is very independent and well adjusted and confident in many areas, he still looks to adults too much to keep him on task and follow up to make sure he is doing what he should instead of keeping himself organized and on task. He hates chore charts and although they work, at 15 he needs to me more self motivated. Things that would help with stuff like this would be very helpful.
I will be praying for your plane trip and all the fun stuff in NY. Please keep us updated on what's going on.
I know with my daughter there are certain times, especially when she's tired, that it just overwhelms her into a melt-down. By that time, I'm ready for one, too. I'd bet a Grumpies dance would make both of us feel a whole lot lighter.
shel704 at aol dot com
http://auntiethesis.blogspot.com/2009/03/try-some-fishful-thinking.html
shel704 at aol dot com
Please feel free to visit us at Fort Thompson anytime. You are always welcome!
Love and Prayers,
Tim
karenladdFistful thinking..check this out! http://www.fishfulthinking....
less than 5 seconds ago from web
and here:
http://tinyurl.com/choyko
I also gave u a "thumbs up" on stumble, in hopes to increase your traffic ;-)
Congrats on getting the NY gig.
http://schiranotriplets.blogspot.com/2009/02/hello-friday.html
CONGRATULATIONS on working with them and I know you will share all the great info they pass on to you!
I love that the site offers real advice and activities that you can do with your child. I love the "shake off the frustration dance"!!!! I think Mommy needs that too!!!!
I hope I win! Target rocks my face off!!!!
Fishful Thinking has some really great stuff on their site. I really like the Activities for Kids & Parents. I will definitely be trying the "Shake Off the Frustration Dance" and I love the activities under the Savoring and Positive Emotion Activities. I will definitely do the "Finding Meaning" activity with my little guy when he gets just a little bit older.
Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom sent me over here. :)
I like the section of activities for parents and kids. It is so important for children to learn resiliency - they will need it their entire lives!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Our children deserve every opportunity to lead a life that will allow them to have positive feelings about themselves which leads to success in life. Go Goldfish Company!
I would be thrilled to win a gift card. Thank you for such good works and the opportunity to win such a generous gift.
Hugs...Jeanne
I liked the activities page, and I love that they separated the activities by age.
I read a book called "The power of a positive mom" a few years ago. It is amazing how much your attitude affects that of your children. So important to remember that every minute of every day.
Great idea, Tiffany!
As for the website - I have signed up for the newsletter because I do not think that there is anything that I do not LOVE about the entire program!
I will post about the contest tomorrow as I have already posted today and I want everyone to read the love note that I got from my dd... and I fear that adding another post may drown that one which means so much to me :)
Make it a great day!
Positive thinking is something we could all use. Em
The whole program seems awesome. I like the activities they list out on the website.
I'll be curious to hear about your weekend!
spackattak7(at)hotmail(dot)com
Congrats on the great opportunity!
http://stampinmom12.blogspot.com/2009/03/carnival-soiree-some-fabulous-things.html
Have fun this weekend...woo hoo! You go mama!
Jamie :-)
Jamie :-)
I really like the part about postive frustration. I live with a toddler so I can appreciate the benefits of that.
I can't wait to read more about your experience with Fishful Thinking! Have fun in NY!
and I went to the site , looking for some ways on helping me deal with my 9 year old. There was a 'quiz' to see if your child has a positive self image. Pleased to say mine does.
daytoncat1(at)yahoo(dot)com
daytoncat1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Should be a really exciting weekend...can hardly wait! :)
I had no idea about the site and I think it's just marvelous!! I like the Positive Frustration Activities. That gave me some good ideas on how to get my kids to loosen up and try again.
I'm bookmarking it as a great reference!
And I'll be mentioning the site in my blog tomorrow!
Indoor/Outdoor
A fun variation on a scavenger hunt that requires little preparation and can be played both indoors and outdoors.
Choose a color or letter and then challenge the children to find five things that are that color or begin with that letter. Set a time limit to keep the game moving and fun.
For Example: Choose the color green. Then tell the kids they have two minutes to find five green things. Or choose the letter Y, and they have two minutes to find five things that start with Y.
The site looks great. Some of it feels much too in-your-face Goldfish for me, but I appreciate the overall idea and the positivity. I like that Goldfish has partnered to support City Year, which is a GREAT program, and the Goldfish Starfish are, of course, adorable. I'm also a big fan of the "optimism facts." I don't have kids, but my mom's a children's librarian, and I just sent this site along to her because I think she'll really like it.
Speaking of optimism, I am optimistic that I'll be a winner of one of your $100 Target cards. I could use the break. Thanks for sponsoring such a cool giveaway and for being involved with such a neat site!
suburbansweetheart(at)gmail(dot)com
But, I am happy you are going to get involved. It sounds very exciting! I love the activities on the site that you can to do help kids stay positive and active.
Thanks for leading me to the great site.
I will be back.
I like the kids staying active part and especially the Free Wheelin' Obstacle Course...I realized that we have NEVER done a bicycle course for our kids...and it is SOOOO easy.
When we FINALLY get rid of the cold temps and snow I am DOIN' it!!!
wonderfullymade729 at gmail dot com
http://bbpartygirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/fishful-thinking-r-family-diaries.html
Christina Strickland
c_strickand@yahoo.com
The part of Fishful Thinking that I like is the Activities for Parents & Children. I think it is great that they not only tell the importance of the activity or idea but they also give options of activities to do. I also like that it is broken down by age appropriate groups!
Christina Strickland
c_strickand@yahoo.com
http://lori72.blogspot.com/2009/03/target-gift-card-giveaway-at-r-family.html
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I think the activities that parents can do with their children are a great way to get the message across and spend valuable family time together.
Yay for Goldfish!
http://hellosweetworld.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/fishful-thinking-and-just-catching-up/
http://trying2staycalm.blogspot.com/
http://trying2staycalm.blogspot.com/
http://trying2staycalm.blogspot.com/
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My youngest son, who is grown now has A.D.D. We dealt with a lot of frustration with him as a child.
We spent a lot of time at the gym and his father got him into football. His father also helped coach him in football until he graduated from high school.
My son learned to overcome many challenges. He was the last one allowed to walk on as a football player at one of our state colleges. This was after the coach told him he was not interested.
We now have a grandson living w/ us who has some of the same personality traits as our son and, wow I can't wait to do the little dance w/ him to make the grumpies and frustrations go away. I hope it works.