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Hi, I’m Sharlene!

A mother of 5 boys, grandmother of 12, and author of Good Music Brighter Children. I started the blog, “good parenting brighter children” to share my 40+ years of experience swimming in the delightful (and sometimes shark infested) waters of parenthood. It’s been quite the experience and one I want to share.

Hopefully, you find this blog helpful and inspiring as you travel your own unique parenthood journey.

the latest from the Blog

Joke All You Want, but the Library is the Best Place for Kids!

Ever Try Doodling for Kids? It’s a Super Brain-Building Activity

7 Awesome Ways Fairy Tales Make Kids Larger than Life!

Wow! Here are 8 Absolutely Addicting Fairy Tale Activities!

Amazing Ways to Research Your Ancestry Family Tree with Grandkids

Here are 7 Awesome Dessert Activities to do with Grandkids

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CHECK OUT THESE FUN & EXCITING BOOKS, JOURNALS & S

CHECK OUT THESE FUN & EXCITING BOOKS, JOURNALS & SKETCHBOOKS FOR DOODLING. Okay—here is just a SMALL sampling of all the hundreds of books, etc., that encourage and help kids and grandkids of all ages to doodle and create. Make them age-appropriate—and some will even introduce your grandkids & kids to tessellation patterns. Details: link in bio

COLORING BOOKS ARE THE EASIEST WAY TO INTRODUCE YO

COLORING BOOKS ARE THE EASIEST WAY TO INTRODUCE YOUR GRANDKIDS & KIDS TO THE ART OF DOODLING—AND THERE ARE TONS OF DOODLE COLORING BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM Most people when they think of doodling, they think coloring books and pens & paper. Those are just SOME ways to doodle—and a great way to start doodling. There are TONS of coloring books and different kinds and brands of markers—grab a few along with your grandkids & kids and start doodling. Oh—and turn on some classical music to jump-start the creative juices! Details: link in bio

BAKING IN THE KITCHEN IS A FORM OF DOODLING—INST

BAKING IN THE KITCHEN IS A FORM OF DOODLING—INSTEAD OF TAKING PAINTS AND PENS TO CREATE SOMETHING—YOUR GRANDKIDS & KIDS ARE TAKING FLOUR & SUGAR TO CREATE SOMETHING—THAT’S ALL A PART OF DOODLING! Kids & grandkids love to create something yummy in the kitchen. Grab some easy recipes—or even a mix or two and bake and create in the kitchen. If you’re working with young grandkids & older grandkids—split them up and give the younger kids an easy recipe—like making brownies from a mix and adding M&Ms. Older kids—this was a more time-consuming, learning recipes—cracking eggs, dividing egg yolks, zesting & squeezing a lemon, etc. The final result? Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes. Many thanks & appreciation to @bakerbynature for the yummy recipe! Details: link in bio

BELIEVE IT OR NOT—DOODLING WITH GLUE, SALT AND W

BELIEVE IT OR NOT—DOODLING WITH GLUE, SALT AND WATERCOLORS WILL INCREASE YOUR GRANDKIDS/KIDS CREATIVITY & THINKING SKILLS! We all want grandkids & kids who can think and problem-solve. Doodling will help! The last time we did this activity, it was structured. This time, it’s not. The grandkids are doodling with a bottle of glue—so anything goes. After glue-doodling, just add a ton of salt, shake off the excess and you’re ready to paint. Use liquid watercolors and press the brush into the salt and watch the magic! The color spreads and bleeds. Voila! Another doodling masterpiece! Details: link in bio

EVERYONE’S DONE SCRATCH ART! BUT DID YOU KNOW TH

EVERYONE’S DONE SCRATCH ART! BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT IT’S A FUN & EASY WAY TO DOODLE YOUR WAY TO DOODLE HEAVEN? Scratch-art has been around since the dinosaurs. And yes, it’s a form of doodling. You know the drill—color a piece of paper any way you want using crayons or pastels—just use lots of colors. Then cover the whole thing with black crayons or pastels. The fun part? Scratching & doodling the black off to create anything you want. Grandkids & kids love doing these—so grab some crayons, or pastels and scratch & doodle away! Details: link in bio

DOODLING IS MORE THAN USING PENS & PAPER—CHECK O

DOODLING IS MORE THAN USING PENS & PAPER—CHECK OUT THIS DOODLING ACTIVITY USING PAINT, GLUE & COLLAGE MATERIALS Doodling is relaxing and calming for kids—and adults. It also incorporates creativity and problem-solving skills. It does not require structure or step-by-step directions—it’s more of a free-fall activity. Try this doodle activity that incorporates painting & collaging. Give your grandkids or kids paint, paint brushes, a canvas, glitter, buttons, pom-poms, paper & foam and throw in some feathers for good measure. Then—let them doodle and create whatever comes to mind. Our grandkids went wild with the buttons! Details: link in bio

DOODLING IS A POWERFUL BRAIN-BUILDER FOR GRANDKIDS

DOODLING IS A POWERFUL BRAIN-BUILDER FOR GRANDKIDS & KIDS—HERE IS A FUN & SUPER EASY DOODLING TIE-DYE ACTIVITY! Did you know that doodling builds the brain? Plus, it’s more than drawing with pens and paper. There are many ways to “doodle!” And this week, we’re going to explore the different activities that incorporate doodling. First—tie-dying! Tie-dye was the rage in the 60s and 70s and like so many things—it’s made a comeback! This is a very easy way to make tie-dye t-shirts with young kids and the perfect way to let them DOODLE to their heart’s content. In fact, the main ingredient to create these t-shirts—is DOODLING! Materials are minimal, clean-up is easy and the final results are nothing short of spectacular! Grab your grandkids and kids and start doodling! Thank you @babbledabbledo for the idea & inspiration! Details: link in bio

CHILDREN WHO ARE RAISED ON FAIRY TALES ARE COURAGE

CHILDREN WHO ARE RAISED ON FAIRY TALES ARE COURAGEOUS, IMAGINATIVE, AND FILLED WITH WONDER! Ever since the Brothers Grimm penned their first fairy story, children all over the world have fallen in love with and identified with such characters as Hansel & Gretel, Snow White, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and others. These tales and others increase a child’s imagination, sense of wonder and courage. Even though, Little Red Riding Hood is devoured by the evil wolf, she is also saved by the woodsman, and in the process, courageously helps to save her grandmother. And in the end…” they lived happily ever after.” These happy endings let a child know that when life is tough and the hills to climb are steep and treacherous, eventually all will be well…and happy! Start reading fairy tales to your kids & grandkids today! Details: link in bio

READING FAIRY TALES IS LIKE VISITING THE MAGIC KIN

READING FAIRY TALES IS LIKE VISITING THE MAGIC KINGDOM—ONLY LESS EXPENSIVE, LESS CROWDED AND DEFINITELY MORE ENCHANTING! What makes fairy tales so magical and beloved by millions and far more exciting than the Magic Kingdom? Well, according to fairy tale experts, even children want to find meaning in their lives and fairy tales provide that meaning. How? They entertain, arouse curiosity, stimulate the imagination and suggest solutions to the problem’s children face. In “Beauty and the Beast,” a girl saves both her father and the “beast,” and learns from the difficulties, challenges and enchantments in her life. From this and other fairy tales, children sort through their lives, find understanding and learn lessons. Details: link in bio

FAIRY TALES ENHANCE, ENLIGHTEN & ENTERTAIN KIDS &

FAIRY TALES ENHANCE, ENLIGHTEN & ENTERTAIN KIDS & GRANDKIDS! Where else can you read about witches changing people into frogs, swans, beasts or cats? Where else can you climb up someone’s long hair or climb out of a wolf’s stomach intact or wear out your shoes every night from dancing? And last, where else can you climb a beanstalk up to the sky and get back your father’s wealth from an evil giant—than in a fairy tale? Children love the white-knuckle, exciting page-turners that fairy tales offer—especially Jack in the Beanstalk Get all the details: link in bio

IT’S A COLD CRUEL WORLD AND IT’S WAITING TO EA

IT’S A COLD CRUEL WORLD AND IT’S WAITING TO EAT YOU ALIVE… That’s the message of fairy tales! But they also say—if you have courage and if you persist, you can overcome any obstacle and conquer any foe! And, in fairy tales—both boys and girls are heroes and heroines—just like Hansel & Gretel. With persistence and tenacity, they overcome difficulties and live to tell the tale. Hansel first starts out as the hero of the story, but it’s Gretel that ends up the heroine by saving her brother from the wicked witch. Check out the details about Hansel & Gretel and other tales here: link in bio

FAIRY TALES MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE! Don’t

FAIRY TALES MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE! Don’t we all wish for a little more magic or hocus-pocus in our lives? And who wouldn’t want a fairy godmother to make the impossible possible? Or knowing a kiss will change a frog into a prince? Fairy tales do not sugar-coat life. They present it as tough and difficult. BUT fairy tales also let the child know that despite challenges, good things can and do happen to those who never give up—which is the central theme in “The Frog Prince,” “Cinderella,” and other fairy tales. According to literary scholars, there are at least 1500 versions of Cinderella, and all present her as the timid heroine who, with the help of her fairy godmother, the impossible becomes possible. The image here of Cinderella in her golden gown is from the Cinderella book I grew up with but sadly has been out of print for many years (retold by Evelyn Andreas). It captivated me the first time I found it in the library as a 6-year-old and still does! Thankfully, I found a copy in a used bookstore about 15 years ago—showing that the impossible IS possible! Details: link in bio

FAIRY TALES & THE ALLURE OF “ONCE UPON A TIME.” This week, it’s all about learning why reading fairy tales to your kids & grandkids is so important. Last week I talked about fairy tale activities--both weeks compliment each other. For a time, fairy tales were unfairly demonized by people who didn’t have a clue as to the importance of fairy tales in a child’s life. Thankfully, the experts came forth and shed some light on the obvious—fairy tales play an amazing role in your child’s development. Instead of protecting your child from the world, they force the child to face the world head-on and gives him/her the tools to overcome challenges Snow White—loved and beloved by children all over the world. She lost her parents; was banished from her home by an evil queen and was left in the forest to sink or swim. With the help of 7 dwarfs, she swam! Rumpelstiltskin—another popular fairy tale illustrates to a child that with the help of friend(s)—you can swim successfully with the sharks! Your kids & grandkids need fairy tales—check out 7 reasons why here: link in bio

CELEBRATING “THE SNOW QUEEN” FAIRY TALE—IN T

CELEBRATING “THE SNOW QUEEN” FAIRY TALE—IN THE SNOW & MAKING NECKLACES The “Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen is considered a classic fairy tale that teaches the power of love to overcome obstacles. To celebrate this fairy tale, we played in the snow and made necklaces of people we want to show love to—family, parents, siblings, teachers, grandparents and more… Details: link in bios

8 ABSOLUTELY ADDICTING FAIRY TALES FOR GRANDKIDS &

8 ABSOLUTELY ADDICTING FAIRY TALES FOR GRANDKIDS & KIDS Yes, these fairy tale books are absolutely addicting! So, gather your grandkids or kids around and start reading some fun and exciting tales of magic, princes, princesses and more. This is just a start of great fairy tale books—more to come! Link: in bio

WIZARD WANDS & MAGIC GIRLY-GIRL WANDS. CELEBRATING

WIZARD WANDS & MAGIC GIRLY-GIRL WANDS. CELEBRATING FAIRY TALES: CINDERELLA, “DONKEY SKIN” & “THE GREEN SNAKE” Fairy tales are all about magic—so a magic wand is a necessity—big time! And, either a wizard wand or magic wand will do. Boys & Grandboys—think Harry Potter and make a wizard wand with slithering salamanders and sharks. Girls & Grandgirls—think Cinderella and just about every other fairy tale that uses a magic wand—and make yourself a girly-girl magic wand. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all have a REAL magic wand? In the meantime—these will have to suffice! Details: link in bio

MAKING CHUNKY BEAD NECKLACES CELEBRATING “THE LI

MAKING CHUNKY BEAD NECKLACES CELEBRATING “THE LITTLE MERMAID,” & “THE MAGIC NECKLACE” Ever read a fairy tale with a magic necklace before? What about “The Little Mermaid?” in the style of Disney? Good ole Ursula houses Ariel’s voice in a necklace! (this is just one fairy tale that uses a magic necklace—there are lots more). So, it’s time to make necklaces—chunky wood ones to build those fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in grandkids & kids. Supply lots of different shapes & colors of wooden beads, cardboard pieces, a shoelace and you’re good to go. Details: link in bio

MAKING ELSA ICE SCULPTURES FROM WAX—CELEBRATING

MAKING ELSA ICE SCULPTURES FROM WAX—CELEBRATING THE FAIRY TALE: “FROZEN” Yes, I know, you’re sick of “Frozen,” but I bet you’ve never seen an Elsa ice castle like this before! Your grandkiddies and kids will need some help with this one—but the end result is amazing! All you need is melted wax and a tub of cold, icy water (think Elsa)—and you’ve got yourself a real-life ice castle that won’t melt—ever! Directions & details: link in bio

CINNAMON APPLE BREAD—CELEBRATING FAIRY TALES: HA

CINNAMON APPLE BREAD—CELEBRATING FAIRY TALES: HANSEL & GRETEL & “DONKEY SKIN” Nothing like making something delectable in the kitchen to spark an interest in the fairy tale: “Donkey Skin,” by Charles Perrault. This fairy tale has the usual cast of characters—a prince, a weird king, and a damsel-in-distress. The princess must disguise herself in donkey skins but the prince falls in love with her anyway (go figure). She bakes a cake for the prince using the best ingredients—and this magical cake opens the door (or should I say oven) to them “living happily ever after.” So, we baked an apple-cinnamon bread to celebrate this fairy tale. Easy to make & delicious! Many thanks to @bluebowlrecipes for the yummy recipe! Links & details: in bio

NEW POST! FAIRY TALE ACTIVITIES WITH GRANDKIDS & K

NEW POST! FAIRY TALE ACTIVITIES WITH GRANDKIDS & KIDS. “BLUECREST” FAIRY TALE BRACELETS—IN THE STYLE OF BETSEY JOHNSON! This week it’s all about fairy tale activities with grandkids & kids. Each activity compliments something found in a fairy tale—an idea, a token, a theme, a piece of jewelry, etc. One of the fairy tales we read was “Bluecrest”—a handsome prince who is turned into a bird and brings beautiful jewelry to the girl he loves—Princess April. One piece is an emerald-studded bracelet. So, in the gaudy, but fun style of Betsey Johnson and to celebrate, “Bluecrest” we made bracelets from paper plates, paint and glitter. They’re fun to make and even more fun to wear! Move over, Betsey Johnson! Many thanks to @chasing40toes on how to make paper plate roses. Details: link in bio

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