Category Archives: Barack Obama

Talking to My Ten-Year Old About the Kidnapping of Nigerian School Girls – #BringBackOurGirls

Beyond our usual “what’s the best thing that happened to you today” conversation at dinnertime, we’ve added some social media sharing  – talking about a video or story that’s gone viral that day. Our first time watching Pharrell’s “Happy” or Kid President’s Pep Talk came after a dinner conversation. It’s a great way to share…

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A Teachable Moment About the U.S. Election – Thanks to Foreign News

Driving this morning with my nine year-old, as we half-listened to the BBC news on the radio, yielded a nice teachable moment. They advertised their round-the-clock election coverage of the U.S. Presidential race.  It sounded momentous and a little urgent.  I took their tone for granted, but I’m glad my daughter, Sophia, didn’t.  Here’s how…

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You Don’t Have to Be Chinese to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon – Lunar New Year

The Year of the Dragon celebrations offer a great opportunity to grow our understanding of the world – while having fun with our kids.  Before you good-intentionally blurt out “Happy Chinese New Year,” to colleagues and neighbors – stop!  “Chinese New Year” represents a subset of the cultures that celebrate.  It’s also a festivity in…

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5 Ways Families Can Honor Dr. King & The Dream

I think it’s essential that kids grow up with memories of actively marking the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and birthday.  At most schools this is a day off, and a growing movement advocates making this a “day on.”  When parents engage with their children on the important matters Dr. King spoke out for,…

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In Honor of the White House State Dinner

In honor of last night’s White House State Dinner with President Hu Jintao of China, I defrosted Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken and splurged with the Shu Mai dumplings – on a weeknight!  Silly? Yes.  But certainly less drab and a little more fun than just saying: “we’re defrosting pre-made food from the grocery store.” …

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The Schott 50 State Report on Public Education and Black Males: We All Should Pay Attention

Forty-seven percent of Black American males graduate from high school in the U.S.  In other words, the majority of black boys are not graduating from high school in the United States of America. The 47% takes all states into account, from Maine, with a 98% graduation rate, to New York, with just 25% of black…

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