Whether you’re a happy homemaker or you work at an outside job, chances are good that integrating fun and educational activities into your child’s day has become something of a thorn in your side. There’s no shame in admitting that it’s difficult to constantly invent new and exciting ways to entertain your kids. After all, they have a lot more stamina than you and it sometimes seems like “why” is the only word they know. But they are like little sponges sucking up information and you want to encourage them to pursue as much knowledge as possible while they’re primed for learning. So here are a few tricks to keep you going when it seems like you’ve exhausted every idea.

1. Try activities outside the house. For example, museums and zoos are a great place for kids to experience a new environment, and it can be a nice break for you. Let someone else do the teaching. Petting zoos offer interaction for your child while a natural history museum can spark their interest in dinosaurs, insects, or things that go bump in the night (overnight adventures!). And almost all types of museums offer activities for kids. You can also look into activities and outings offered at a local community center. A hike or picnic with other moms could help your children acclimate to other kids (as well as offer you a chance at some adult conversation). And guided hikes specifically catering to kids will often include education on indigenous animals and local flora and fauna.
2. Look for early learning classes. In addition to mommy and me type classes you may want to check out the YMCA or local community center for lessons in music and art, or physical activities like karate and swimming for all ages. Even at a young age, your child can begin to learn skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. And maybe you can squeeze in a little nap!
3. Check out the Internet. If arts and crafts is your thing, but your kids refuse to make one more macaroni painting, look for some other options online. There are a multitude of websites dedicated to activities that will work on both your child’s motor skills and expand their creativity. And most of them are easy enough even for parents who claim to lack a creative bone in their body.

Like many aspects of parenting, there is absolutely no reason you have to do it on your own. We all want to be super-mom, but who needs that kind of pressure? Don’t hesitate to take a helping hand. While you benefit from a much-needed break, your kids will enjoy avenues of learning that you may not have been able to provide on your own, and really, a well-rounded education is worth the effort.

****This post was originally posted in March 2009 at Family Eden. Since that blog is no longer active, I wanted to share with you.****

I’ve been asked a difficult question.

I was asked to write about what it means to me to be a Latina.

To be honest, I’ve never really given it much thought.

I mean, do people normally go around thinking, “What does it mean to me to be a woman?” Or a man? Or do Americans think to themselves, “What does it mean to me to be American?”

It’s just who you are. It’s you.

To me, it’s much the same.

Being Latina is a large part of my identity. To be specific, being Puerto Rican is really a major influence in who I am.

I was born in Puerto Rico, but we moved to Florida when I was 8 years old. Although I’ve spent many more years in Florida than I did in Puerto Rico, my parents made sure to maintain our culture in our house. I was raised pretty much the same way I would have had we stayed in Puerto Rico. (Ok, like 90% since obviously there are outside influences from school, friends, etc.) But, my parents spoke Spanish in the house (and still do), we listened to Spanish music, we ate Puerto Rican food, and I was taught values and traditions that are important to our culture.

All of those things helped to make me who I am.

However, being Latina is not just a matter of “I listen to Spanish music,” or “I eat rice and beans.” That is not what makes me Latina.

To me, it’s more about the overall culture, values, traditions, and beliefs. It’s about understanding why family is so important to us. Or understanding why my parents believed that as the youngest sibling and the only girl, I couldn’t do some of the same things my brothers did. And, how about the fact that now that I’m older and my parents are aging, I must understand why my father prefers to speak with my brother (who lives in Milwaukee) about his health issues than with me who lives 10 minutes away?

These may seem like trivial points, but if you understand the way our culture operates and the overall mentality, it’s easier to understand why these things happen the way they do.

So, what does it mean to me to be Latina?

It means a rich culture, deep values, traditions, pride, and an overall appreciation for yourself and your family.

Oh! And the great music and sabrosa comida don’t hurt!

What does it mean to you?

September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. How will you celebrate?

Yesterday we headed out to the Playground Music and Arts Festival at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. We heard about the event on PBS while watching Pocoyo one morning. Guess TV advertising still works sometimes, huh? It was sponsored by the Orange County Arts Education Center and Playground magazine.

After 20 minutes of searching for parking and my daughter so kindly telling my husband that he was “going the wrong way daddy!” because he turned in the opposite direction from the lake, we started walking around the lake to see all the different booths and displays. There were student art shows from various local schools. Local artists were also set up displaying their artwork and we even saw a local woman who makes Puerto Rican vejigante masks. My daughter said the masks had big teeth, but was also truly intrigued by them and you could see she was trying to make out what they were. I wish I had gotten the name of the lady or her link, because now I can’t find her information. If anyone knows who she is or saw her there, let me know.

Anyway, we finally made our way to the playground area, where there were bounce houses from Monkey Joe’s, a clown making balloon animals from Birthday World, and lots of other kid-friendly events. Baby girl got a balloon bracelet from the clown, which I’ve never seen done before. I was also very happy that my girl did not get scared by the clown and actually talked to her.

Guess where we spent most of our time?

Once we convinced her that there were other things to do and see, we headed over to the stage where the lady from Belly Button Yoga was leading a small yoga session for the kids. Of course, my never one to be shy daughter, headed on up and did her yoga.

That's the look of SERIOUS concentration going on.

There were also some performances from various local dance and art centers. And it was hot. Really really hot.

We ended up making our way fully around the lake and right back to the bounce houses for one last round of fun before heading home.

Any locals make it out to the festival yesterday?

Have you seen this yet?

Alanis Morissette does a cover of the Black Eyed Peas My Humps song.

She does a slow song version of My Humps and even imitates Fergie in the video.

I’m sure it’s not meant to be serious, but it’s pretty funny!

Check it out….

If you can’t see it above, you can watch it on YouTube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=W91sqAs-_-g.