Things to Consider as a Result of COVID-19

April 4, 2020 Marisa Macy

The vice provost of our university’s digital learning program, Dr. Thomas Cavanagh, wrote on Twitter that one of the lessons he has learned recently from this national experiment in remote teaching is that it is impossible to over-communicate.

I’m reminded of this lesson daily about communication. Effective communication is imperative even though we are physically distant from one another as we move our work to a virtual/remote format. The world has changed so much since the last time I wrote a blog entry. It feels like 327 years ago…but it was only about a month ago on March 1, 2020 when I was writing about bulletin boards.

A global pandemic has changed all of our lives. For me, I’m healthy and safe at home with my family. Yay! I am extremely grateful. The quarantine has been going well. I get to work from home teaching adults who are working on their undergraduate and graduate degrees in Child Development and Early Education. COVID-19 has changed how I interact and teach my students. I’m lucky to have the support and resources of my university to teach online.

In addition to the physical space, another thing that has changed for me is my work attire. I’ve added a new accessory to my work-from-home wardrobe. Virtual classroom teaching and virtual office hours attire for me now includes mouse ears. Yup, that’s me….

I love my students and I love Disney so I’ve tried to stay positive by signaling happiness with the way I dress for virtual teaching. Luckily I have several sets of ears between my Disney wardrobe and my family’s wardrobe that they have agreed to share with me. Thank you, fam! Here’s a picture I took a while back at a store in Disney Springs where I shop for mouse ears. I am looking forward to the day I can go back there and shop.

Another lesson that I’ve learned during this move to a virtual/remote format is how valuable it is to connect with people. Some ways I’ve been staying connected with others is through electronic communication, video conferencing, and phone calls. I haven’t talked this much on the phone since I was a teenager.

This global pandemic has been challenging for everyone. For my college students it has been rough on them in many ways. Students may not have the equipment and/or resources at home to fully function in an online capacity. Many students have had their final field experience disrupted and moved to a virtual/remote format. Several of my students did not even get a chance to say goodbye to the children they had been working with all semester which has been heartbreaking for them. Graduation celebrations have been postponed or canceled. I feel terrible that students may not get to experience the joy of walking across the stage at graduation and shaking our Dean’s hand at commencement. I’m so sorry for these and other things that are being missed out on as a result of the quarantine.

With so many things that have changed as a result of moving to remote/virtual format, we may find ourselves using time differently. Quarantine time may be an opportunity to add some professional activities that were hard to find time for before the global pandemic. I created this list with the help of my spring 2020 practicum students (thank you CB, JC, NF, EK, EP, KT, and JV … you guys have been such a pleasure getting to know better this semester!).

Here are things to consider if you are looking for ways to experience gratitude, learn, and grow during COVID-19.

1. Make a smile file. A recipe box with index cards are where I add things that happen I want to remember that make me happy. Here is an example of something that happened to me that is on an index card in my Smile File. What would you add to your file?

2. Create a parent newsletter.

3. Develop or revise program/agency handbook.

4. Find ways to communicate with children and/or parents using other modalities. Learn or work on proficiency in other languages to include sign language.

5. Create a resource list or binder.

6. Work on curriculum or curricular enhancements.

7. Attend virtual meetings, workshops, and/or trainings.

8. Write reflection paper. Storyboard your ideas and experiences.

9. Make a virtual bulletin board or design your future spaces.

10. Watch video clips on skills like positive behavior supports and other topics that enrich professional development.

11. Communicate with parents. Share tips and/or activities they can do with their child during quarantine.

12. Collaborate with related specialists (e.g., speech language pathologist, therapists, other), if applicable.

13. Set up a time to check in with others on a regular basis.

14. Participate in webinars that pertain to Early Education. I’ll be doing one on authentic assessment in May for Brookes Publishing. Stay tuned….

15. Make a parent letter/video/song/other of what parents can do at home with their children while they are away from school.

16. Look up different ideas and hands on activities to do with children. Here is an example of an art activity I love to do with my daughter.

17. Research and make program brochure.

18. Learn and use tools to implement developmental activities.

19. Create developmentally appropriate resources for parents to use during the COVID-19 quarantine.

This historical time in our lives is an opportunity for us to grow together. Right before the quarantine, I interviewed Mr. Bill Isler for the Buttercup iTunes show. Mr. Isler ran the Fred Rogers Productions Company and contributed and appears in the Tom Hanks movie about Mr. Rogers entitled, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019).

Mr. Isler shared some wonderful stories about his time with Mr. Rogers. One thing Mr. Rogers encouraged children to do is talk about their feelings and look for the helpers. Children and adults could all benefit by remembering kindness during these times and look for ways to not only survive but thrive during this difficult time. We will get through this together. Stay safe, stay connected, and look for the helpers, and/or become a helper. Wishing you good health!

See ya real soon. Charge on!

“Parenting is a Participation Sport”

February 8, 2020 Marisa Macy

On a recent episode of the Buttercup podcast, my guest Mr. Art Sims said that “parenting is a participation sport.” He was talking about balancing work and life while raising 5 awesome children. Mr. Sims shared how being present in children’s lives matters. Laughter and being present are important in leaving a legacy for children, described Mr. Sims.

I have been thinking about his words, and wondering how to become more present. Being distracted is the enemy of presence. As adults it is easy for us to get distracted with work and other responsibilities.

“Phubbing” is nothing new. Growing up, it was common for me to hear phrases like, “shh, I’m on the phone,” “be quiet kids this is a long distance call from (fill in the blank),” and “I’m trying to talk on the phone here.” We had a phone that was attached to the wall and had a curly cord that made it impossible for my parents to talk on the phone more than 2 feet from the wall. Calls were usually brief because of the discomfort of holding the phone in the crook of one’s neck. “Phubbing” is where someone is snubbed by another with their phone.

Ph (phone) + snub = phub. Phubbing can occur when we focus on phones and ignore the humans in our presence. Today us parents have so many more things we can do with our phones that make it more challenging if we use the smart phone with our children present. I remembered something Mother Teresa of Calcutta said that to change the world, go home and love your family. Parenting is a participation sport where our children thrive on engagement.

Give Kids the World

August 30, 2019 Marisa Macy

Many people walked by and did not stop to help when a young child was in distress. The little girl was in potential danger all by herself in this big world and campus. K.T. was walking on campus at our university when she noticed the child. The little girl was separated from her Mom when K.T. stopped to ask if she needed help. The little girl said her Mom parked her car in the garage that goes “round and round.” They searched parking garages together. They tried to call home, but no answer. After looking for what might have felt like an eternity, the child and her mother were reunited.

How many times do we look the other way when we might be able to be helpful to someone? It is good that people like K.T. are willing stop and help. How can we help children?

· We can give kids the world when we take time to become aware of their needs.

· We can give kids the world when we show we care about them.

· We can give kids the world when we help them when they are in danger.

The way she responded is inspirational. Let’s follow K.T.’s model and Give Kids the World.

Ordinary Treasures

October 1, 2017 Marisa Macy

In her travel memoir, Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman, author Alice Steinbach talks about the power of paying attention to ordinary life moments. She shares a simple treasured memory of her sons playing innocently out in the backyard on a summer evening. There was nothing special or different about this evening, there had been many like it before. But for some reason, as she heard the childish chatter outside, Steinbach was lucky enough to recognize the power and beauty of that ordinary, everyday experience. She calls those special bits of time, when our hearts are touched by the magic and specialness of the ordinary, “Holy Moments.”

It is easy, as parents, to get caught up in life’s busyness. Running from activity to activity, our daily life becomes so routine that we forget to pay attention to the little moments. And here’s the thing. By not paying attention to those moments we lose them.

The truth is, most of family life is ordinary. Taking the dog for a walk. Cleaning up after dinner. Snuggling in to read a book together before bed. Yes, these moments are ordinary, but they are special, too, because these are the moments that make up your life. These moments turn to hours, the hours turn to days, and pretty soon the days add up to a time when moments like these no longer happen.

So today, make an effort to notice and savor the ordinary moments in your daily life. The sound of your children laughing together. A tiny hand fitting snugly into yours. The smell of your toddler’s neck when you kiss him goodnight. In this way, today’s moments become tomorrow’s treasures.

Today's guest blogger is Ms. Julie Danneberg. She is a teacher and a children’s author. She started working on collecting her own Ordinary Treasures when her children were young. You can find out more about her books and follow her blogs on writing and teaching at www.juliedanneberg.com.

Dads and Play

June 15, 2017 Marisa Macy

Dads benefit when they play with their children. Researchers studied fathers and found there were no differences in testosterone levels, but there was a decrease in cortisol and prolactin in fathers after just a half hour of playing with their children. This study suggests fathers experience hormonal responses when playing with their children (Gettler et al., 2011). Playing with children can decrease stress, be lots of fun, and create wonderful memories.

Play is good for Dads!

My playspiration is my Dad! When he plays with children in our family, my Dad is totally engaged and present in the moment. His granddaughter reminded me that the last time Nonno was at our house they played hide-n-seek for “lots of hours.” True! It was probably about two hours without a break.

My Dad believes play is important. Places to play are important too. When I was little my Dad built me a playhouse in our backyard. After putting in a full day’s work, he would come home and work on the playhouse until everyone went to sleep.

Thank you for being my Dad! Also, thank you for making PLAY an important part of our life together. I love you, Dad!

Happy Father's Day to all Dads this Sunday.

Source: Gettler, L. T., McDade, T. W., Agustin, S. S., & Kuzawa, C. W. (2011). Short-term changes in fathers' hormones during father–child play: Impacts of paternal attitudes and experience. Hormones & Behavior, 60, 599-606.

Picture with Santa?

December 1, 2015 Marisa Macy

I thought we were just getting the obligatory Santa picture with the cousins. What I got was so much more than just a picture with Santa for the photo album! My sister-in-law was looking for a place for us to take the kids when we all met up in Arizona for the Thanksgiving holiday. Her online search turned up an event at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

A must see event is waiting for you at this luxurious resort in Scottsdale during the holidays. The sixth annual "Christmas at the Princess" is a fun evening for people of all ages from November 19th to January 3rd. There are signature activities you won’t want to miss in the seven areas of the resort.

#1- The Enchanted Plaza

When you enter the resort, you will be enchanted with holiday lights, decorations, and holiday characters. Princess Noel awaits you when you arrive. She sits in front of her castle and greets guests. You can even have a picture with her if you’d like.

As you enter the Enchanted Plaza, a 4-story musical tree is illuminated. The tree has 70,000 LED lights that dance to 14 holiday songs. The festive music is synced up with the spectacular light show depicting a variety of images. The hotel is also dressed to look like a gingerbread house. The animated light show will entertain guests of all ages. My three year old daughter gave us an impromptu dance recital while we hung out in front of the tree. At 6pm and 9pm there is a 5-minute show projected on the face of the building.

#2- Nativity Garden

The Nativity Garden is on the Northwestern side of the resort. There is an 88-foot light show that tells the story of Christmas to music. Seating is available. You might be able to catch a glimpse of Peppermint Penguin when you walk along the path between the Nativity Garden and the Lagoon of Lights. He passes out peppermint candies to visitors. Peppermint Penguin is Princess Noel’s best friend. He too poses for pictures, signs autographs, and entertains guests.

#3- Lagoon Lights

Festival of Lights can be enjoyed as you walk along, or take a train ride, the shoreline of the lagoon. There is a pirate ship, dragon, Santa fishing from a row boat, and much more.

#4- Kringle’s Korner

A truly unique experience is available in Kris Kringles’ Korner. Outdoor ice skating in the desert can be enjoyed on a 6,000 square foot skating rink. Rent the skates and twirl around on real ice.

Rinkside Firepit Rentals surround the skating rink. Edible treats, beverages, and blankets provide a cozy way to view the ice skating.

Some of the proceeds from desert ice skating are given to COX Charities which award grants for children’s educational programs. Three other charitable giving opportunities at the Princess Festival are: Toys for Tots, Dream City Mom’s Pantry, and Charity Water.

#5- Feliz Navidad Plaza

Santa is waiting in the Feliz Navidad Plaza to take a picture with you. The Fairmont Princess has several gift shops and concession stands throughout the resort. There is a "Christmas Shoppe" at Kris Kringle’s Korner next to the ice skating rink if you are in the mood for retail therapy.

#6- Princess Express Train Depot

Choo! Choo! The Princess Express will take you in style throughout the resort. You will be au courant from your post on the train. All aboard!

#7- S’mores Land

There are seven campfire pits throughout S'mores Land where you can warm up (it does get chilly at night in the desert). A concession stand has everything you need to make DIY s'mores. They also sell 3-D glasses where you can see images when you look into the holiday lights. Grandma bought my daughter the ones with Santa.

We saw Elfie the Selfie, an energetic and friendly elf, when we were on the Venetian-themed carousel. He can be found photo bombing or vamping for pictures in S’mores Land or the Princess Express Train Depot areas. A petting zoo had a pot belly pig, 2 alpacas, sheep, and goats the night we were there.

At the end of the night, we had dinner at the Ironwood American Kitchen at the Princess. My steak sandwich was delectable, but my favorite was the herb fries. La Hacienda, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, and the Bourbon Steak are the other restaurants at the resort. There are plenty of other things to do at the Fairmont. "Breakfast with Santa and Friends" will be held on December 19th. Christmas day brunch, Christmas dinners, and New Year’s Eve dinners can be had at one of the signature resort restaurants. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a Great Gatsby themed party. On my list for next year will be a visit to the Well & Being Spa. I can’t wait to do this again! “Christmas at the Princess” is now a tradition in our family.

Contact Information:
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ85255
480.585.4848
www.scottsdaleprincess.com

Every Mommy Purse Tells a Story

November 24, 2015 Marisa Macy

My purse contains items I never dreamed possible before I was blessed with offspring – like food crumbs! These menacing particles from Goldfish crackers seem to be forever at the bottom of my bag no matter how often I clean it. Other evidence that "my purse" (hybrid container for my relics and pseudo diaper bag even though my child has been potty trained for over a year now) no longer belongs to me are the presence of: a juice box, a brown banana, a cereal bar, size 3T underwear, and entertainment essentials like crayons and coloring books.

Sometimes I feel like a Sherpa schlepping all this stuff around. I wonder what other people think when they see me at a store getting my wallet out. I’m now the person I once avoided in lines. You know the one – she who sifts through a myriad of objects in order to get to the money. By the time I’m done with a transaction in a store, you could have gotten your car washed and a full tank of gas. My purse-onality has changed since becoming a Mama.

In 1971, Rod Stewart and Ron Wood wrote a song with the title, “Every Picture Tells a Story.” The lyrics at the end of the song repeat the phrase:

“…every picture tells a story, don’t it?”

Growing up I heard this song on the radio and was confused about the lyrics... what does a “donut” have to do with a "picture?" This song was not an advertisement for Krispy Kreme, Winchell’s, Tim Horton, or Dunkin Donuts. Rather, Stewart and Wood posed the question: do pictures tell a story? Their curiosity (and classic song) is timeless. It got me wondering… do purses tell a story about us? If you are a Mom, your purse probably tells a story about you. The story of our lives can also be found in the financial trail we leave.

Picture this! We can obtain a snapshot of our own financial story by ordering a credit report. Here we can see a picture of our financial health and well-being. The following companies offer credit reports once a year for free: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Annualcreditreport.com in an online resource to get started.

Read your story! Consider it a healthy checkup. Look for any abnormal activity. Using all three free companies for a credit report can be a method for corroborating information told with each story. The reports are not necessarily going to be identical since each company may be receiving different data.

Identity theft is something that can be prevented, or ameliorated if detected early by simply being aware of what is in the credit report. Look for unknown accounts as a way to monitor identity theft. Make copies of credit card(s) and store in secure location in case cards are stolen or lost. Additionally, when making purchases online, or releasing personal information, be sure to use the TRUSTe symbol, www.secure.//, and https//.

How do we make sense our stories? A credit score is one way to interpret credit-worthiness. If a lender wants to lend you money, they are going to read your story and look for a score. A score of 720 is good. While the credit report is free (once a year), the credit score is not.

The acquisition and use of credit cards shows up in a credit report. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) consists of the annual rate, service fee, and loan fees. An APR of 16.99% is better than say 24.35%.

Compare APR to save money on credit. It is also possible to ask lenders if they could reduce the percentage rate (see the Fair Credit Billing Act). If you are bombarded by credit card offers, you can register with the national do not call list and opt out of credit card offers (credit reporting agencies) (888) 5OPTOUT, 567-8688, and Do Not Call Registry 888-382-1222. Manage credit card(s) by being aware of what is owed, APR, due dates for payment, and contact information.

Protect your personal information, Mama! Look for warning signs someone has stolen your identity. Prevention, early detection, and having a plan are ways to address identity theft. If you are the victim of identity theft, the following steps will help you solve the problem. First, contact your local law enforcement. Second, report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov. They keep a national database of identity crimes. Third, contact all three credit reporting agencies (i.e., Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) and report the theft to their fraud departments. You may want to freeze your credit card accounts. Last, contact the fraud hotline at the Social Security Administration- 800-269-0271.

A lack of awareness of one’s financial story can cost an arm and a leg. I heard on a radio talk show once that the origin of this expression came before cameras when people sat for portraits painted by an artist. The costumer would pay more money for the portrait when more limbs were included in the painting. So a portrait of someone’s face would be cheaper than a portrait that also included an arm. I wonder what it would cost for a portrait painted of someone devouring a Boston, vanilla crème with chocolate icing holding her “Mommy purse”? Priceless.

Paying for Higher Education

September 29, 2015 Marisa Macy

Okay, so you have small tykes and perhaps their college years seem forever away. It is never too early to start planning for how to pay for your kiddo’s college education. Maybe your kids are in middle or high school and you need information about how to pay for higher education. Here are some things to consider when paying for college.

FAFSA

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what financial aid options are available. The Department of Education starts accepting FAFSA applications on January 1st of each year for the next academic school year. After the FAFSA is complete, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Federal financial aid is needs-based. Cost of attendance minus expected family contribution equals the student’s financial need. Dependent vs. independent student status will also be taken into considerations when determining needs. Federal aid can be in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. If you need to borrow money for college, consider the following loan information.

Loans

Direct- Subsidized is based on financial need and the government pays interest while the student is in school or during deferment; unsubsidized is not based on financial need and the borrow pays interest, but can add it to the loan. Grace period = 6 months.

Perkins- Based on financial need, borrowing from the college, and interest accrues when payment begins. Grace period = 9 months.

PLUS loan- Parent takes out loan and is based on credit-worthiness. Grace period = none (first payment will be due 60 days after the entire loan has been disbursed).

Private loan- Interest rates are usually variable. The lender decides the borrowing limit. There may be fees attached to the loan. The student may need to have a creditworthy co-signer.

A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is signed when taking out a loan. Tip for an unsubsidized student loan: pay the interest while student is still in school. Research has been done on student work while in college. There is evidence to show that students who work 10-15 hours per week stay in college at higher rates compared to those who do not work. If a student does not finish college, they may still need to pay back loans and grants.

Financial aid can come from a variety of sources. See if your student qualifies for a Hope Credit (not a scholarship) or the Lifetime Learning Credit. If liquidating investments to pay for college, there may be tax ramifications. Confer with a tax attorney or expert for more information.

Looking for a High Quality Early Childhood Program for Your Child?

August 11, 2015 Marisa Macy

Finding a high quality early childhood program for your child is worth the work it takes to do research. There are at least seven questions to ask to find a good match for your child and you.

1. Is the program accredited?

The National Association of Early Childhood Education (NAEYC) has an accreditation system. This is something to look for when shopping around, because if the program is accredited by NAEYC it means they uphold professional standards. You could do a search for NAEYC accredited programs in your area. Regulations must be followed in order to acquire and maintain NAEYC accreditation.

State accreditation is another feature to look for when researching early childhood programs. Accreditation systems are different state to state. Many states have evaluation or a star rating similar to hotel or restaurant. In the state I currently live in we have a star rating where 5 stars is the best (scale = 1-5). Several quality indicators must be present in order to earn stars which include but is not limited to: level of education and training of staff, facility, and operating procedures.

2. What do you learn from a tour of the site?

Visit the early childhood program. Meet the director, teachers, and other staff. Avoid relying only on an electronic search, but take the time to go in person. You can learn a lot about a program from being there.

3. What can you learn from others?

Current parents are good sources of referral. Find parents who have older children who attended in the past and ask them their opinions about the program. Your family pediatrician and health care provider might also be able to give you a referral. Referrals or testimonials from others can give you important information.

4. What is the program philosophy on play?

Play is an important part of learning. Children learn when they play. Determine if the early childhood program has time and resources to facilitate engaged play.

5. Is the physical and social environment safe/healthy?

Look for a clean atmosphere. Observe professional behavior of adults. What are adult interactions with children like? Are the children being properly supervised? How do the children interact with peers? Early childhood programs have environmental ratings that provide a useful measure of the quality of the environment.

6. Do the staff and children follow established routines?

Find out what the daily schedule is for children. Notice what routines are followed. Predictable routines are important for children and can provide a strong foundation for learning.

7. Are health and safety practices evident?

Early childhood programs should demonstrate health and safety practices. Everything from hand washing to procedures for sick children should be planned. Ask if you can have a parent handbook where you can learn more about the program. Be sure to review it thoroughly before making a decision.

Program quality varies greatly across early childhood settings. Ask these questions prior to enrolling your child to ensure a great start.

Moving with Little Ones

July 17, 2015 Marisa Macy

Many people would rather scrub toilets at their local gas station than move. It is no picnic moving with little ones. I moved households when my daughter was 3 months old, 29 months old, and again at 38 months old. Here are some things I learned to keep me from cleaning toilets at Shell.

1. Have FUN!

Depending on the child’s age, they might have a hard time watching you place their cherished belongings in a box. My toddler was confused when she saw me placing her toys in a box. It was helpful to explain in words/concepts the she could understand that her belongings would be meeting us at the new house. Talk to your child about where, why and when you are moving. Answer questions and facilitate communication about the move. Make moving fun by incorporating your child’s interests into the move. My child was really interested in stickers. She placed “her” stickers (e.g., stars, smiley faces, etc.) on the boxes.

2. Be flexible with packing.

Finding the time, energy, resources, and conditions to pack all your belongings is extra challenging when you are also caring for children. It is not always possible to pack when your children are away, but ideal. I found it much easier to pack when my child was asleep or away from the house.

3. Help your child with saying “Good Bye.”

Closure is important not only for adults, but children too. Acknowledge your child’s feelings about moving. Is she scared, excited, nervous, happy, and or mad about the move? Having a closure activity or ceremony can help children say good bye. A going away picnic with her favorite treats is how my toddler spent her last day with friends.

4. Unpack treasured things.

Let your child unpack some of his or her boxes when you get to the new location. It will feel like a birthday or Christmastime when they unpack their familiar objects at their new home.

5. Resume familiar routines when you get to the new location.

Keep sleep and meal routines the same or similar when you move. Go to bed at the same time at night, and keep nap times predictable. Maintaining your child’s sleeping and eating routines can help with their ability to self-regulate.

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