The Pin That Changed the World {Kids for Peace Guest Post}

Something very near and dear to my heart is building up our children and creating a positive environment for them to learn, laugh, and grow. Connecting with my children is something I cherish and as they grow I can only hope that we continue to connect and then continue to trust that they can talk and share with me.

Today I'm bringing you a guest post written by Jill, the co-founder of Kids For Peace. I was introduced to Jill by my dear friend Stacey of Positively Kids and love the message she has to share! But that's not all, Kids For Peace needs our help! They are entered to win the Chase Community Giving Award but they can't win without your help!

So after reading Jill's post, please visit the link below and vote for Kids For Peace!

I am a mom. Joyful, proud, hopeful, sometimes exhausted, intrigued, invested, optimistic, involved. I am a mom who believes passionately in the power and purity of our kids. I am a mom who believes that peace is possible.

Six years ago I first saw Gandhi's quote, "If we are to create lasting peace, we must begin with the children." This stopped me in my tracks. At the time, I had the privelege of being a stay-at-home mom after a decade of teaching elementary school. My experience with kids showed me that children are innately kind, caring, curious and accepting of people. Gandhi's words wisely summed up what I intuitively knew.

One weekend at a neighborhood party, I met a teenager, Danielle Gram, who would forever change the course of my life. Inspired by my Gandhi pin, we began a conversation about our beliefs and views of the world. This pin drew us together. The pin fueled our hopes and dreams, and next thing we knew, we were planning a gathering of a few kids in my backyard. We asked these kids, "What is peace?" "What are your wishes for the world?" "What do you want to DO to make those wishes come true?" From that, our Peace Pledge was created and kids got busy making a positive difference. Kids for Peace was born.

Our Peace Pledge
I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.
I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.
I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.
I pledge to respect people in each and every land.
I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.
I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all.

People heard of the actions of these trailblazing kids and soon, Kids for Peace chapters were sprouting all over the world. Now, six years later, we have launched 145 chapters in 6 continents with over 35,000 kids participating.

Inspired by our Great Kindness Challenge, our kids have completed more that 750,000 acts of kindness in 69 countries. They have learned about other cultures, helped kids in need, served their communities and transformed their schools while practicing our simple motto, "KINDNESS MATTERS."

I am still a mom first, and I am now also the Executive Director of Kids for Peace. I clearly see that Gandhi knew what he was talking about. The kids will lead the way to a brighter future for all. The kids ARE leading the way. Peace IS possible.

To help continue the important work of Kids for Peace, please VOTE for them to receive the Chase Community Giving Award. A couple of clicks can change the world: https://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charity/view/ein/26-1564351?ref=18ca781446

For the Family - Little Sister Package {#NGFamily Giveaway}

From now until September 22nd, you have a chance to win over $3390 in prizes in the Noise Girls For the Family Giveaway Event!

You can check out the Noise Girls reviews to see what products are included for your very special “Little Sister”! The “Little Sister” Package is valued at over $555.

• Real Kids Shades
• Oompa $25 Gift Card
• Tea Collection $100 Gift Card
• Nickelodeon Winx Club: Secret of the Lost Kingdom DVD
• Melissa & Doug's Suspend Game
• Kiddie Antics Girl's Fun Box
• Crayon Rocks Set
• Exederm Lotion, Shampoo & Flare Cream
• Colortime Crafts T-shirts & Markers
• Svan Play-with-Me Table & Chairs
• Trish Scully Outfit
• Loveable Labels Sticker Labels
• Positively Kids Be Positive CD
• Dapper Snappers Toddler Belt

To enter for your chance to win, visit the Noise Girls For the Family “Little Sister’s” Package Page

Keeping it Positive #NaBloPoMo

 For the most part I'm a pretty positive, outgoing person. I make sure to see the brighter side of situations and always try to bring positivity into my kids lives. I think that by encouraging a positive attitude I'll help my kids see just how great the world can be. I also think that by creating a positive home and environment for our children they will feel safer sharing and learning with us.

I try and use tools and examples from various sites and books. I participate every day in writing in my son's I Like Book and keep up with the happenings of Captain Positive and Positively Kids. I build up my children's strengths and work with them on their weaknesses to try and prepare them for what they'll need to know as they get older and grow closer to going to school.

But sometimes I just want to say screw all of the positivity. Why can't I just stick with 'sometimes the world sucks' and go from there? Maybe I'll get there. When the kids are older and understand that the world can suck. But for now, when my kids are young, I want to try my best to create that childhood bliss for as long as possible.

When they start school, start talking with their peers, and receive more influence from the outside world I'm sure I'll have more than enough opportunity to talk with them about the hardships of the world and why sometimes the glass is half empty.

Being able to keep a positive attitude and show a happy persona can sometimes take a lot of energy. Sometimes it doesn't just come naturally. I have to work at it, push down the depression, anger, negativity, and put a smile on my face. Because I am afraid that if I let it up it will consume me. And that just isn't good for anyone. Especially my kids.

So for now the glass is simply half empty and half full at the same time. There's good and positivity in the world and then the world sucks. Sometimes people just need to be real. And sometimes people need to slap a smile on their face and go on.

So what do you think? 

Is the proverbial glass half empty or half full?

Shake Rattle & Roll #ShakeRattleWin {Enter to Win!}

Welcome to Shake Rattle & Roll coordinated by ShePromotes!

This event will take place from May 22nd at 12:01am EST through June 5th at 11:59pm EST.

The Shake, Rattle, & Roll Giveaway Hop features a variety of great products for kids of all ages! Once you have entered to win here, be sure to visit all of the participating blogs at the bottom of this post!

The Simmworks Family Blog is offering a Positively Perfect giveaway package valued at over $30 for one lucky reader!  

Positively Kids: Be Happy CD

Captain Positive is the super hero of positive thinking. He has teamed up with Positively Kids to create a DVD/CD series that is devoted to engaging children in learning all about positive thinking. The first DVD/CD of the series, Be Happy is about the motivating and inspiring energy that comes from a positive attitude. (ARV $15)

Read my review of Captain Positive: Be Happy here.

The i Like Book

The "like book" for kids was created to nurture and inspire each child's spirit. The "like book" brings peace and happiness into your home in the most natural way possible. It is so much fun for everyone when you the parent/adult write what you "like" about the child in their very own book. It is immediately impactful and forever cherished. (ARV $19.95)

Read my review of the i like book here.

Grand Prize! 

Don’t forget to enter to win the Shake, Rattle, & Roll Grand Prize sponsored by Tommee Tippee! You will have the chance to win a Closer to Nature Audio Baby Monitor valued at $149.99!

Visit Formula Mom to Enter the Shake, Rattle, & Roll Grand Prize Giveaway!!