August Book Club
It's that time of year again. My family, like so many of yours, is once again engulfed in all of the excitement, nervous planning, and - yes- shopping that goes along with a new class schedule. If' you're looking for big-hearted conversation starters, book ideas, and really great tips to add a "giving" aspect to your back-to-school rituals check out the Doing Good Together newsletter.
My family has been enjoying the book Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts, which is this month's book club pick for Big-Hearted Families.
Those Shoes is exactly the type of story we hunt for here at Big-Hearted Families. It is a book full of thought-provoking ideas and real-life challenges. It’s also a beautifully written, heart-warming story that your family will want to pick up again and again.
My five-year-old has been asking for it at every story time lately.
This little book is packed with important ideas, such as:
> Recognizing the difference between what we want and what we need is not always easy, for kids or adults.
> We all have something valuable to give, no matter how much or how little we have.
> Being generous is rewarding, but it can also be difficult.
There are still a few copies available over at our shop, if you want to bring this wonderful book - along with the recipe and activity - home for your family.
I found the clothing drive particularly helpful. Not only did the story and the conversation inspire my girls to clear out the clutter of beautiful but rarely worn clothes in the back of their closet, but it got them talking to their friends about "gently worn" or even new donations.
We'll be making our drop off on Monday -three large bags full of barely worn children's clothes and shoes.
Plus, as we school shop for ourselves, we're working hard to identify "need" versus "want," in an effort to avoid cluttering up the closets once again with more than we can wear. Thankfully, my girls are young enough that they are as unconcerned as I am by brands and trends, so coveting the latest pair of .... whatever is trendy this fall... won't be a hurdle for us. I am hopeful that folding "giving" aspects into our back-to-school rituals will help make future years a little easier to manage, even after they become more socially aware.
How are you making back-to-school season a time of giving and reflection with your family?