Chronicles: Public Or Charter?

Teacher pay and quality aren't the only dilemmas plaguing American education these days. The other elephant in the room begs the question; what's a family to do when facing the obstacle that is planning their child's journey through the American education system? Compulsory education implores everyone to do it. The law in most states dictates one must formally educate their children from the ages of 6 - 16. Traditionally most families begin much sooner and end much later. Its purpose is to ensure all citizens are well-educated enough to keep democracy alive. And so before we ever have children our collective conscience tells us we must engage them and educate them for the better part of their childhood. 

Some families are fortunate enough to possess the emotional, financial, and mental resources to homeschool their children. This option at its outset is ideal because it ensures the smallest of class sizes, customized instruction, and the most caring teachers. Of course, not every family has the resources this choice requires. In most American households all the adults have to work and that leaves little time to dedicate to formally educating the children. Buying curriculum and ensuring you supply them with all the materials they'll need is also financially challenging, limiting this option to few families. Some do it anyway, when all the necessary resources aren't in tact, but this may not be the best way to ensure a child's solid social, emotional, financial standing in adulthood. It's just something to consider.

There are families who choose the private option. This is a great opportunity, and as such it is a privilege, not a right. Families who can pay seriously hefty sums of money have this option. In the most ideal situations, these children attend schools with small classes, well-sourced curriculum, and access to amazing extra-curricular activities. Of course, one must possess a great deal of financial resources to have this choice as a viable option. Vouchers have become a way for some families to be able to take advantage of this choice, however by and large most of the students in these schools are children of financially privileged backgrounds. While homeschooling and private options do not give students a real world understanding of social or economic diversity, they perform the perfunctory skill of teaching your children what you believe they need to know.

For everyone else, there's public education. Joe and Jenny Taxpayer pay for the provision of these schools. Our tax dollars are funneled into multi-million dollar education systems that run a little like factories to churn out kiddos with enough skills to hopefully eek out a worthwhile existence in America. Pre- No Child Left Behind, there wasn't much choice. Children went to the schools within their district boundaries. Unfortunately, boundary lines were drawn in much the same way we do everything. The boundaries tended to segregate communities along social and economic lines so that schools would have a disproportionate number of types, rather than having a heterogeneous approach wherein students from all walks of life would interact and build community, thereby creating the same type of community as they grow into adulthood. One can dream. Of course, this delineation changed a little with the invention of charter schools. Choice has taken on a life of its own within the public education system. Charter schools are public schools that only receive the base pay per student, not providing property taxes or any other taxes that would accompany a child's presence. This means charters typically run on about 18 - 25% less cash than a district school. And, that number can be a lot bigger in some cases. While it is public, the red tape doesn't strangle its management in the way it does district public schools. Charters are usually able to customize curriculum, hire and fire teachers at will, and compromise somewhat on the benefits they offer teachers and staff. 

 While it feels good to have a choice, it becomes an overwhelming task to decide how your children are going to spend the next 13 years of their lives for 10 months each year at a rate of several hours each day. That is a lot of time and a lot of childhood experiences that will inevitably shape at least some of your child's worldview. That said, let's examine the differences between charters and district schools to gain some insight into what would be best for your family.

Chronicles: Maximize Your Child's Meet The Teacher Night

There are some mainstays of the back to school season that every American family, whether their child attends public, private, or charter school, will endure. School shopping for supplies, replacing wardrobes with clothes and shoes that fit and will be suitable in cooler weather, and adjusting schedules are all mainstays of the tradition that most American families must brave. But it doesn't stop there. These days most American schools have implemented the quintessential "Meet the Teacher" night or, sometimes, Day. This newer tradition has been added to just about every school's calendar year as a prerequisite for students in order to stave off some of the nervous anticipation that usually accompanies every child's waking hours for at least a week prior to the start of the official year. 

Meet the Teacher Night's design generally lends itself to two main purposes. The most important purpose is for your child to get acquainted with who their teacher or teachers will be and where their classroom can be found on that first day of school. The basic premise is that if teachers have this chance to meet kids and their families they can begin building rapport and creating the all important home to school connection that is so desperately important to maintain throughout the year. There are other, more bureaucratic reasons for its existence, but these are standard for the most basic of American schools. And, although initiated and hosted by the school, there are things we can do as education consuming families to maximize the benefit of the event to more thoroughly ensure the school year gets off to a strong start. Once you've read all the directives for the event and followed the expectations, there are some other ways to make the most of the opportunity.

1.) Practice navigating from the drop off point to the classroom. It makes sense to just park the car and walk to the nearest entrance then proceed to the space designated for the event. If your school is not using an open house style meeting, be sure to help your child at some point before your family leaves by escorting them from the arrival spot to their first class. This is your chance to increase the spatial awareness they need in order to avoid getting lost or feeling nervous on that first day.

2.) Meet all the teachers. We naturally anticipate meeting the homeroom or self-contained teacher that our children will interact with the most. But, of course, there are so many other adults you will rely on to get your child through each school day successful and happy. Take time to meet the PE, music, art, library, and computer teachers. They usually have the entire school population to manage so they meet a lot of families. Still, taking time out to do this meet and greet really helps solidify these teachers' meaningful presence in your child's school life. 

3.) Get acquainted with volunteer opportunities. Our children benefit from seeing us take real interest in their world. Some schools are really keen on parents being partners. They have so many volunteer spots that getting involved can seem like having a second job. Other schools don't always have a mechanism by which families can bridge the gap between school and home in any way other than homework and school projects. Use the Meet the Teacher event to establish this bridge. Let the volunteer coordinator or parent liaison know who you are and give them your contact information so they are aware of your willingness to engage in events and to help with school and classroom projects. 

4.) Meet support staff. All the children will need to go to lunch and recess every day, with the exception of half-day kindergarteners. What we don't realize is that most of the time the teachers who monitor the cafeteria and playground are not the teachers who will work with your child in the classroom. This is usually a completely different person who is playing a largely significant role in the school day. Lunch / recess is one of the most highly anticipated times of the day wherein kids get the chance to have free social interaction without any purposeful structure. Free play can either be the best part of the day or the absolute worst. Getting acquainted with the people who are supervising this period of time helps your child understand that you support this person's efforts and believe them to be an essential part of the entire school experience. 

Lastly,

5.) Debrief after the event. Ask your child about their first impressions. Avoid giving your own opinion, whether good or bad. Your quick comment about the lopsided bulletin board décor could unintentionally give your child the impression that you are not fond of the school or the process. Your opinion matters a lot so reserve judgement at this point and let them be the star of this critique. Focus your attention on what your child is thinking. Gauge whether the event decreased their anxiety  served the purpose of helping them feel less nervous about it all. See if they feel prepared and then do whatever still needs to be done in order for them to have a positive outlook and feel ready to start the year.

These are all fantastic ways to make your child's Meet the Teacher event even better. It gets your family in gear and gives the a great way to get the school year off to a fun, relaxing start. These are just some of the ways we use the event to our advantage. There are certainly many more. How do you make the most of these nights? Comment and let us know.

Chronicles: What Are Kids Thinking About Going Back To School?

It's that time of year again for American families to get back to highly structured days and nights, mom taxis, early bed times, and crack-of-dawn wake times. School's back! While it's our natural response to focus on how schools, teachers, and parents are getting their kids ready for the year, something gets lost in the shuffle...the kids! I decided to do back to school (and first time in school) interviews with my kids to see what they're looking forward to the most this school year. While I think I got the "Since I'm talking to my mom I'll filter my answer" responses, it was still eye-opening to find out what kids are thinking about as they embark on a new school year.

Interview 1: Entering 8th grade, new kid at classical charter school

Q: What are you looking forward to the most this year as an 8th grader?

A: I hope there's a school debate team. I'm looking forward to that. My last school was fun at first, but then it became kind of boring. I think this school could be the same way. I won't know until I get there.

Q: In which subject(s) are you most interested?

A: Math and science. They're technical. At my last school my science teacher, Ms. Chase, gave it to us straight. We went in, got the information we needed to use, and it was clear and concise.

Q: What about friendships? Do you anticipate having a large social sphere?

A: I'm open to having friendships with all different types of people. I don't want any one type of friend.

*At this point he began talking about what he wants for his birthday. He moved on to a wish list... I started a new school interview.

Interview 2: Entering middle school, new kid at classical charter school

Q:What are you looking forward to the most this year at a new school as a 6th grader?
A: I'm excited because at this school I get to switch classes and meet all the new people and all the new teachers. And, since we switch classes there'll be a whole hour to discuss one subject. That'll be better. I think recess at this school may be longer too. Also, I've never used a locker before so I'm excited about that. And, basically just do new things.

Q: Which subject are you anticipating to be the best?
A: Hmmm...it's either art or science. I like science because there's so much you can learn, like ecosystems, chemistry, the food chain. And, it also connects to math so it's like two in one. But, this school focuses on art a lot. Didn't they say that before? Art is fun because I really like to draw all the time and I think that will be fun. Literature should be good too. I like reading. Books are fun and interesting. Like, The Giver. That book was interesting, but it was really easy to read. 

Q: What subject are you thinking you'll least likely enjoy?
A: None really.

Q: What about friendships? Do you think you'll make friends at this school this year?
A: I don't know, but I don't just want to be one of the crowd or popular kids at school. I want to have like two friends or maybe a group of five. I know if I don't have any friends I'll still be happy on my own.

Q: Is there anything you think you won't like about going to a new school or the new school year?
A: I don't really know what this school is going to be like. I'm not nervous. I'm actually pretty excited. I like lectures, but I don't want to take notes. I like just listening to the teachers when they talk because that's really interesting.

Q: What extra activities do you think you'll do this year?
A: It would be cool if there were an after school art club or a comics club or a school newspaper where I could write comic strips. Maybe there's a book club or Lego club. It would be cool to learn to use Lego motors or coding a Lego robot to do things.

Q: Is there anything else on your mind:
A: Not really, school lunch, maybe recess and what it'll be like.

Interview 3: Kindergartener, first school experience (no daycare, no preschool)

Q: What are looking forward to the most when you go to school?
A: I'm looking forward to coloring because I like coloring and cause mostly I'm good at coloring now. And making new friends.


Q: What subject do you think you'll like the most? (I gave examples of what this means, as she has never been to school and doesn't refer to what she learns as school subjects yet.)
A: Art is my mostly favorite thing. Because you can use different colors of paint and you can paint all the time.

Q: What subject do you think you won't like?
A: Insects because they bite.

Q: What extra activities will you do after school?
A: Mostly I'm good at ballet. Tennis.

Q: What do you think you won't like about school?
A: I don't like bullying around. And if someone bullies me I'll bully them back. Is that right?

*She began her own interview at this point. I went with it.

My Answer: No.
Her next question: Then what do I do? I can't tell the teacher. If I don't do that they'll just bully me more.
My Answer: If you think someone is bullying you, use your words. Say, "Stop, I don't like that. Don't talk to me like that. 
Her next question: What if they keep doing it though, like on TV?
My Answer: Pretend like they're not there anymore. Completely block them out as if they no longer exist.
Her next question: Should I say, "nah, nah, I'm not talking to you! I can't hear you!?
My Answer: No. What do you say to someone who isn't there? 
Her: Nothing
Me: So, that's what you say to them. Just act as if they're no longer there. Walk away if you can. If not, just don't talk to them at all anymore.
Her: Oh, okay.

This part of the conversation surprised me. I know teachers and staff won't always be available to help with every conflict. She's been in social settings where there is bullying, but parents usually step in to help with resolution. Now, she's on her own. I wonder how she'll adjust without adult intervention. This alone should be #8 on my list of reasons to homeschool! Yet, if they never have a chance to figure out how to deal with it, they'll never develop the social skill.



So, after taking the time to ask the questions I got a feel for how they will approach the year. I feel better equipped to help them frame the year and support them in feeling prepared for it.

Disconcertingly enough, my eighth grader is already kind of jaded. He's not that excited about the school year, anticipating it will be much like all the others. He's been there, done that and expects business as usual.

My sixth grader is excited about everything. In theory he loves school. Learning is like his mothership. But, he burns out sometime long about October because of the monotony.

And, my kinder girl has no idea what's about to happen. She's completely clueless about how school works, except that other kids can be mean. I truly pray that she finds kindred friends and patient teachers to reshape her thinking about how it will turn out. Honestly, I hope they all do. Or, this may end up being #9 on my list of reasons why homeschool is better!

Top 7 Reasons To Homeschool

Hindsight is 20/20. Every year we debate the merits of our past life as a homeschooling family. We go around and around regarding what's the best way to handle educating our children for a bright future. Sure, we all have the same concerns  about socialization. The foundation of all America's "isms" is lack of knowledge and wisdom regarding others. Teaching our children in our home only offers them us. It doesn't help them get to know any other way of living. That's tragic in a great nation like America where you can find so much life in diversity. That reality aside, there's much to be said for actively educating your own children. After all, schools are built on the premise of the factory model. High production and efficiency rates, with effectiveness being a by product, perhaps even an afterthought. At home it's a completely different story...yours! In fact, here are 7 fantastic reasons for teaching your kids at home.

1.) Focus on effective instruction. 

Smaller class size means you get to concentrate on designing a learning plan that fits each of your children perfectly. Even in a home with the largest of families instructional practice can fair better than in a large classroom setting. There's no need to have everyone do the same thing or even have the same schedule. You can tailor the day and every activity to fit each of your children's needs to maximize how well they learn the content.

2.) Create your own schedule. 

Regular public school begins at ridiculous hours. The ideal time for me would be a 9:30 start time. It comes off as ludicrous considering we're up at the crack of dawn as a public school family. That's to ensure we're not tardy for a 7:50 start time. But, there's much to gain when we begin just a little later. The extra time provides an opportunity for everyone to spend some quiet time reading or meditating, have a hearty breakfast, complete routine tasks, and feel ready to interact and engage with each other peacefully. The beauty of homeschool education is that every family can adapt to their ideal times and schedules.

3.) Projects have a purpose and a clear focus. 

Since my sons began their journey through public education, countless home projects have been assigned for them to complete with an explanation, plan, and list of materials. The problem is it ends up being busy work. It's ineffective because the continuity of the educative process is broken. They're learning to do a project, but many times the overall objective is lost. I find myself teaching the concept step by step and enriching the purpose so they walk away understanding its deeper meaning. If I have to do it anyway, why not be the one who is assigning the project and seamlessly connecting all the dots?

4.) No homework. 

I know schools mean well. And as a teacher I always assigned some homework to ensure students kept thinking about what they were learning and to keep families engaged in the process. Not to mention, the principal or district I worked for required it. Today I wouldn't dare. They're at school for hours only to come home and pour over the same material for hours. By then it serves as eyeservice to them. For 10 months of the year they don't get any time to concentrate on developing a skill in which they simply take interest without anyone telling them they have to do it. This is unfortunate. Yes, I am fully aware some kids don't have direct supervision when they get home from school. Accountability through homework is one way to keep them preoccupied with something other than TV, social media, and neighborhood shenanigans. But, perhaps giving students a list of great things to do afterschool and letting them choose would be more effective in helping them become critical thinkers and good decision makers.

5.) Fewer expenses. 

School shopping is evil... Too dramatic? Probably. But, impossibly long lists of school supplies that seem to grow with each passing year, intricately detailed dress codes, and supplemental fees for books and programs drain bank accounts and create an atmosphere of distress around what should be an exciting time for kids and families. Hundreds of children are going to embark on this one destination almost every day for several months. It's an expensive undertaking and socially challenging so I understand the need for all of it. Still, geez! Is that any relief? I would not be opposed to generous donors who maybe receive large tax cuts every year donating a fraction of that to help out with the supplies and material fees local schools are missing so that families don't end up paying this extra tax, which could easily be several hundreds of dollars.

6.) Awareness. 

When you are the teacher, the principal, the mom, and everything else you really know your kids. You have a keen awareness of your child's academic and social needs. During my son's first parent teacher conference I was devastated to see him dissolve into a mass of tears seeing an "F" in math, his second favorite subject. He completely fell apart.
It had been 8 weeks and even helping with homework and reteaching concepts at home couldn't stop him from failing tests and quizzes. It's heart wrenching to have your child come home with a low grade or a bad report. The tough part is you had no insight into how it all fell apart. Truth be told, teachers have more than 25 souls to look after all day. But you're only sending them that one. You hope they put as much care into their development as you would. The reality is they can't. There is no inspector for quality assurance at the end of every lesson. Kids go through the assembly line and we deal with whatever comes out at the other end.

7.) Flexibility. 

Homeschool families design lessons and units, but they're able to adjust at the snap of a finger. When a lesson isn't working they can stop and change it. When they want their kids to get a deeper understanding they can plan a field trip. Need to explore something in nature? Let's go. They're frazzled and having a meltdown...adjust and rework what you're doing. Family visiting from out of town? No problem, take a few days off to enjoy their company. Main bread winner has a few days off? Great! Let's stop "school" to create a learning opportunity that's off the beaten path while we can. The possibilities are endless.

Homeschool isn't for everyone. We stopped due to a confluence of many circumstances that made it too difficult to continue. It's quite an adjustment for those who have always sent their children off to school. But, there are a great many benefits that keep us engaged in major debate whenever the shine of a promising new school year begins to dull.

Chronicles: Meditative Restoration for Kids

Spiritual Development for Kids

It seems this generation of kids has it all now. Television stations, YouTube channels, stores, entire sections of department stores, businesses, clubs, sports leagues, and more abound to help us enhance the level of growth our children will achieve in a lifetime. Even some churches and other religious groups have curriculum and instruction on how to follow the tradition's edicts with kid gloves. And, while there are many support groups that help us learn parenting skills for helping our kids grow physically, emotionally, socially, and academically, we don't always receive standard guidance on how to help them grow spiritually. Don't get me wrong, there are many religious guides on teaching kids how to follow their family's religious tradition. Still, we don't have a handbook regarding helping our children look intrinsically to find their own peace, regardless of circumstances and relationships. For all of our outward attempts at helping our kids grow, this is one area in which we could improve. 

Recently there have been reports of schools including meditation at recess, or as a means of conflict resolution. Also, children are able to take yoga as an elective or have a mental rest period during the day to restore their minds to positivity. As American school days are long for kids, this is progress in the right direction, as long as it is in the hands of the student and their family to design this period of time, or approve what happens during this period of time. 

Still, these programs aren't exactly taking over schools everywhere. Besides, not many families want to outsource this practice to their public school. In personal experience, other ways to engage kids in spiritual reflection are few and far between. And yet certainly, spiritual development is inward and requires self awareness. All humans need to nurture this aspect of ourselves.

In fact, what if the mass shootings that keep breaking our hearts are about a deeper issue? As we pursue laws to stop the flow of guns and try to stem the horrific impact of so much violence and useless squandering of life, we are definitely missing one key element. The individual who would do this unimaginable act is severely sick. They have lost the ability to properly manage their mental and emotional resources. Regardless of what they say their purpose is, they have lost their sense of being a part of the human collective. Clearly, we must address the spiritual needs of our children and their ability to see themselves as part of a cumulative human conscience as a natural part of the growth process. This is not a nod to religion, or any particular practice thereof. Religion is outward demonstration of devotion to a belief or cause or entity. Spiritual development is the purposeful pursuit of understanding ourselves and our connection to the world in which we live. Everyone is responsible for this, no matter their belief system or even if they don't have one at all. Learning to calm and redirect one's thinking to a balanced center is essential for all of us. 

There are ways to help our kids develop this sense of self and greater good. One way is through conscious meditation.

How Can Children Meditate?

Yes, children can build a spiritual center and nurture their own emotional wellness. One strategy is teaching them meditative restoration. There are no centers or gurus to follow. It is a simple practice that is taught, like how to throw a baseball or write your name, or conquer the monkey bars. In fact, the blueprint is very flexible, as the main purpose is to quiet the mind, get calm, and reflect in a balanced way. 

Benefits of Meditation

• More restful sleep
• Decrease in impulsivity
• Calmer disposition
• Balanced decision making
• Mindfulness in tasks

When To Teach It

Every child is an individual. There is no magical unicorn giving out age guidance on this. Some children may be ready as early as 5 years old, while others may not have a full capacity to appreciate it until they're 10 or 12 years old. Parents must discern and decide what's best for their kids. Younger children who you believe will benefit from the practice now may ease into it by taking the steps one week or two at a time and adding the other steps and elements little by little. Remember, this should never be forced, as that is stressful in itself. The practice is intended to be fun and help kids feel better when it's complete.

Steps:

First: Find a space. Kids do know who they are and what they want early on. Have them designate a spot where they usually feel safe and calm. They can put all sorts of things in this spot. Favorite teddy bears, blankies, dolls, pillows, and other objects of comfort belong here. *This does not include devices, such as phones or tablets. (If this spot is in a common area of the house, give them a box for their favorite things so they can pack / unpack for sessions.)

Second: Teach them how to get quiet by making sure it's quiet. Turn off devices, including the TV and radio. This is not easy for kids. Technology, toys, friends, siblings all create head noise. Even if the entire house is silent, there could still be noise going on in their head. When teaching them to tune everything out, give them permission to forget about everything. Initially, this can be achieved by having them narrow their focus on one thing, such as the ocean or the sky or mountains. This is the beginning of them being able to cancel out everything else. Eventually they'll learn to create a blank space there.

Third: Once their minds are quiet and they're in a safe space, ask them to see their thoughts. Yes, you are asking your children to think about what they're thinking about - a practice called metacognition. This doesn't refer to that moment only, but what they've thought about a lot, or all day. Have them review the self talk they've been having with themselves throughout the day. They will begin to understand why they feel angry or happy or sad. That, in turn, will help them troubleshoot their own root causes and perhaps begin to find internal solutions for distressing situations. 

Fourth: Still quiet and safe, have children focus on being well in that moment. Have them rehearse in their mind how everything is fine right now. They are peaceful. Their needs are met. They are loved. They are whole.

Variation: For children who are older a fifth step is the future story. Have them create a positive future story and think of all of its possibilities. This produces a hopeful state of mind and a better overall disposition.

Once these steps have taken place, the meditation period is complete. Children have had a chance to think inwardly. Letting go of tablets and video games, TV shows, and screens for a while has given them an opportunity to reconnect with their inner self and grow in spiritual awareness. For best results, this is something that should become part of an every day routine. What you'll  notice over time is a decrease in impulsivity, better empathetic understanding, and being able to analyze in order to make better life decisions.

This takes a long time to develop. Don't get discouraged if they're not keen on it or don't catch on right away. Keep plugging away at it a little at a time. Once they've gotten the hang of it, it will become a practice they keep on their own, like playing video games or watching television. And, as always, you can join in too to see your own benefits.

What about you? How do you help your children develop their spirit?

Chronicles: PG Kid's Karaoke Night

Before taking on the role of "Mom" or... "Babe", I was a hardcore karaoke enthusiast. Old habits die hard. But, now instead of crooning at a restaurant turned bar at midnight, we clear away space in the family room, set up the mic, and battle family style.

This may sound silly initially. Dad is not known for his singing voice. And, the kids love to sing, but haven't been sought out for any particular show choirs, if you catch the drift. Nevertheless, we brave family karaoke nights about once every few months. To make this an exciting and worthwhile experience for everyone, there are a few tricks and tips to employ that are guaranteed to have you hearing "Hey Mom, when are we having karaoke night again?"


First, SNACKS! After dinner snacks are a must. The spread should include family favorites to keep everyone satiated. Food always makes social gatherings better, especially for the kids. They eat all the time, and this occasion is no different. As a rule of thumb, have a sweet & salty snack, finger veggies (dip is optional), and fruit. Here are some great recipes to use that are simple, fast, and delicious.

1.) Crooning Veggies 
Ingredients: Round cup of dip, 1 lb bag of petite carrots, 6 stalks of celery, 1 sweet red bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1carton of grape tomatoes, and zucchini squash julienned

Directions: Rinse thoroughly and cut bell pepper into strips (see this video). Rinse celery and cut into two inch sections (be sure to discard top and bottom of stalk). On a circular or oval shaped platter place the dip in the center. Set each type of veggie in triangular arrangement with the bottom spreading out to the edges and meeting in the center. Include a spoon with the dip along with small cake plates to grab some and sit and watch the next act.

2.) Fruit Sync

Ingredients: Lemons, Cubed apples, grapes (preferably red seedless), sliced honeydew melon, sliced kiwi, cubed pineapple

Directions: Once all of the fruit is peeled and sliced place it in a bowl and mix it together. Cut the lemon and squeeze the juice on top of the mixture to avoid browning. As the night goes on it will look more and more unappealing if it browns. Optional: Provide fancy plastic drink cups to create fruit cocktails. Otherwise, offer more small cups and plastic forks.

Now that the food is taken care of, it's time to create the mood. A family friendly version of karaoke night isn't so much dark as it is sparkly. Use strobe lights, disco balls, and hanging décor to give the room a festive feel and take any stage fright away.

Next, set the mood by providing props for performers. This can be done by searching closets. Dad's old pinstripe jacket, mom's silly boa from last Halloween, sunglasses, gloves, and costume jewelry can be set up on a table for the next crooner to get into character and get prepared to really "bring it" with their performance.

A way to make it run smoothly is to set up a large sign up sheet on the wall. Using an oversized poster board or sticky note pad, create a table

Kids love to dress up, this we know...but grown ups love it too!

where family members can write their name and the song they want to tackle. That way, it can be found before they perform so as to maximize time and ensure everyone gets as many turns as they'd like.

If you don't have an actual karaoke machine, don't fret. You don't even really need a microphone, although that adds to the fun. Use YouTube through your Smart
TV, your Chromecast, Roku, or veebeam device. You can also use playlists and songs from your favorite music subscription service.

There is no shortage of fun twists and tweaks you can make to your family's epic karaoke night so they have the time of their lives. What types of fun family nights have you adapted from your single days to fit the mom life? Share in the comments below!