Kids need this
Good morning, and welcome back to the table.
One of my favorite things about summer is how it makes space for the little milestones that are important while raising kids.
The first time they go off a diving board into the pool (My 7-year-old just did this, and she was so terrified).
The first bike ride without training wheels. The child who suddenly knows how to make their own breakfast or fold a towel.
These don’t always feel remarkable while they’re happening. But one day, we’ll realize they were the building blocks of confidence and independence.
Here’s to teaching, laughing, and growing together. Now, pull up a chair. The best part of the day is just getting started.
2,500 readers have played our free Jeopardies in the last month. And this one doesn’t need a holiday.
TABLE WISDOM
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Summer is the best classroom.
Here are the activities that teach without feeling like lessons →
Want it organized by day themes? Don’t miss this free summer schedule printable >>
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Teach your child one life skill this week.
And start with step one tonight. Just let them watch. That’s it. The rest follows.
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
I lead with love and encouragement.
My seven-year-old’s diving board moment happened because she’d practiced smaller jumps in the shallow end first. Teaching works the same way. And one reader (thanks, Ashley!) figured out the exact system for it ⬇️
If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your kids can’t do something independently, this is probably why:
Try out this system:
1- I do, you watch
2- I do, you help
3- you do, I help
4- you do, I watch
5- you do, I check
“Often, as busy parents, we skip steps 2-4 and then get frustrated when kids don’t do it well. But we haven’t taught them well.”
(This is a recognized teaching framework called the Gradual Release of Responsibility. It’s used in classrooms worldwide, and it works just as well at home.)
These Hacks Help You Teach Kids Life Skills Without Losing Your Mind ⬇️
Try step 1 tonight with whatever your kids are supposed to do on their own.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What is one life skill someone taught you that still helps you today?
WHAT’S TODAY?
National Fried Chicken Day is today! It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy something crispy, golden, and seriously satisfying. 🍗
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON
What do mermaids use to call their friends?
This is the joke your kids will tell approximately forty-seven times after you share it. Answer at the end.
TABLE TALK
After 35, there’s just no good way to get out of a pool float with your dignity intact.
MORE FROM THE TABLE
I turn 41 this month. And the best gift I can think of is celebrating with the people who show up at this table every day.
So here’s what I’m giving away:
- The Summer Six Pack – $27 (Digital Shop)
- Smells Like Game Night Just Got Serious Candle $14 (Etsy)
- Amazon E-gift card – $100
- Custom Family Sign – $90 (Etsy)
I’m running the giveaway from now to July 16th.
One grand prize winner (goodies worth $231) will be drawn on July 17th, and three runner-ups will also win prizes.
You can see all the details here >>
Everyone at this table is already entered! You don’t have to do anything but show up. Wahoo!
Be a part of the table too! Sign up here:
Joke answer: Shell phones (See more where this came from)
Start with step one. That’s always been enough.
Thank you for pulling up a chair and being part of the table. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition. If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you!
See you tomorrow,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful