Posts filed under ‘Melissa’
Mother’s Day Message from Melissa
The greatest moments of being a mother for me are the occasions when the expressions of love and appreciation come naturally.
The gifts for me come in those wonderful drawings, stories and poems handed to me when I least expect it, or the “I love yous” that are said with such spontaneous intensity and passion that my heart just overflows with joy.
Those are the treasures that make the trials and tribulations of motherhood fade quickly away, and bring tears to my eyes every time I view or remember them. Because they sprung naturally out of pure emotion and no feeling of duty! Those flashes, although ever briefer as children grow older, are the only rewards I ever need to keep me content and satisfied.
However, a handful of times, I have received one of those brilliant jewels actually ON MOTHER’S DAY. Yes, a proclamation that came NOT from the classroom or through spousal threats, but entirely independently AND created especially for me on Mother’s Day.
One of my favorites was a poem from my son when he was 8 years old. No one in the family knew that he had been working on his composition for days, and his face was beaming with pride as he presented it to me:
Mom, you’re the one who cares for me when I’m down,
Turning my frowns completely around.
When I am sick you always care for me,
Making me hot chocolate and occasionally tea.
You come to all my sporting events,
Hoping I hit one over the fence.
You go out of your way to take me places,
Speeding to get me there on time like a driver in races.
Playing games with me like 500 rummy,
You may win most of the time, but I am no dummy.
I love you very much for these many things,
May your Mother’s Day be precious like a million diamond rings!
Simple and sweet, but meaningful, which mirrors my philosophy in toy-making as well as parenting and living life!
Like this:
The Benefits of Being Outside by Melissa
by Melissa for grandparents.com
Spontaneous time spent outdoors can have benefits beyond your wildest dreams!
shocked to find no children at all playing in their yards. On a beautiful, sunny day, I find that very disheartening! Most everything in a child’s life today is scheduled with a distinct purpose. The only sunlight and fresh air kids generally get is walking from the car into buildings for their steady stream of activities. Although organized sports participation is at an all-time high, they are more structured and professionally coached than ever, and there is no open-ended play aspect inherent.Like this:
Twitter Party Featuring Melissa of Melissa & Doug: Monday 3/19 9pm ET
PreTweet to Enter to Win a Trunki Prize Pack!
Tweet the message below any time BEFORE our party starts (9pm ET Monday, 3/19) to automatically be entered to win a Trunki Prize Pack >>
Join me + meet Melissa of @MelissaAndDoug! Twitter Party Mon. 3/19 9pm EST. RSVP> bit.ly/319mandd @melissastoys #MDparty
Join Us Monday Night 3/19/12 at 9pm EST to meet Melissa, have some fun, and the chance to win great prizes! 
You must RSVP and attend the Twitter Party to be eligible for the party’s giveaways and to claim prizes! You will have the opportunity to tweet with Melissa (@melissastoys) during the party! All of our Blog Ambassadors will also be at the party!
Twitter Party Tips:
___ Follow @MelissaAndDoug on Twitter (Melissa & Doug company)
___Follow @MelissasToys on Twitter (Melissa)
___ Follow @TeachMama on Twitter (Blog Ambassador)
___ Follow @InnerChildFun on Twitter (Blog Ambassador)
___ LIKE Melissa & Doug on Facebook
___ LIKE Inner Child Fun on Facebook
___ Know your hashtag: #MDparty
___ Think of a kids’ joke to share – Easter/Spring
___ Tell a friend to join us!
___ Prepare for Fun!
FAQ:
Q. What’s a Twitter Party?
A. A Twitter Party is a virtual party where partygoers connect over Twitter. A host leads the discussion and partygoers tweet to join the conversation, using a special hashtag to categorize comments as belonging to the party. A party can be searched by its hashtag. (See also http://www.twitterpartyguide.com/what-is-a-twitter-party)
Q. What’s the hashtag for the Melissa & Doug Twitter Party?
A. #MDparty
Q. What is a hashtag?
A. A word becomes a hashtag, or keyword, when it’s preceded by a # symbol. This signals Twitter to categorize a tweet according to that keyword so it will come up in search results. So, for instance, when you do a Twitter search for #MDparty, you’ll see what an amazing time we’re having Monday night! (Also see https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols)
Q. Why do I have to RSVP?
A. We pick names from the RSVP list for our prize giveaways. So technically you don’t HAVE to RSVP–but you won’t win prizes if you don’t! (To be eligible for giveaways, you’ll need to RSVP attend the party and participate by answering our party questions.)
Q. How far in advance should I RSVP?
A. You can RSVP as late as right before the first question is asked. We refresh the RSVP list right before our first giveaway.
Q. How long does the party last?
A. Our Twitter parties usually last 1.5 – 2 hours. You can come for just a few minutes, stay the whole time or anything in between.
Q. Do I have to participate?
A. You may participate as little or as much as you’d like. You need only be present and participating to be eligible to win prizes and giveaways.
Q. What will we do at the Twitter party?
A. During the Twitter party the hosts (@MelissaAndDoug, @weteach, and @innerchildfun) will ask questions about parenting, toys, family activities, telling kids jokes and more, and you can answer each question or comment on another person’s answer. Remember to use hashtag #MDparty so everyone can see your comments.
For example, @MelissaAndDoug might ask, “Q1: Do you do anything special for your child last weekend? #MDparty” You could answer “@MelissaAndDoug Yes, it was my son’s 3rd birthday party! #MDparty”
Each question is tied to a giveaway. Partiers are given a few minutes to answer each question. Once the question is closed we choose a winner for that question.
Throughout the party we also share information about our website, new products, upcoming events & promotions, tell jokes, get advice from other parents and more. Each party is different, but they are always fun!
Like this:
Twitter Party Featuring Melissa of Melissa & Doug: 3/19/12 9pm ET
Join Us Monday Night 3/19/12 at 9pm EST
RSVP HERE
You must RSVP and attend the Twitter Party to be eligible for giveaways and to claim prizes!
This special Twitter party will feature Melissa!
Twitter Party Tips:
___ Follow @MelissaAndDoug on Twitter
___Follow @MelissasToys on Twitter
___ Follow @TeachMama on Twitter
___ Follow @InnerChildFun on Twitter
___ LIKE Melissa & Doug on Facebook
___ LIKE Inner Child Fun on Facebook
___ Know your hashtag: #MDparty
___ Think of a kids’ joke to share – Easter/Spring
___ Tell a friend to join us!
___ Prepare for Fun!
FAQ:
Q. What’s a Twitter Party?
A. A Twitter Party is a virtual party where partygoers connect over Twitter. A host leads the discussion and partygoers tweet to join the conversation, using a special hashtag to categorize comments as belonging to the party. A party can be searched by its hashtag. (See also http://www.twitterpartyguide.com/what-is-a-twitter-party)
Q. What’s the hashtag for the Melissa & Doug Twitter Party?
A. #MDparty
Q. What is a hashtag?
A. A word becomes a hashtag, or keyword, when it’s preceded by a # symbol. This signals Twitter to categorize a tweet according to that keyword so it will come up in search results. So, for instance, when you do a Twitter search for #MDparty, you’ll see what an amazing time we’re having Monday night! (Also see https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols)
Q. Why do I have to RSVP?
A. We pick names from the RSVP list for our prize giveaways. So technically you don’t HAVE to RSVP–but you won’t win prizes if you don’t! (To be eligible for giveaways, you’ll need to RSVP attend the party and participate by answering our party questions.)
Q. How far in advance should I RSVP?
A. You can RSVP as late as right before the first question is asked. We refresh the RSVP list right before our first giveaway.
Q. How long does the party last?
A. Our Twitter parties usually last 1.5 – 2 hours. You can come for just a few minutes, stay the whole time or anything in between.
Q. Do I have to participate?
A. You may participate as little or as much as you’d like. You need only be present and participating to be eligible to win prizes and giveaways.
Q. What will we do at the Twitter party?
A. During the Twitter party the hosts (@MelissaAndDoug, @weteach, and @innerchildfun) will ask questions about parenting, toys, family activities, telling kids jokes and more, and you can answer each question or comment on another person’s answer. Remember to use hashtag #MDparty so everyone can see your comments.
For example, @MelissaAndDoug might ask, “Q1: Do you do anything special for your child last weekend? #MDparty” You could answer “@MelissaAndDoug Yes, it was my son’s 3rd birthday party! #MDparty”
Each question is tied to a giveaway. Partiers are given a few minutes to answer each question. Once the question is closed we choose a winner for that question.
Throughout the party we also share information about our website, new products, upcoming events & promotions, tell jokes, get advice from other parents and more. Each party is different, but they are always fun!
8 Ways to Keep the Happy in Your Holidays by Melissa
8 Ways to Keep the Happy in Your Holidays
by Melissa for grandparents.com
No one can deny that the meaning of the holidays can easily get lost during this frenetic time of year. All year, it feels as if we are moving ever faster to keep pace with technology and the daily changes in the world around us. Yet that pace only becomes magnified at the holidays. Parents are increasingly worried about “delivering the goods” by bringing home that must-have toy and not disappointing their children. Black Friday sales begin ever earlier (10 pm on the once-sacred Thanksgiving Day), with many deals leaked to generate mass consumerism.
I have to ask, “Isn’t there something missing?”
Thankfully, children’s joy emanates from the simplest pleasures, which is the antithesis of the commercial aspects of the season. The holidays are meant to be full of miracles, hope, and tradition. Those were the principles on which they began, and are the basis of the stories told generation after generation. Yet in the minds of many, the season has become more synonymous with traffic jams, endless searches for parking, and hordes of pushing and shoving shoppers. Saddest of all, parents are not feeling joy, but tremendous stress at the thought of disappointing children on that special day. This makes what should be a magical time into a competitive, aggravating experience. And that is NOT what the holidays are supposed to be about!
| More from Melissa: The best thing you can do for your grandkids |
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For the children’s sake, it is imperative that we parents and grandparents set a good example and instill in them the meaning of the season. Done correctly, this WILL bring cheer to all! And the best news is that implementing these traditions costs little, and is a cinch to execute. All it takes is targeting the basics, and focusing on the simple aspects of celebrations that are most meaningful.Here are a few of my favorite holiday activities to do with children:
- Play holiday-themed music in the car and at home. Print out lyrics and get EVERYONE to sing along! This always puts us in the holiday spirit.
- Fill the house with homemade decorations. All children love to do arts and crafts, and what better theme than the holidays? Paper snowflakes, seasonal cutouts, and paper chains are a few of our favorites and make the house look festive and special.
- Make holiday-themed food. Kids LOVE baking, and devouring their concoctions. And sugar cookies have no religious denomination! They can be cut in any shape and size, and decorated in various colors to be enjoyed by all.
- Make homemade gifts. Request that everyone in the family give one gift that is handmade and truly from the heart. This can include a drawing, a photo in a hand-decorated frame, a poem or story, a scrapbook, or any other homemade creation or inspiration.
- Make holiday cards. Share suggestions as a group, and create a special family message, poem, joke, or quote for the season. Then decorate each card with personal flair. Cards are the perfect way to spread joy to family and friends — especially those who live far away!
- Create an evening focused on your family’s culture. Eat traditional holiday foods, read holiday stories, and play traditional games. This will become something children look forward to year after year.
- Turn off the lights, and enjoy the glow of candles or tree lights. Go around the group and ask everyone to detail what they like most about the holiday, and to state their wish for the season.
- Give the gift of giving! Have the children go through their entire toy inventory and designate a pile to give away to those in need. Plus: Ask each child to choose one NEW gift to give to a less-fortunate family. Go with the children yourself to help drop off their gifts, and then volunteer with them, wrapping gifts or serving at a soup kitchen. The more children give to others, the less focused they will be on what they receive.
The holiday memories children will carry with them longest will be those of family togetherness, tradition, and giving to others. The holidays should be a reminder to us all that family matters and that we care about each other — with that group extending to all of humanity and those who are less fortunate. That human connection is much more powerful than material gifts, and will endure well past the season.
Why Costumes Are Good for Kids by Melissa
Why Costumes Are Good for Kids
Our expert encourages the thrill of dress-up
by Melissa
The anticipation of Halloween generates excitement in children unrivaled by virtually any other holiday. The ability to truly take part in the holiday and choose exactly how they will be dressed gives children a tremendous sense of power and investment in the day. But the ultimate thrill comes in actually putting on their costume and displaying it to the world!
There is nothing more enthralling for a child than pretending to be someone or something he is not, and concealing the truth of who he really is from the outside world.
Let’s be honest, that’s a lot of fun for adults, too! What a wonderful opportunity to escape and explore the world from the perspective of someone else for a brief period of time. That makes Halloween a favorite of both young and old. Yet although Halloween is the only day of the year when children and adults everywhere are given official license to dress up, it shouldn’t be!
At Melissa & Doug, we believe that role-play is a crucial, year-round activity and shouldn’t be put removed and placed into a closet on November 1!
Role-play is a critical form of pretend play, and a crucial aspect of early childhood development. It is also one of the best ways to help a child to develop an understanding of the world. When children are given the opportunity to choose a character they wish to portray, they are given the ability to explore the areas they are most interested in.
Dressing up helps children (and adults) get rid of their fears and inhibitions, and be free to “act out” something they may not be comfortable expressing on a daily basis. Children develop social awareness and self-confidence and are more open to exploring themselves and expressing pent-up thoughts or ideas. Role-play offers an excuse to let go of one’s inhibitions and be free. Such free, unstructured creative play offers tremendous benefits developmentally. It builds strong imaginations and fertile, innovative minds!
Melissa
The best costumes are those which truly transport children to another place where they can begin to believe or act as the character they’re portraying actually would. In everyday life there are rules of conduct, and people may be viewed as odd if they go around town acting like wild animals, witches, or superheroes. But under the umbrella of make-believe, such behavior is not only desired but embraced! Testing the personas of different characters is a great way to teach children about different roles and their various behaviors. A pirate can talk with an accent; a police officer can speak with authority; and a chef can devise tantalizing recipes for an enthusiastic audience. Role-playing involves improvisation, having an awareness of how different characters act and portraying their characteristics and emotions!
The best aspect of pretend play is that it is completely universal. All children love to dress up. I have never met a child who hasn’t enjoyed being someone else, if only for a brief period. Usually the struggle is in getting the child to remove the costume and assume his prior persona.
You can easily incorporate dress-up and pretend play into your time with the kids. You can work with them to create a special dress-up or pretend play closet or chest in your home that they can explore whenever they visit. Accessories such as jewelry, makeup, wigs, and hats add to the fun. Role-play is a sure-fire, guaranteed recipe for a wonderful day. The grandchildren will anticipate every visit, and never want to leave!
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Read Melissa’s Expert Advice Column At Grandparents.com
We Are Proud To Announce that Melissa Bernstein, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Melissa & Doug, Is Now An Expert Advice Columnist For Grandparents.com!
Melissa Bernstein, Co-founder & Co-CEO Melissa & Doug
We’ve been asked innumerable times if Melissa is a real person and we’re happy to report that YES she is real! In fact, Melissa is the creative force behind the development of nearly 2,000 toys for Melissa & Doug. She’s married to Doug, who is also real, and she is a Mom to her own personal “test market” of 6 children ages 3 to 17!
