Tag: school

inspiration, motivation, positive affirmations, positive parenting, single mom, Uncategorized

Book Festival Family Fun

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With much anticipation, the Decatur Book Festival returned to one of it’s most thriving cities 15 minutes outside of Atlanta, Georgia – the City of Decatur. 

Annually, the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC), Emory University and the City of Decatur collaborate to bring this amazing book festival to life. Men, women and children travel near and far to enjoy street food, children’s activities, live music, and meet some of the most astute authors in the region. For more detailed information sbout the book festival then visit the official website at

https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/

At this event, I had the pleasure of listening to interviews of 2 amazing book authors – Stacey Abrams and Bill Curry. 

Stacey Abrams

Stacey, an American politician, lawyer and author served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, and served as minority leader from 2011 to 2017 (Wikepedia 2019). Her intelligence, compassion and self motivation exudes in drive to represent the disenfranchised. It was truly an honor to have her sign my copy of her latest book – Lead from the outside – How to build your future and make real change.

For more information about Stacey’s book then click on the link below https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250214805

Bill Curry

Bill, a retired American football coach and former player, spends his time giving inspirational and motivational speaches about the positive impact and life lessons learned while playing the game of football. All of which are highlighted in his latest book, “Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle – Lessons Learned from a Football Life.

For more information about Bill and his latest book then visit his website at http://billcurry.net

Both my son and I found books that piqued our interests. This event was not only a fun festival of events, but an educational experience focusing on compassion, collaboration and community.

The next time a book fair is in your town, take the kids and enjoy what it has to offer. You will be pleasantly surprised.

I’d like to hear about your experience. Be sure to comment below.

– A Lavender Place

Uncategorized

Afterschool Programs Help Keep Single Parent’s Employed

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Have you ever wondered why there is a 3 hour window between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day? I wish I had a reasonable explanation, but this barrier stands in the way of many working parents.

A 3 hour window exists from 3PM to 6PM when a parent is in the midst of a busy work day and a child finishes school. For parents with careers it is challenging to determine what to do with their child(ren) during these crucial hours. Parents ask “How do I complete work related tasks by the close of business without feeling the pressure of rushing to pick up little Johnny from school?” This concern haunts working parents all over the U.S.

Specifically, single parents are impacted the most as they have the daunting challenge of coordinating pick up times with other parents, family members or friends. Unfortunately, without those individuals, the burden rests with that one parent. In retrospect, a two parent household has more flexibility to share the car pool responsibility.

Single parents who find themselves in this predicament can explore various after school programs in their area.

Image result for after school program pictures

What is an afterschool program?

The Afterschool Alliance states, afterschool programs can be defined broadly as any program that provides child care for elementary and middle school youth when students are not at school, and parents are not at home.

Why enroll in a quality afterschool program?

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. This is a parent’s dream which affords them the flexibility to manage a career, complete important tasks, and meet specific deadlines.

Afterschool program are a critical resource that serves to bridge the gap between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day, Thus, providing a safe place for a child while allowing the parent to remain employed.

Program Variations

Afterschool programs serve our communities and the families that live in them. Therefore, they are in demand and offer various options:

  • Transportation from the school to the afterschool site (Some have programs at the school).
  • Schedules to include a snack and homework assistance.
  • Projects to include STEM/STEAM activities
  • Health and fitness focused activities

Although, there is a 3 hour window between the end of a child’s school day and a parent’s work day, it is evident a trusted after school program is one solution. Single parents, I encourage you to research the available afterschool programs in your area. If you need any assistance with your research efforts then feel free to contact me – Ms. Lawson at alavenderplace@gmail.com. Be sure to reference this article in the subject area of the email.

References: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/

– A Lavender Place