Category: Human Interest

Attention all K-12 students in the United States. Doodle for Google submissions are now open for the 2024 contest!  It’s time to Doodle Your Future!  In celebration of Google’s 25th anniversary, the theme this year is “My wish for the next 25 years”.  Entry deadline is March 21, 2024.

This contest for kids takes place in other select countries as well, but not always at the same time.  To find out more search ‘Doodle for Google’ followed by your country name.

Get all the details and submit your entry at https://doodles.google.com/d4g/.

What is Doodle for Google?

Doodle for Google is a drawing contest where school aged kids from K-12 and compete by submitting their personal Google logo drawings.

It happens every year from around the end of January to mid March when submissions are due.

Contestants must be enrolled in a school in the United States, or a school Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, freely associated states, or The District of Columbia.

Every year, Doodle for Google has a new them that kids are to base their Doodle on.

The History of Doodle for Google

Imagine: The year is 1998, the internet’s still figuring itself out, and Google’s already on its way to ruling the web as a search engine. But hey, even tech ventures need a bit of creative flair, right?

So, even in these early days, Google was just a baby, fresh out of the garage. And Google’s founders, Larry and Sergey, had this neat idea to spruce up their logo. And bam! The first-ever Google Doodle was born!

Fast forward a few years, and in 2008, Larry Page and Sergey were out of the office attending the Burning Man festival. They added a simple stick figure drawing behind the second ‘o’ in the word “Google.”  People loved it. It was like a little burst of joy on their screen, like finding a surprise in your cereal box.

So, Google was like, “Hey, let’s do more of this!” And the tradition of creating doodles to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and notable events started from there.

Since then, it’s been a wild ride of creativity, with kids from all over the U.S. doodling their hearts out for a chance to feature on Google’s homepage. Each year, there’s a different theme that gets those creative juices flowing. It’s a chance for young artists dream big and doodle bigger.

But it’s not just about the fame and glory (although that’s pretty sweet). Google also hooks up the winners with some epic prizes, like college scholarships and tech goodies.

That’s a very brief story of Doodle for Google: turning doodles into dreams and making the internet a whole lot more colorful, one click at a time!

Doodle for Google Contest

The Google contest is an awesome opportunity for students to let their creativity shine on a global stage. Every year, the search engine throws open its virtual doors and invites K-12 students across the United States. It unleashes imaginations as kids doodle their hearts out around a specific theme.

How the Contest Works

First, Google announces a theme that’s all about sparking creativity and getting those artistic gears turning. Themes can range from “What Inspires Me” to “My Best Day Ever” to “Inventions That Make the World a Better Place.” Then, it’s up to the students to let their imaginations run wild and turn that theme into a one-of-a-kind doodle masterpiece.

Once the doodles are doodled, students submit their entries, crossing their fingers for a shot at Google fame. There is a round of online voting by the public, followed by a panel of judges sifting through the entries and choosing the finalists.

Finally, after much anticipation and nail-biting, Google announces the winners. These lucky doodlers not only get the bragging rights of having their artwork showcased on Google’s homepage for millions to see. Various prizes are awarded.

So, whether you’re a budding Picasso or just love to doodle in your spare time, the Doodle for Google contest is your chance to make your mark on the internet and maybe even change the world, one doodle at a time.

Read about Doodle for Google Games that Google lovers can play.

Doodle for Google in other countries:

Google is a global search engine with head offices in multiple countries.  So, it only makes sense there are Doodle for Google contests in various countries besides as well.

Each country where the contest is held may have its own set of rules, themes, and prizes tailored to the local context.

Some Google Doodles are limited to Google’s country-specific home pages while others appear globally.

To find Doodle for Google in your country, just Google it!  😊

Finally being able to drive a car is a right of passage for just about every teenager. If your teen recently got behind the wheel or is about to, they’ve probably been looking forward to it for years. But, cars can teach teens life lessons about more than just road safety and getting from one place to another.

Vehicle ownership requires a lot of responsibility. Your teen being able to drive themselves places for the first time also puts a lot of weight on their shoulders, but that can be a good thing when you use those responsibilities as teachable moments.

So, while it’s great for your teen to be excited about getting a car and driving, don’t hesitate to teach them about the positive impact car ownership can have on their personal development. This can also encourage you, as a parent, to feel better about your teen getting behind the wheel.

Financial Responsibility

One of the first things your teenager will have to learn about purchasing and owning a car is the financial responsibility that comes with it. Even if you helped them out by gifting them a vehicle or paying for some of it, buying a car is really only the beginning. There are plenty of additional expenses to consider, including:

• Fuel costs
• Maintenance
• Insurance

Talk to your teen about value-driven spending. It can be tempting for a new driver to want to get out as much as possible. For a teenager, that might include things like going to the movies with their friends every weekend, heading to a local fast food spot after school, or planning a road trip over spring break.

While there’s nothing wrong with those ideas, they can deplete your teenager’s funds quickly, leaving them with financial stress. Value-driven spending focuses on the things that matter most. Ask your teenager to break down their spending categories and determine which things are wants and needs. This is a good way to start building a budget with your teenager. It teaches them to take a look at where their money is going, where they can cut back, and how they can make the most of what they have.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

When your teen went through driver’s education to get their license, they had to learn a lot about making smart, quick decisions behind the wheel. While safety should be a top priority for your teenager, driving also gives them the opportunity to make decisions even when they’re not on the road.

As a parent, one of the best things you can do is to set clear expectations about your teenager and their car. Those expectations should include how often they can use the car, curfews, and where they can go. With those boundaries in place, it’s up to your teen driver to make smart decisions — sometimes at a moment’s notice. They have to prove that they can keep a curfew, stay in the safe parts of town, and use the car responsibly.

They’ll also have to learn how to solve problems that might come up with the car. What will they do if they get a flat tire while driving home? Who can they call if the “check engine” light comes on? Granted, it’s important for you to be able to help and guide them as they work through these problems. But, don’t solve every issue for them.

Giving them guidance and letting them solve real-world problems on their own will improve their decision-making skills. It will also help to boost their confidence, which can help their overall mental well-being. Building self-esteem now can help your teenager stand more firmly in who they are when they’re out on their own for the first time.

Moreover, if they learn how to fix mechanical issues that pop up, it can do even more than increase their self-esteem. Your teen’s interest in the workings of their vehicle could turn into a fascination with mechanical engineering or another STEM field as they grow older. Given that it’s important to boost participation in STEM, your teen’s experience with the mechanics of their car could see them excelling in a focus that is essential to the workings of society in general.

Depending on the type of car your teen has, you might be able to fine-tune the lessons you can teach them. For example, driving a truck is different from zooming around in a sports car. Teaching your teen how to properly drive a truck might include focusing on specific maintenance, accounting for the size of the vehicle while driving, and ensuring they understand the different parts of the vehicle.

It might seem overwhelming, at first, but helping your teenager understand these things can serve as a bonding opportunity for you, and it will give them the information they need to make decisions about their vehicle on their own if a problem arises.

Enforcing Accountability

Owning a vehicle can teach your teenager the importance of accountability. Being able to drive often means being able to take themselves to school, work, and extracurricular activities. They’ll be responsible for getting themselves to those places on time.

If they’ve struggled with time management in the past, owning a car can help them learn the importance of getting themselves ready sooner, knowing when they need to leave, and understanding how they can make the most of their schedule.

The most important thing you can teach your teen about driving is that it’s a privilege. They’ll learn plenty of life lessons behind the wheel, from keeping themselves and others safe to understanding the impact that driving will have on their lives. Keep the conversation open, and make sure you’re always available to guide them as they start this new chapter. It’s a big step into adulthood, and it’s essential not to ignore the life lessons that will naturally come from it.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

When it comes to hosting a kids’ party, blending fun with creativity can turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary adventure. Just imagine the laughter and joy filling the air as children dive into candy-themed games and activities, sparking an unforgettable experience.

These memorable moments of joy resonate well with the ethos of bliss life products, where enhancing lifestyle and well-being through positive, health-focused products is key.  Pure delight in a wholesome environment captures the essence of what children’s parties should embody.

Sweet Scavenger Hunt

Nothing quite says adventure like a scavenger hunt, especially when it’s sprinkled with sweet surprises along the way. You can create clues wrapped in candy wrappers that lead children from one spot to another, each step revealing a small treat or a clue toward the ultimate prize. This not only keeps the party lively but also sparks teamwork and problem-solving skills amongst the little adventurers. Ensure the final treasure encompasses a bundle of goodies that encourage healthy living, subtly blending fun with wellness.

To kick things up a notch, consider incorporating riddles that incorporate candy trivia, making the scavenger hunt not only a test of physical prowess but also of sweet knowledge. This can be an engaging way to blend learning with play, as participants unravel fun facts about different types of candies during their quest. Plus, the inclusion of a modest prize for everyone at the end ensures that each child feels rewarded for their effort and participation, which can foster a sense of inclusion and accomplishment.

For a refreshing twist, why not include a ‘garden of sweets’ where each clue leads to a different plant or flower that somehow resembles candy? Children can learn about nature while indulging their sweet tooth, making discoveries like how certain flowers might share the vibrant colors of their favorite treats. Wrap up the hunt with a DIY fruit candy kabob station, where kids can skewer their own combination of fruits and small candies, reinforcing the delight of natural sweetness along with a controlled portion of candy.

Candy Craft Corner

Unleashing creativity can be as simple as setting up a candy craft corner. Here, children can engage in activities like making edible jewelry or designing candy mosaics. This interactive zone not only keeps their hands busy but also “fosters artistic expression while teaching them how to problem solve and refine their motor skills,: according to Zach Isaak from The Uzzle.

For a healthier twist, include activities such as decorating containers that can later be used for storing fruits or nutritious snacks, thereby promoting an organized and health-conscious lifestyle.

Dedicate a section of the craft corner to ‘candy science’ where children can participate in simple experiments, such as observing candy colors mixing in water or creating static electricity with candy wrappers. These science-based activities can make the creative process even more engaging by introducing basic scientific concepts in a fun and tangible way. Providing this educational twist helps support a growth mindset, showing that learning can be as enjoyable as indulging in your favorite treat.

Tasty Relay Races

Races and active games always bring an electrifying energy to children’s parties. Incorporate candy-themed relay races, like balancing candies on spoons or a three-legged race where partners pass a candy baton. Midpoint hydration stations emphasize the importance of water, turning the simple act of drinking into a fun part of the game. These activities not only fuel the children’s energy and enthusiasm but also impart valuable lessons on teamwork and the importance of staying hydrated.

Candy-Themed Guessing Games

Challenge the little minds with candy-themed guessing games. From estimating the number of candies in a jar to blindfolded taste tests, these games are perfect for sparking curiosity and sensory exploration. Incorporating such guessing games into the festivities engages critical thinking and enhances sensory experiences, making learning fun and interactive. It’s about making each guess and giggle a step towards fostering a joyful and inclusive party atmosphere.

Creative Cooking with Candy

Inspire young chefs with a creative cooking segment, focusing on making healthy treats with just a hint of candy for flavor. This not only introduces children to the joys of cooking but also educates them on balancing treats with nutritious ingredients. A decoration competition, using minimal candy on healthy snacks, inspires creativity while emphasizing the value of moderation. Such activities demonstrate that making healthier choices can also be a fun and creative process.

Capping the party with a casual chat about balancing sweet treats with wholesome foods, and fun ways to stay active, ties all the fun activities back to the core message of wellness and happiness. It’s a gentle nudge towards a lifestyle where fun and well-being go hand in hand, echoing the principles behind encouraging a blissful life through positive, healthy choices. Through themed games and activities, children not only enjoy a memorable party experience but also learn valuable lessons on living a balanced and joyful life.

There’s something truly enchanting about the prospect of seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Every step, every new discovery becomes a monumental event, brimming with wonder and the potential for magic. As a parent or caregiver, these precious moments are not just a window into an innocently joyful worldview but a gateway for crafting lifetime memories.

Discovering the world with your kids is not just about travel; it’s about the shared experience and the essence of togetherness that such adventures bring. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or preparing for your first big adventure with little ones in tow, riding the globe with your budding explorers can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures.

Bonding Experiences That Last a Lifetime

The close-knit bonds formed during family trips are unique and enduring. As parents, it’s a time to be fully present, sharing in the amazement that travel invariably brings. These shared experiences not only foster stronger family ties but also provide the backdrop for countless future ‘remember when’s – the family lore that is cherished and retold for years to come.

Educational Opportunities Disguised as Fun

Kids don’t distinguish between education and entertainment when they’re having fun, and traveling is a master at blending the two. Whether it’s learning about Roman history at the Colosseum, brushing up on marine biology at a coral reef, or simply picking up a few words of a new language, every trip offers lessons that last a lifetime.

Exposure to Diverse Cultures Fosters Understanding

There’s no substitute for the firsthand experience of encountering different cultures and ways of life. These experiences not only broaden your children’s horizons but also instill a sense of respect and understanding for the world’s diversity, fostering the seeds of a global citizen. Knowing that people may look, dress, and practice their beliefs differently, but at the core, we are all human, fosters empathy and compassion.

Unique Accommodation for a Memorable Experience

When planning a getaway, consider stepping away from the ordinary and exploring unique accommodation options that promise a memorable experience. One such option that combines the charm of nature with comfort is holiday caravan parks. These parks offer a distinct and immersive stay, allowing you to connect with the surroundings in a way traditional accommodations may not provide. Whether you choose to explore tasmanholidayparks.com as a potential option for your next adventure or opt for another unique accommodation, the key is to embrace the opportunity for a distinctive and memorable experience that goes beyond the conventional. From waking up to the sound of birdsong to stargazing at night, holiday caravan parks offer a tranquil escape.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

Planning a mix of activities that cater to different age groups ensures that everyone is involved and having fun. Museums and interactive exhibits, national parks with easy trails or beaches for sandcastle-building, there’s something for everyone.

For instance, a trip to the beach can include building sandcastles with younger kids, while older ones can go snorkeling or take surfing lessons. A visit to a historical site can involve storytelling and scavenger hunts for little ones, while teenagers can learn more about the culture and history through guided tours or immersive experiences.

Learning Experiences on the Go

Encourage your children to be curious and engage with the environment. Whether it’s teaching them to read a map, shop at a local market, or pick up tidbits about the area’s history, every moment is an opportunity to learn.

If the trip involves air travel, get kids involved by letting them choose a souvenir from the duty-free shop or tracking the flight path on a map. Train journeys can be made fun through games like spotting license plates or counting cows.

Creating Lasting Memories

Bring along a camera and a travel journal to document your adventures. These tools not only capture the moment but also encourage conversation and retrospection, cementing the experience in your children’s memories. You can also involve them in planning and creating an itinerary, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility for the trip. When you look back at these memories years down the line, you’ll realize that traveling with your kids was not just about seeing the world, but also about experiencing it together and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Packing Smart

The key to successful family travel is packing efficiency. Essentials include clothes for layering, durable shoes, health and safety items, and comfort objects for younger children. Digital entertainment can also be a lifesaver during long flights or car rides.

Safety First, Fun Second

Prioritize safety by ensuring your children understand the basics of stranger danger and have contact information on them at all times. Invest in child locator devices, discuss safe behaviors in unfamiliar places, and always keep a first-aid kit handy.

Traveling with children is a rich tapestry woven from moments of joy, challenges, and invaluable learning experiences. It’s a unique journey that shapes not just the individual but the family as a whole, embedding within each member a treasure trove of memories. As you steer through the wide-eyed wonder of discovery, the laughter, and the shared stories, remember that these are the foundations of a legacy that will accompany your children throughout their lives.

Wherever your travels may take you, cherish each step and recognize that in every moment of journeying together, the world becomes a little more connected, and your family narrative a little more vibrant. Embrace the adventure, for it is within these expeditions that the essence of family unfolds.