Children naturally want to be creative.

And it’s one of their most amazing desires, because it also benefits them in many ways.

In my latest article for Small World Toys, I wrote:

“Imagination is the highest kite one can fly,” actress Lauren Bacall once said. Most children have an active imagination, and have no qualms about expressing themselves creatively.

Unfortunately, as they grow older, we often unconsciously squelch it from them, or fail to encourage imaginative thinking. Instead of letting kids dream about the possibilities in life, we tell them not to get their hopes up, or to be realistic.

So what’s the solution?

There are lots of inspiring ways to foster your child’s creativity and help him think outside the box.

Read my full article for more: Raise a Creative Genius.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

If your child is entering college this year, it’s a huge milestone — for you and for him. This step represents your little bird growing up and leaving the nest, and that can bring mixed feelings of pride, joy, sadness and fear from both of you.

Of course, not everybody needs to go to college. There are tons of success stories out there of people who have accomplished great things without it.

But some kids learn a lot from the experience — maybe even more than they learn from their classes.

If she’s moving out for the first time, it may seem like there’s so much to do, and not enough time to accomplish it. To make matters worse, it’s easy to become confused about what, and how much, should be brought to the new residence.

Being prepared can make the transition easier, so to help you out I’ve prepared my checklist of Top 10 Dorm Essentials:

>>> CONTINUE READING Top 10 Dorm Essentials Checklist…

I was recently sent a review copy of the book Geek Dad by Ken Denmead, editor of the blog of the same name on Wired magazine’s website.

At first I wasn’t sure what to expect — would these be projects that only computer hackers and programmers could hope to pull off?

But the truth is, despite the name, this book isn’t just for dads, and it isn’t even just for geeks.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with the lack of creativity-inspiring toys and games out there, or want to satisfy your tech-savvy kids with something other than video games, this book will help out.

For example, you can make coloring book pages or connect-the-dots puzzles for your little ones using any photo, and a program like PhotoShop or the free GIMP. Believe it or not, it’s not as hard as it sounds.

How about making your own customizable “Ultimate Board Game” that’s just as much fun as techy toys? I wish Denmead had suggested using poster board or large cardboard instead of paper, because if you’re going to put the work into building something it might as well last for years… but that’s okay. That’s another customization you could make to it…

>>> CONTINUE READING Geek Dad Offers Creative Solutions for Entertaining Kids…

Breakthroughs come in all kinds of unexpected ways.

This past weekend, for example, Barry and I experienced a breakthrough in our relationship that came just when we were taking a plunge down the roller coaster ride of life. We felt like we were going to keep racing further down… and instead we took a sharp turn upwards.

It’s inevitable that we experience ups and downs in life — after all, as we’re always saying, the Universe exists in complete balance.

Unfortunately, knowing that doesn’t really make the downs much easier to deal with, does it? But tapping in to your superhuman drive, which takes charge when you’re determined to get out of a dark ditch and shed some light on a situation, can.

Funny thing is, you can’t usually get out of that ditch by scrambling. It’s more effective to quiet those panicky emotions, take a step back, and look at the big picture — even as far as seeing your life’s purpose.

That’s essentially what Barry and I ended up doing, which led to the first amazingly inspiring breakthrough…

>>> CONTINUE READING Purpose-Driven Breakthroughs…

As a Glue Dots Summer Bonding Project for Konan and I to do together, I decided that a collage celebrating wealth and his heritage would be a good idea.

It was quick, easy, creative, symbolic, looks good, and it’s something that he was able to do nearly all by himself.

As a 20-month-old toddler, projects that fit all those parameters aren’t easy to come by!

Here’s what we did step-by-step…

>>> CONTINUE READING Glue Dots for Toddler Collages…

I just took a fun and interesting Edu-Parent quiz on various styles of parenting that says I’m a Mentor…

… kind of makes sense since that involves asking questions to find out what’s below the surface, and as an interviewer I’m used to doing that.

You can take the quiz, too, by clicking the image above.

It was co-authored and compiled by recognized educators and experts on parent education, who have been community leaders for over 30 years.

The styles of parent you might be include Mentor, Coach, Observer, Historian and Superhero…

>>> CONTINUE READING What Kind of Parent Are You?…

Motherhood can be a lonely job… so what do you do?

Luckily I have the answer for you, whether you’re looking for other moms to connect with locally or online clubs and resources you can access globally.

Check it out in my article on YUM (Young Urban Moms): YUM-Oriented Groups to the Rescue.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

Let me guess: as a busy new parent, you don’t have time to get take a shower every day, let alone get to the store for diapers, wipes, ointments, bottles, bibs and other supplies.

Not to mention, you obviously want the best price possible on this stuff.

To the rescue: Diapers.com. I’ve been using them since Konan was born 19 months ago, and I’m always happy with their prices and selection. I’ve purchased large boxes of diapers at his various stages of development, as well as other diapering necessities, nursing supplies, bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, a baby food mill, and even shoes.

Get $10 off

your first order of diapers

use code HEAT4834$49 min. total order

Believe it or not, they also deliver furniture, strollers, toys and a lot more… almost anything you could think of that a parent of a baby or toddler would need.

They carry the big brands, but also some hard-to-find products, and unique items invented by other parents.

Their prices are usually the best online, but if you find it better elsewhere, they’ll match what you find. Shipping is free if you order at least $49 worth of supplies (which is why I always stock up, and get at least one large box of diapers when I order) and it’s delivered very quickly by courier.

Even better… you can get a total of $15 off your first two orders with the discount code HEAT4834.

Here’s how it works: If you’ve never used Diapers.com before, you get $10 off your first order of $49 or more, and a $5 credit for your second order which will be added to your account within 14 days — that’s $15 over two orders (and if you’re a new parent, you’ll be using these guys more than once!)

To get your total of $15 off at Diapers.com, just enter the Promotional Code HEAT4834 when you check out.

If you go there now, while you’re thinking of it, you won’t end up being down to your last two diapers and suddenly panicking — or being forced to pay more at the local store.

So… you’re welcome!

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

One of our favorite slogans around here is “Adapt, Overcome and Improvise.” Barry started saying it years ago, and together we’ve made it into a Goss family motto.

For what it means, and how it can help you like it’s helped the Marines, job seekers and us, read my latest article on Life As A Human: Adapt, Overcome and Improvise.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

Last year I wrote a post about British singing sensation Susan Boyle called Why Does the World Love an Underdog?

It wasn’t picking on Susan — it was pointing out limiting patterns many people have, and why we need to provide value in order to receive it — but it caused quite an uproar from Susan fans who took it personally, and don’t understand the personal-development lessons that Barry and I offer by dissecting trends and actions.

(This blog is written by me, whereas our LWL blog has been written by both of us, but make no mistake… I discuss a lot of thoughts and feelings with Barry before writing posts like this, so parts of him are here too.)

Don’t go to that post looking for the flames, though, because most of them weren’t approved. I always welcome intelligent commentary, but not things without substance, like, “You’re evil! Susan rules!”

Again, I think Susan has a great singing voice — not my taste, but she’s certainly talented.

As for the winner of this season’s Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, I can’t say the same thing. What it proves is that some people still love underdogs, and can’t stand villains…

>>> CONTINUE READING Why People Love Underdogs… and Hate Villains…