A Simple Way to Support Rett Syndrome Research & Quick Tips for a Stronger, Happier Family [Friday’s Fast Five: 11th Edition]

Building a stronger, happier family is at the top of most parents’ list. However, we are busy! These weekly Fast Five ideas and tips are a quick way to brainstorm, check-in, and create the family relationships you really want. Today’s ideas include a simple way to support Rett syndrome research, a fun Thriller idea, a lesson for kids about choice and consequence, and more. Happy Friday!

* These ideas are NOT meant to be a checklist or guilt trip of things we “should do.” Rather, they are intended to inspire you to find what works for YOUR family to learn, laugh, and love together. Remember to stick to the Simple Side of Parenting.

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What is Friday’s Fast Five?

Each Friday, we share five quick and simple ideas for families under the following categories:

1. Something Fun

This is an activity, game, entertainment recommendation, or simple outing for family fun.

2. A Little Lesson

Here you will find a simple lesson to help teach kids important ideas. Examples include life skills or personal qualities like kindness and patience.

3. A Service Idea

Volunteering is good for our mental and physical health. Serving together strengthens relationships with those we serve and those we serve with. Service can be fun and eye-opening. Service is an important way to learn, laugh, and love together.

4. Something Random

This is a random thought, idea, quote, or meme, typically to help you smile. 🙂

5. A Quick Tip

Here you will find a quick parenting or family tip for peaceful parenting or building a stronger, happier family. These come from research, personal experience, or those common sense reminders we all need to hear once in a while.

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Yes, Please!

With that, here is the eleventh edition of Friday’s Fast Five. (You can find other editions HERE.)

1. Something Fun: Learn the Thriller Dance Together

In the spirit of Halloween, learn some of the iconic Thriller dance moves!

While you might not look like professional dancers when you’re done, learning part of the Thriller dance together is a unique way to interact. I really recommend this great simple version of a Thriller dance. It’s set-up as a line dance that can just be repeated throughout the song. The tutorial teaches at a doable pace. The dance moves are simple enough that young kids through to grandparents can learn this version.

If your kids are older and up for a challenge, you could watch a full tutorial video. I tried it and couldn’t keep up! (But I’m the first to admit that dancing is much more fun than a talent for me. 🙂 ) Try to dance along with the official Thriller music video. (Be sure to preview the music video before as it will be too scary for some children.)

It would be fun to follow-up with a full dance party. If you want to go with the Halloween theme (although Thriller is great anytime of year), Kids Dance Party: Halloween Jams is a great CD with classics like Ghostbusters, Monster Mash, and (yes!) Thriller.

Click image for purchasing information.

Related: 25 Simple and Fun Halloween Activities for Families

2. A Little Lesson: Choice and Consequence

Learning about choices and consequences is such an important lesson for our kids. One way to teach these principles is to watch “Making Tough Choices with Kid President,” and then play the Choice and Consequence matching game.

These ideas were inspired by The Responsive Counselor.

Print the free Choice and Consequence Matching Game Template, or draw your own puzzle pieces.

For preschoolers and younger kids, write a choice on the left side of the puzzle and a corresponding consequence on the right side. Cut the pieces apart and have kids match them.

For older kids, write a choice on the left side of the puzzle and leave the right side blank. For other pieces, write a consequence on the right side and leave the left side blank. Cut the pieces apart and have kids brainstorm corresponding choices and consequences to write on the blank puzzle pieces.

Whether you talk about voting, screen time, how to be a good friend, or obeying family guidelines, choose choices that are relevant to your family.

Wondering how to fit Little Lessons into your busy family schedule?

The two main ways to fit important lessons into your busy family schedule are to find spontaneous teaching moments throughout the day and to schedule family learning time each week. These two posts go into detail about these two ways and tips for making it happen with your family.

How Busy Parents Can Teach Important Life Lessons

6 Tips for Family Time that Teaches Life’s Most Important Lessons

3. A Service Idea: A Simple Way to Support Rett Syndrome Research

Lucy is my cousin. She is kind, optimistic, and quick to smile. She works hard and is grateful. Lucy loves others.

And Lucy has Rett Syndrome.

This means that when she was little, she lost control of her arms and legs. She is often in a lot of pain and, among other symptoms, suffers with seizures and scoliosis. Although Lucy is alert and bright, she cannot speak.

Rett Syndrome and Our Kids and Families

There is a simple way that you and your family can support Lucy and families like hers that are affected by Rett syndrome. On October 24th at 11:00am PDT, we can go “Speechless for Rett” for one hour. In an effort to honor these beautiful girls (and some boys) who are unable to speak, we’ll be observing an hour of silence.

Additionally, if you have the means, you can donate to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

I believe it’s really important for all of us to understand the different situations of other kids and families. We can grow in compassion when we learn what life is like for someone else. Talking to our kids about different disabilities and helping them see what other kids go through is an important part of raising empathetic and compassionate kids.

Serving Rett families by going Speechless on October 24th and donating if possible is a great way to raise this kind of awareness with our children. Even thought our kids won’t make it the full hour, we’ll be talking about Lucy and then observing some silence like she has all the time.

You can learn more about Lucy’s story here.

Rett Syndrome Research

The cause of Rett syndrome is known (a spontaneous genetic mutation on the x chromosome), and research toward a cure is progressing. If you’ve missed the Speechless event, you can still donate. Every donation is greatly appreciated.

Rett syndrome research is a cause that is close to my heart. Is there a cause that is close to yours? Let me know. I would love to raise awareness with you.

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Service is a great way to build a stronger, happier family. If you want more service ideas, request Raising Compassionate Children in a Conceited World, which includes 101 Service Ideas for Families.

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4. Something Random: Jim Gaffigan’s Take on Four Kids

How many parents of four or more do we have here?

We have five kids, and there are definitely those days! 😉

Gets some laughs with the full sketch here.

5. A Quick Tip: Think “Yes”

Our kids have a LOT of fun, creative ideas, and I often find myself saying, “No” more than I probably need to.

Instead, when we think, “Yes” first, we support our kids creativity and independence and usually end up having a lot more fun. Plus, it’s nice not to fight every battle, so we can choose our “No’s” strategically. 😉

Related: Five Ways to Be the Fun Mom (And Why!)

And that is Friday’s Fast Five!

Yes, Please!

You can also see Friday’s Fast Five on Instagram or other editions HERE.

Building a Stronger, Happier Family

It takes time and intention to build a stronger, happier family. I hope Friday’s Fast Five helps you find the ways that work for YOUR family to learn, laugh, and love together.

We will never regret the time we devote to our families and relationships with our kids.

Have a great weekend with your family, know that you’re loved, and keep on lovin’!

Do you have a great idea for a future Friday’s Fast Five? Have a question or parenting struggle you want help with? Share in the comments, shoot me an Email, or schedule a call.

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