December 2025 Newsletter
How the Art of Giving Shapes Learning and Balance
This is the season when life brings us all together in a clatter of chaos and love culminating in both exhaustion and happiness. We know you are constantly on this merry go round and trying to fit everything in. However, how does education really fit into this algorithm? As educational consultants we are just like the rest of the world, trying to find the balance between helping others, supporting our own families, planning for the holidays and still trying to make time for ourselves in between the layers of the day.
What is giving?
There can be many meanings to “giving.” To us, it is the mindset that we implement as parents to help our children learn, build friendships, facilitate empathy and build responsibility while learning to exist with others and develop friendships.
- Giving can build cooperation skills.
- Giving can encourage responsibility by allowing our children to take ownership or even accept the consequences of their actions.
- Giving can spark creativity and problem solving.
- Giving can grow confidence and leadership.
- Giving and leadership are important words that work together.
During this holiday time, whether in school or out of school, families build connections with others. Lowering your stress level will also lower the stress level of your children. Do things that encourage kindness, togetherness and enhance communication. Make a plan to help others this year through buying gifts for a family in need, cleaning out an area in your home and giving unwanted items to others, empty piggy banks and turn those cents into dollars to donate. Even helping another friend with a project or spending time with your friends and family is ‘giving’. Teach how the art of giving is also giving back to the community.
Through you, a child learns. If you teach a child about giving gifts or kindness to others, your child will learn to collaborate better, be more empathetic to others and create more meaningful relationships. As parents you teach by example. This is education.
Find the balance between teaching, not preaching. By doing, not demanding. By talking and discussing, not ordering. If you take that extra minute to give, whether it is 1 minute more of listening, or giving words of encouragement when someone needs that extra support you are educating and teaching all at the same time.
Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead:
As we close the year on 2025, reflect on what you and your family have accomplished. Did you surpass your goals? What new things were added and what did you learn about yourself and your children? Look where they are today and how fast they grow. Reflect on your children and how they impact you. We often get caught up in the small things, the hurdles and the daily obstacles. It is hard to strike the balance when the scale looks like it is tipping. Blend your life with purpose and what is important to you.
Our team values giving back to the community and we’ve included some of our favorite non profit organizations:
Fontaine- Crossroads Ministry, The Boyce L. Ansley School
Barbara – Skyland Trail, Odyssey, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Betsy- Amor y Esperanza, Hope Heals, Light from Light
Margo- Agape, Be the Bridge, World Relief
We are proud to call you our family. So many of you have learned the art of balance in blending education and giving. We have helped you, counseled you and continue to be friends with you.
If you need a consultant, please call us and we can arrange a time to help you or your friends with educational questions and needs. The school process is a balance too. Happy New Year too!
We believe in you! We are thankful for you,
Barbara, Betsy, Fontaine and Margo