Discovering the World Through My Son's Eyes

New Orleans Road Trip with Kids

This post is the first installment of a three-part series Road Trip with Kids, and we're visiting the deep South.

First stop is New Orleans.

We've been to New Orleans twice before. First time we flew in when little man was smaller. This time around we actually drove to Louisiana. Mom came from Puerto Rico, and we hit the road.

Kindness Day is Every Day

Did you know that we have an International Acts of Kindness Day that is celebrated in February? Random Acts of Kindness Day is a day to celebrate and encourage random acts of kindness. However, we should celebrate Kindness Day every day.

The Ups and Downs of this Crazy Bilingual Journey

I have a confession to make. It's really hard to raise a bilingual kid especially when there are limited language learning opportunities. So today my friends, I’m sharing with you the ups and downs of this crazy bilingual journey.

Spanish Poetry for Kids: Poesía Alada

My first memories of poetry actually started with my mom when I was a kid. Back then Spanish poetry for kids didn't exist. In fact, my mom helped me write poems in a notebook; and to this day she still has that notebook! I know because I called her and asked. Ha!

As a mother raising a global citizen I am excited to review Let's Celebrate Holi!

Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal, also known as the "festival of colours" or the "festival of love", The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest.

The children's book from authors and founders of the Bollywood Groove company Vivek and Ajanta have a new book Let's Celebrate Holi! You can find their book at Bolly Groove.

Let's Celebrate Holi! takes children into the celebration of Holi with its colorful, and beautiful Indian tradition. I love how this book makes it easy for children to understand the meaning of the festival, and that it is not just to simply throw powdered colors on each other. With a helpful pronunciation guide and a map of India it provides the perfect resource to explain in detail how Holi is celebrated in different regions across the country.

If you need a book to teach children about Holi then you need to have this in your home library. Although this book is geared for children ages 3-7, my 8 year old thoroughly enjoyed it.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own

Age Range: 3 - 7 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
Series: Maya & Neel's India Adventure Series (Book 3)
Paperback: 38 pages
Publisher: Bollywood Groove; 1 edition (February 9, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1945792167

Tips for Motivating Language Learning in Pre-Teens

The days of sing-along, and finger-puppet play to learn a new language are long behind us.

My child is an 8 1/2 pre-teen which has proven to be quite challenging to motivate when it's time for his language lessons. Seriously, teaching him when he was a preschooler was so much easier!

However, I see that this is a common phenomenon. I recently read a post from Multilingual Parenting that children learning another language go through a rebellious phase, and the importance of being consistent. So I am not alone!

In today's post I am sharing tips for motivating language learning in pre-teens. This age group usually describes those between ages 8 to 12 also known as the 'tween years.

I've learned by experience that this age is very difficult to engage and motivate.

Puerto Rican Sandwich Spread (Sandwichitos de mezcla)

Puerto Rican sandwich spread (sandwichitos de mezcla) is a staple in every party, event or family gathering in Puerto Rico.

What is it? It's a creamy and delish mixture of cheese, luncheon meat, pimentos and cream cheese nicely spread between two slices of white bread. FYI, this is not healthy at all, but oh so good!

During this past holiday I hosted a party at home. Guess what I served? Yes, sandwichitos de mezcla, and they were a hit with both the kids and adults.

Nurturing Lifelong Friendships

There is truly nothing like having friends.

Growing up with friends, sharing experiences, bonding with each other, and eventually becoming adult friends has so many benefits. Friendships will boost your happiness especially when they are lifelong friends. 💗

My son is an only-child, and I strive to make sure he has friends. He actually has some very close friends since he was a toddler, and although at times its hard for them to meet-up because of the parent's busy schedule (including myself) he knows they are his friends.

The Magic School Bus Meets Molly Cule Spanish Activity

We absolutely love The Magic School Bus! What I love more is that the DVD collection that we own we can watch it in Spanish!

How to Organize a Multicultural Event or Party for Kids

Have you ever thought of planning your own multicultural event or party for kids? Well, this is your your lucky day! I'm thrilled to share with you how to organize an event in five easy steps at All Done Monkey.

Click on the link or on the image below.

See you at All Done Monkey!

Organize a Multicultural Kids Event in Five Easy Steps

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Follow me on Pinterest and pin this for later.

DIY Three Kings Ornaments

Epiphany is in 5 days, and we are so excited! Of course, our Christmas tree is still up and we're making Three Kings Ornaments.

This year I really wanted to make these ornaments, and it's really hard, and nearly impossible to find king shaped cookie cutters. So I made my own, and so can you. You just need a little bit of creativity.

Three Kings Salt Dough Ornaments

Use aluminium cookie cutters that you can reshape:

New Years Eve Global Traditions

For as long as I have been married we have never celebrated New Years Eve how it is celebrated it in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico families gathers to eat, sing aguinaldos, light up fireworks, and after the clock hits 12 midnight everyone listens to El Brindis del Bohemio.

I love the cute printable that I'm sharing with you today. With Día de Reyes quickly approaching it's the perfect cupcake topper for your fiesta, or Día de Reyes event.

I baked cupcakes for a Christmas party that I hosted, and I made these cupcake toppers to give them an extra special touch!

Download the Three Kings Day / Epiphany / Dia de los Reyes Printable Cupcake Toppers

As a bonus I'm including a Feliz Navidad poinsettia labels. There are 24 per page for exactly 2 dozen cupcakes.

Enjoy!

Coquito for Kids Recipe and Free Printable (Puerto Rican Eggnog)

It's Christmas, and I am full-Christmas spirit! I planned a Latin flair Christmas party for the kids (post coming soon)! For the drinks besides fruit punch, and strawberry lemonade I served coquito for kids.

Christmas in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rican Roast Pork

The Puerto Rican roast pork or as it's commonly known "lechón asado" is a staple in every menu across the island during the Christmas holiday. Served with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), guineos en escabeche (pickled green bananas), pasteles (similar to tamales), and ensalada de coditos (cold pasta salad) it is an explosion of flavors and pure deliciousness!

Be warned! This menu is not for those on a diet! 👀

Multicultural Resources for Raising World Citizens

When my baby was born (8 years ago) I was sure of one thing. I wanted to raise him to embrace his multiculturalism, and to become a global citizen.

Besides, exposing him to foods, and books from other countries I also rely on resources such as the Diversity Calendar and Games Around the World that I am featuring today. These are resources you can use to help you raise a world citizen.

Queen Girls Collection Children's Book

Now more than ever our little girls need to see themselves depicted in strong powerful women that can be found in children's books. Books that they can open to read, and see themselves as the queens they are bound to become into one day.

Last night my child sits down to write to Santa and to the Three Kings. He's done this since he was a toddler where he'd scribble what he wanted.

I have a confession to make. I really hate going out to stores to shop especially around the holiday season. I cringe at the thought of long lines, crowded stores, and trying to figure out what Christmas Gifts to buy for my loved ones.