Silly Bandz, Parenting & the Dominican Republic

Have you heard of Silly Bandz? They are these little rubber bands that are somehow formed into shapes. You can stretch them but as soon as you let them go, they jump back into their original shape. They’re pretty cute. And apparently all the rage for kids in our area.

I went to the toy store this week to get a gift for my sponsored child in the Dominican Republic. And while I was checking out I saw about 5 moms digging through a tub looking for a certain pack of Silly Bandz. I kinda looked at them and then whispered to the cashier, “What’s up with them?!” She told me the kids were wearing them as bracelets, trading and collecting them. It’s gotten so popular that some schools are banning them during classes!

The very next day Lydia got some Silly Bandz as a gift. She was instantly smitten with them! She wore all 20 of them on her wrist and spent forever looking at each one, stretching it and laying them all out to examine.

Later that day she got in SO much trouble. She was sitting in a chair silently as a punishment and when I finally retrieved her, I took her in my arms and noticed she had taken off the heart-shaped Silly Bandz. I said, “What are you thinking about?” She showed me the heart and said, “I love Jesus.” (I promise!)

It led to a good conversation about how Jesus always loves us, even when we disobey. How I always love her even when she disobeys. She had a second heart-shaped Silly Bandz and I asked her if I could wear it. Then we both had on our heart shaped bracelets. We decided to wear them all week so we could remember that we loved each other and Jesus.

She was very happy about this because she’s been pretty sad that I’ll be in the Dominican Republic with World Vision for a whole week. She beamed at her bracelet for the rest of the day and routinely showed it to me to remind me we both had one on.

Well, lo and behold, after another meltdown this morning she accidentally broke her bracelet. She was devastated. I told her that even if she broke her bracelet and even though she broke it because she was being out of control, I still loved her. I showed her how I proudly wore my heart bracelet. She was somewhat comforted and when I decided to give her my bracelet tonight as she went to bad she smiled happily and went straight to sleep. (And by straight I mean she only called me up there two more times.)

Anyway, in the midst of all this, we thought it would be fun to give some Silly Bandz to the kids in the Dominican Republic. We bought the only ones we could find at Walgreen’s—dinosaurs and sea animals. I’m going to give them to some of the kids I meet and let them know my daughter wanted them to have the bracelet as a gift!

I’m praying as my daughter wears hers this week she’ll remember several things–that I love her, that Jesus loves her and that there are kids far far away from her that need love. Jesus’ love. I’m helping others know more about these kids by going on this trip and posting it on my blog. But I also pray my own daughter’s heart is made aware of the people of the world through this trip and through her small gift of Silly Bandz!

And just like I’ve been planning and organizing for my family to be comfortable while I’m gone, I’ve done the same for you! Leigh will be posting her fabulousness as usual. I’ve also got some AMAZING guest bloggers lined up for you. You do NOT want to miss them!

By the way, April was the BIGGEST month of traffic and visitors that Impress Your Kids has ever had! Thank you so much for being a part of our blog and community! Thank you for subscribing and reading and commenting! We are honored by you!

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ps…if you’d like to help spread the word about my trip to the Dominican Republic would you consider pasting this button on your facebook, blog or myspace? Thank you!