Cinco de Mayo means fifth of May. It is important for one area of Mexico, and has become a fun American tradition to celebrate. Here is information about the holiday and many ways we can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with teens.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
History
Originally celebrated for the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, this holiday is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. It started in Puebla where this unlikely victory occurred, and has spread as a fun excuse to celebrate with parades, food and drinks.
The reason for the attack was Mexico was having trouble paying back war debts to European countries, and France had come to Mexico to collect that debt. France, at that time, was the largest military force, and they were looking to build up their empire, since they had just sold a huge portion of it to Thomas Jefferson in the Louisiana Purchase. Napoleon also wanted to have this base for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War-this might have resulted in a different outcome for the south had it not taken so long to win this war in Mexico.
France lost this particular battle, but eventually won the war after a few years. For five years, this area was until French control.
Read on for fun ideas around this holiday!
Things to know about Cinco de Mayo
It’s actually not celebrated that much in Mexico except for in the state of Puebla. A couple of things to remember when and if celebrating this holiday are: be aware of the historical significance and don’t use Spanish vocabulary inappropriately, (ie. Cinco de drinko.)
This holiday actually has been celebrated in the US since the 1860s. It started in southern California when Mexican immigrant citizens used the holiday as a way to celebrate their heritage. *This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy ishere.
Your teen can help to plan and cook
This is a fun holiday to celebrate with teens because who doesn’t love Mexican food and drinks? And, what better way to get your teen into the kitchen than food and drink for a party! So, plan a fun party for Cinco de Mayo with teens now!
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Here are some fun ideas for ways to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with teens!
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Valentine’s Day can be such a fun time for teens. Even for teens that do not have a special “other person”, giving gifts to a bestie or other friends can be fun! Finding the best Valentine’s gifts can be a lot of fun, and there are many great activities as well that I list at the bottom as well!
We encourage our boys to give gifts at least to us and their grandparents, even if it is just a card. These can mean a lot, especially if they are homemade!
Showing someone that you care is a life lesson, and there is no better time than Valentine’s Day to make sure that this happens!
Encourage your teens to reach out to someone or many someones with a message of friendship and/or love.
I put together the following list of Valentine’s gifts with help from my boys and my middle school students. These vary in price from just a few dollars up to a lot -most are really inexpensive items of less than $25. Our teens need to remember that it is the thought that counts more than anything.
*This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is here.
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt
Heart shaped box – Use these to create something beautiful to then fill with some other gift for your Valentine.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” —Booker T. Washington
Photo box explosion album -My son got one of these for Christmas from his girlfriend! It is so cute! She did say that it took some time to put together.
Some fun activities for spending time together on this special day!
•Create a Valentine tree -I think these DIY twig trees are so cute! This one is cute, too.
•Write someone love notes and/or coupons -you get to choose what to offer.
•Spend one on one time with your teens -watch movies, play games, take a walk… Here’s the link to a post my friend wrote about creating a fun day with her teenage daughter!
They are a hit at Christmas, so why not continue the fun for this season as well?
I like to think of it as anticipation for a special event! I realized how many fun advent calendars there are available! I decided that this would be a fun post, and my boys and a couple of their girlfriends helped me to find advent calendars that teens will love.?
I have gathered many of these from Etsy, but there are a few here and there from other websites. Have fun picking one out! *This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy ishere.
Advent Calendar Hearts -These are simply red paper hearts that can be connected. Made for Christmas, but would be great for a Valentine’s Day countdown (there are 25 hearts)
DIY 14 day countdown -You write the 14 things you love about your child, and then cover with scratch-off stickers (I assume they are clear underneath!). They can scratch off one each day.
Other ideas for Valentines
Send a Sugarwish! These are so fun because you can pick what you know your teen will love! Candy, cookies, popcorn, and many other options -plus you get to choose the size you send.
Advent calendars for Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. It is a great time to show our love for others. Here are some ideas for notes for your DIY advent calendars…•Bake some heart shaped cookies
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What I’m learning and loving in the month of January! I will talk about a few things that I am learning and loving in my life right now. This may include recipes, books, movies and gadgets, etc. So, here are some ideas for parents in January.
I will do this sometime during each month. (Here are October,November, and December) Let me know what you are learning and loving so that I can add that to future posts! *This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy ishere.
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Learning:
Need some proof that teens are doing good works in this day and age? We hear al the time about problems that teens get into and bad things that they do. Here are some amazing examples of positive things!
College Bound: The Ultimate List of Conversations to Help Your Teen Through High School is a down-to-earth means of addressing life after graduation.
With useful terms and outlined conversation ideas, these techniques will thoroughly prepare you for the critical discussions you and your child need to have, including plans for college. By following this convenient guide, you’ll find the information and courage you require to equip your baby to successfully leave the nest.
Movie:
Have you seen Peanut Butter Falcon? Oh my goodness! It was so great! Such great lessons about friendship, acceptance, bullying, and love. The cast is great, and it was so much fun to watch with our boys. It is rated PG-13.
Gadgets:
Have you tried this stuff? It is amazing! I have some by my bed and by the couch downstairs. I love that it is fragrance free. And, the price! Less than $7 for 16 oz. I could not survive winter without this.
Quote:
“As you step into this new year, be bold enough and daring enough to believe in the abundant good that has been prepared for you.“—Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Eligibility: Any current, full-time student at an accredited two-year or four-year American university or college is welcome to apply to the Scholarship Program. There is no age nor specified major requirement.
Requirements: There is a list of directions on the website, so please follow all directions. In order for your entry to be eligible, ALL guidelines must be met.
Award: Two gifts totaling $3000 will be awarded annually. Each semester (spring and fall), one recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship to the institution of their choice. The scholarship will be sent directly to the school’s financial aid office.
Due Date: The essay submission deadline is 12:00 midnight EST August 15th for the Fall semester and January 5th for the Spring semester.
Eligibility: The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are at least in their FINAL year of intercollegiate athletics competition.
Requirements: Student-athletes must be nominated by the institution’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or a FAR designee (preferably an individual in academics). And meet the following criteria:
Must be in final season of NCAA athletics eligibility or must have completed athletic eligibility,
Must be in final year of undergraduate academic work or received an undergraduate degree.
Have an overall undergraduate minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2
**There are other requirements -so please check out their website.
Award: The one-time non-renewable scholarships of $10,000 are awarded three times a year corresponding to each sport season (fall, winter and spring). Each sports season there are 21 scholarships available for men and 21 scholarships available for women for use in an accredited graduate program.
Due Date:
Fall sports nomination deadline: January 10, 2023; Winter sports nomination deadline: April 4, 2023; Spring sports nomination deadline: June 5, 2023
Eligibility: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Requirements: Must submit a140 character statement about technology addiction. Finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay.
Award: $1000
Due Date: January 30
Helpful term to know with teens:
Estimated family contribution—EFC -this is determined by filling out the FAFSA. It is the amount that the government thinks your family should be able to pay. Its exact definition is “a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law.” (I think we could live on rice and beans and maybe afford our EFC!)
Make sure to visit myFacebook page, and follow me onPinterestandYouTube where I share lots of helpful info for parents of tweens and teens! And, finally, if you feel like this post was helpful, please share it on your favorite social media platform! Thank you so much!❤️
Do you have tweens or teens? Here are some ideas for parents in December! I include books, movies, and timely help for parents of tweens and teens. (October and November) Let me know what you are learning and loving so that I can add that to future posts! *This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is here.
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Learning:
Do you have a high school student? Are they starting to think about college? This is such a fun time! But, beware of the price tag for college! Help your student to be more aware of what these costs will be now and in the future.
Give you student the gift of knowledge this holiday season! Student loan debt is no joke. Here are some links to articles that will give you some help when having this conversation with your student, significant other, and anyone else involved in the education of your teen.
This past year, I have learned to love the character of Maisie Dobbs.
Maisie’s intuitive gifts and helped her earn admission to the prestigious Girton College in Cambridge, where Maisie planned to complete her education -she began as a housemaid.
The outbreak of war changed everything. Maisie trained as a nurse, then left for France to serve at the Front, where she found—and lost—an important part of herself. Ten years after the Armistice, in the spring of 1929, Maisie sets out on her own as a private investigator, one who has learned that coincidences are meaningful, and truth elusive. Her very first case involves suspected infidelity but reveals something very different.
In the aftermath of the Great War, a former officer has founded a working farm known as The Retreat, that acts as a convalescent refuge for ex-soldiers too shattered to resume normal life. When Fate brings Maisie a second case involving The Retreat, she must finally confront the ghost that has haunted her for over a decade.
I loved this book and learned so much about this culture. Lakshmi is a wonderful main character!
Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…
Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.
This is a love story with a twist! I loved the woven loves of Emma’s life.
In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.
On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.
Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.
That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her.
I loved the mystical way this is written. All the characters are somehow connected, and each relationship is important to the next. As the point of view changes with each character, you learn more about their perspective
Signal Fires opens on a summer night in 1985. Three teenagers have been drinking. One of them gets behind the wheel of a car, and, in an instant, everything on Division Street changes. Each of their lives, and that of Ben Wilf, a young doctor who arrives on the scene, is shattered. For the Wilf family, the circumstances of that fatal accident will become the deepest kind of secret, one so dangerous it can never be spoken.
On Division Street, time has moved on. When the Shenkmans arrive—a young couple expecting a baby boy—it is as if the accident never happened. But when Waldo, the Shenkmans’ brilliant, lonely son who marvels at the beauty of the world and has a native ability to find connections in everything, befriends Dr. Wilf, now retired and struggling with his wife’s decline, past events come hurtling back in ways no one could ever have foreseen.
Are you looking for a great movie to watch with teens? This is it! Whenever we see that this is on, we watch it! We first all saw it at the theater, and then bought it. It has great themes such as: survival, friendship, perseverence, problem solving, and hard work. So many great lessons and conversations have taken off from this movie every time we watch it!
Gadgets:
Christmas Tree– We ordered this one from Amazon, and I am so happy with it! The price was right, and we have needed a new one for a few years. I thought that if it didn’t work, then I would just return it. Amazon is so awesome with returns!
I love the way this looks real after I fluffed it all up. This is a huge thing for me since we cannot have a real tree because of one of my boy’s allergies.
Have you seen this thing?? It can fix lights on strands or a tree! Lightkeeper Pro
Gift wrapping Station– This cart is a game-changer! You can have all your supplies right at hand with a flat surface to wrap on. My girlfriend has this, and I am jealous! This is all I want for this for Christmas!
Helpful term to know with teens:
HIPAAis a governmental term. The Health Information and Portability Accountability Act comes into action when your teen turns 18. Up until this point, you as the parent have signed the HIPAA form at all doctors visits. This includes dental, vision, and insurance information as well as primary care.
Your 18 year old will need to sign this form and list any adults who may be given information regarding their health. If you are not on that list, then you will not be privy to any of that information. (A really good description for an 18 year old to read about what the HIPAA means is here.)
I have heard horror stories about parents not being able to make medical decisions for their kids because this was not in place, so please do this for your peace of mind. *The cost of these forms is so much less than going to an attorney, which I checked into before doing this. And, talk about EASY!
Quote:
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” –Hamilton Wright Mabie
I hope that you have learned some things with these ideas for parents in December!
I would love to stay in touch!
Make sure you subscribe to my Parenting High Schoolers newsletter below for a weekly dose of love from me about surviving and thriving with teenagers. Make sure to visit myFacebook page, and follow me onPinterestandYouTube where I share lots of helpful info for parents of tweens and teens! Thank you so much!❤️
All year round, we have reasons to wrap gifts. Birthdays, holidays, babies are born, weddings, showers… The list is endless. I get tired of hunting around for all of my gift wrapping supplies, so I decided to write a post detailing all the best tools for wrapping gifts, and my reasons for including them on my list.
One more thing. Teach your kids to wrap gifts! This is a life skill. They will need to wrap gifts at some point in their lives. I taught my boys, and one year I was so glad because I got the flu and I paid one of my boys to wrap the gifts for me! So glad that he knew this skill! *This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy ishere.
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In my dream world, I would have all of these supplies gathered together and organized in one of the options below. For now, I will muddle through with scattered and random supplies that my boys are constantly hiding from me -not really, but seriously, where is my tape??
Cutting/tape for gift wrapping
Paper cutter, folder, and ribbon curler tool -This thing is nifty. My girlfriend showed me how to use it, and it’s cool. If I thought that I could keep track of it, I would order it now.
Jumbo roll of brown kraft paper -I love the look of gifts wrapped in brown paper. I have a friend who only wraps in this, and her packages always look amazing!
Personalized photo wrapping paper -I came across this in my research for this post, and seriously, this is really fun for whatever event you are wrapping for!
Gift bags -Always good to have on hand. I keep and re-use these all the time.
Gift wrap storage bag -I used to have one of these until the boys used it to slide down our stairs on it (this was back in the day. It was handy, but not made to withstand the other activity. I now have too many papers to store in this anyway.
There you go! Turn on some Christmas music or a favorite holiday movie and get busy wrapping those gifts! Even better, invite a friend over who needs to do here wrapping, and enjoy each other’s company as you tackle this task! Just make sure you know where the tape is!?
Visit myFacebook page, and follow me onPinterestandYouTube! I look forward to seeing you again! And, finally, if you feel like this post was helpful, please share it on your favorite social media platform! Thank you so much!❤️
Your parental rights change the day your child turns 18. Learn what you need to take to know for HIPAA, FERPA, POAs, and all the other changes that occur when your child becomes an "adult."
Parenting High Schoolers is now Next Phase Parenting. Your Turning 18 Checklist will come from Next Phase Parenting.
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