Carolyn Savage
Carolyn is a professional writer, proofreader, and editor living in Bend, Oregon with her husband and two pre-teen daughters. She has a background in wildlife management but switched to writing and editing when she became a mother. With her experience working for a small publishing company, as a freelance proofreader, and as a mother she shares insightful stories that support parents and grandparents.
She is the daughter of Raising Families co-founder Rick Stephens and holds the rank of black belt in taekwando. In her free time she loves reading fantasy novels, learning to craft from her enormously talented children, and then teaching what she’s learned to her enormously talented grandmother.
Posts by Carolyn Savage
6 Heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Ideas
Age: 3–4+Time: depends on activityMaterials: depends on activityFocus: showing appreciationTeachers are some of the most important influencers in your child’s life besides you, their parent. With them playing such a big role in your child’s life, Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to say thank you for all they do.Teacher Appreciation IdeasRegardless of the amount of free time you have, there’s something on our list of teacher appreciation ideas that will fit into your schedule and help you say thank you to your child’s teacher. Write a thank-you card or record a video. If you’re really short on time, pick
Share Feel-Good Stories to Get Your Kids Talking
Age: 4–5+Time: 5–10 minutesMaterials: noneFocus: communication skillsKids aren’t always open about what’s going on with them, especially teenagers, but we have a surefire way to get them talking: share feel-good stories.Share a Meal to Create Consistent Family TimeNow we know life can be hectic, especially when you have a busy family. It can be hard to find time in the day to be together as a family. A shared meal is often the easiest way to get everyone together. For most, this is often at dinnertime. For others, it could be breakfast. Even if you can’t all have a meal together,
4 Great Ways to Spread Kindness in Your Community
Age: 3–4+Time: variesMaterials: varies depending on projectFocus: spreading kindness in your communitySpring has sprung. The weather is getting warmer, and kids want to be outside more. It’s the perfect time to get out in your community to spread kindness.Four Activities to Spread Kindness in Your CommunityThere are lots of ways you can spread kindness in your community. We’re going to focus on four ways to get your kids involved. These are simple ways to help your kids understand how easy it can be to bring a smile to someone’s face. And I have a feeling they’ll make your kids smile
5 Easy Earth Day Activities for Kids
Age: 1–2+Time: variesMaterials: depends on projectFocus: building your family bondApril 22 is the perfect day to try these five Earth Day activities for kids. The first Earth Day was in 1970 and was started to bring attention to environmental issues, such as pollution. It was a success that ended up causing the United States Environmental Protection Agency to be created later that year. You can bring that same awareness to your family with these Earth Day activities for kids.Earth Day Activities for KidsWhen you do these activities as a family, they will create a time to talk about ways you can
15 Fun Questions to Get Your Kids Talking to You
Age: 2–3+Time: 10–15 minutesMaterials: noneFocus: strengthen communicationDo your kids know they can come to you with questions? About anything? Being available for our kids is important, especially as they grow older. This family bonding challenge will help you get your kids talking to you and coming to you when they have questions. At your next family meeting, family meal, or car ride, get the ball rolling by asking your kids what they think your average day is like. You might be surprised by what you hear.Talk about Your DaysI remember thinking that stay-at-home parents had the life. I thought they had
