How to Encourage Creativity in Your Kids
Dream, Create, Giggle

(This article was seen in newspapers across the country)

Laguna Beach, California (June 27, 2003) All children have some type of inner gift. Whether it is drawing, writing, making people laugh, or some thing else, child psychologists say it is the parents' job to nurture that talent as soon as it is recognized.

"Being encouraged to do something they like, and praised when they do it well helps with self esteem, which is one of the building blocks of success later in life," says Kristi Stoll, co-owner of PlanetGiggle, an online company with resources that encourage kids to find their inner gifts and talents. Stoll and business partner, Gidget Clayton, have made it their missions in life to encourage others to follow their dreams. Both left the corporate world after deciding to do just that.

"My dream, for a long time, has been to create a world of people who know that life is meant to be fun and full of laughter," says Stoll. "Last summer, Gidget and I packed up all our stuff and took an RV across the country seeking out kids with inspirational stories everyone should hear. We're in the process of writing a book called "KidVision," and have posted portions of the stories online already, along with resources we have found for helping other kids achieve their goals."

Stoll credits her parents with helping her achieve her dream. "They taught me I could do anything I wanted to do and that nothing stood in my way," says Stoll. To help other parents lead their children down paths that will help them develop their inner gifts, Stoll and Clayton have come up with some thought provoking, creativity building activities they can try.

* Host an Art Contest Party

If your child enjoys coloring or drawing, you may want to host an art contest party. Gather all the pens, pencils, crayons, markers, paint and paper you can find in the house, or go out and buy supplies, such as PlanetGiggle's Artist Dream Box. It includes an assortment of acrylic paints, brushes, canvasses, pencils, drawing paper and a journal.

Once you have your supplies on hand, come up with a theme. Have the kids design a piece of artwork that fits that theme, using any format they choose. To make the contest enjoyable for all the participants, make sure each drawing receives a prize, such as most abstract work, most lifelike work, or most colorful piece of artwork.

* Treasure Hunt

To encourage your kids to explore the world around them, parents can initiate a treasure hunt. "Make it exciting for them," says Clayton. "Send them outside in search of a particular kind of leaf, a pine cone, lady bug or butterfly. They'll have just as much fun finding all those things as they will studying them when they get back." On a rainy day, the game can be played inside. Stoll says you can send the kids in search of socks, paper clips, or a particular book, but don't feel limited to just those kinds of things. Be creative.

* Host a Story Writing Party

If your child enjoys writing, encourage them to invite friends over, and have a story writing party. Pass out blank books to each person with as many pages as you have people. Set a timer for ten minutes and have the kids start writing. After ten minutes, have them pass the book to the person sitting to their right, and reset the timer for another ten minutes. Keep doing it until everyone at the party has had a chance to write a page in each of the books; then hand them back to the person who started the story and let them see what their idea evolved into.

"They'll have to play off each other, which naturally encourages creativity," says Clayton. Parents can make the experience even more enjoyable by providing their kids with fancy paper and writing instruments, which they can find for purchase on PlanetGiggle's Web site.

* Perspective - How Do You View the World Differently Than Others?

To open your kids' eyes to the differing views around them, have them play interviewer for the day. For this game, have them write down their answers the following questions, then go out ask the same questions of five other people:

What is your dream? What is your biggest fear? Name two people you admire most and why. Name two places outside the United States where you would most like to visit and why. Name three famous people -- living or dead -- you would want to meet and why. Do you like your school? Why or why not?

After they have interviewed all five people, look over all of the answers, and talk about how they differ from one another and from yours. For another way to explore the concept of differing perspectives, log onto www.planetgiggle.com/illusion/htm and have your child try out the ten optical illusions posted online, then get five friends to tell them what they see.

* Community Service Day

For kids who always seem to be stepping in to help others, seek out a community project that will be of benefit to your neighbors. "A good way to get the ball started is to call all the kids in your neighborhood and invite them over for a planning party," says Stoll.

Chances are good one of the kids who comes to the party will know of an elderly neighbor who needs help painting their house, or of a vacant lot that needs sprucing up. Once you come up with a project, pick a date everyone agrees upon, then come up with up a list of everything you'll need to get the job done. Have the participants pledge to bring at least one of the supplies so expenses won't get too out of hand.

After the project is done, write up a story about your experience and submit it to your local newspaper. You can also submit it to PlanetGiggle.com.

* Have a Giggle Party

And remember, laughter is the best medicine, so when people are feeling down, hold an impromptu party where the guest of honor is laughter. Stoll says you can invite as many people as you want, and ask each of them to bring along something they think is funny. "Once everyone has arrived," she says, "have them sit in a circle so they can see each other, and then start by having the host stand up and make the silliest face they can think of. Continue around the circle until all of the guests have also had a turn, then have everyone show off the funny thing they brought to the party."

During the party, hand out smiley face stickers, sit down on a whoppie cushion, or spray silly string into the air, all items available in the PlanetGiggle Giggle box, which you can buy online. "Do whatever it takes to set the mood. Happiness is what makes life so fun," says Stoll.

You can log on to www.planetgiggle.com or call 310-864-5806 for more creative ideas and kits for projects, laughter, creativity, and dreams.

PlanetGiggle.com Announces
BIG Art Contest
For Kids!

PlanetGiggle.com just launched their BEST-EVER CONTEST! Kids around the country are invited to try their hand at creating an inspirational cover for PlanetGiggle's upcoming book to win prizes any aspiring artist would dream of.

Laguna Beach, California (May 12, 2003) -- PlanetGiggle.com launches their “Design KidVision’s Book Cover Contest." What is KidVision? KidVision is a book about inspirational Kids across the country who are changing the world with their creations and dreams. And what better way to package this Kid's book than with a magical cover created by another inspirational kid.

“We are fired up about the response we have had from kids, parents, companies, and teachers alike. This is an incredible contest and opportunity for any young artist!” states Gidget Clayton and Kristi Stoll, PlanetGiggle’s founders.

The "Design KidVision’s Book Cover Contest" is for kids 19 years and younger. The entries can be from any number of mediums such as pencil, paint, chalk or digital art. The theme is "Anything Is Possible". The winner will be chosen from inspiration, not perfection. Contest ends June 6th. For official rules please visit www.PlanetGiggle.com/contest.htm.

“We want to encourage the kids to be creative, to have fun, and to use whichever artistic medium that comes most natural to them.” says Clayton.

Prizes for this contest include: the winner's art work on the cover of KidVision with their picture and short bio, a 6 month apprenticeship with an illustrator, an electronic tablet (that can be used to draw or paint with a computer) and $100 worth of art supplies!

Whether or not the contest is your bag, PlanetGiggle.com invites you to stop by and take a look around. From suggestions for where to look when seeking out your dream, to discussions about life choices, coloring outside the lines, and uncovering creativity and perspective. You, too, will be inspired to live your dream!

Parents don’t feel left out. They offer an array of activities and resources geared toward helping you, help your Kids live their highest dreams. At PlanetGiggle.com we believe that parents are Kids' first links to finding their inner gift; PlanetGiggle.com is their second.

"Our goal is to give our visitors an opportunity to explore their interests and creativity in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. PlanetGiggle.com is a place where visitors are encouraged to express their brilliance!" said Stoll.

To find out more about KidVision and PlanetGiggle.com, listed are key pages:

Home page: www.PlanetGiggle.com
Sneak peek of KidVision: www.PlanetGiggle.com/kidvision.htm
Parents’ page: www.PlanetGiggle.com/parents.htm
Contest page: www.PlanetGiggle.com/contest.htm

PlanetGiggle.com is an online company that creates products and resources to encourage Kids to find their inner gifts and talents; to inspire Kids of all ages to live their dreams. ###

Timely Site Launch Delivers Inspiration,
Hope and Dreams for Kids!
www.PlanetGiggle.com

PlanetGiggle.com was born out of ever important questions that more and more people are
asking these days, like Why am I here?, What are my gifts?, and How do I live out my dream? PlanetGiggle.com encourages people to live out their dreams, and also provides
the resources to do so.

Laguna Beach, California (--March 19, 2003--)
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you had followed your dream? Have you ever wished there was somewhere you could go to be encouraged and supported to discover your talents? Well, PlanetGiggle.com just launched a new website where you can do just that.

"Even in times like these, kids will be kids. Our goal is to give our visitors an opportunity to explore their interests and creativity in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. PlanetGiggle.com is a place where visitors are encouraged to express their brilliance!" said Gidget Clayton and Kristi Stoll, PlanetGiggle's founders.

WHAT IS PLANETGIGGLE.COM
We've all heard the phrase DREAM BIG, but what does that really mean? Are dreams really possible? At PlanetGiggle.com, you can explore these possibilities and learn about yourself and your talents as you go. PlanetGiggle.com not only encourages you to live out your dream, it also provides resources for how to go about it.

Some of the motivational topics that it includes are: suggestions for where to look and who to ask when seeking out your dream; discussions about life and life choices, learning to think outside the box, uncovering creativity and perspective, activities to print out to try at home, plus much more!

Along with these messages, they have created assorted themed gift boxes specially designed to give you the tools you need to get started. And, along with each gift box you receive a "How to" card with numerous suggestions and ideas on where to find help if needed. PlanetGiggle.com truly is
a one stop shop for discovering and exploring your talents and dreams!

WHY PLANETGIGGLE.COM?
PlanetGiggle.com was born out of these ever important questions that more and more people are asking these days, "Why am I here?", "What are my gifts?", and "How do I live out my dream?" The Founders', Gidget Clayton and Kristi Stoll, goal is to provide examples, material, and motivation to Kids all over the world who are looking for answers, ideas, and inspiration on these topics.
PlanetGiggle.com is created for Kids, but people of all ages can benefit from the inspiring messages PlanetGiggle.com offers.

A GREAT RESOURCE FOR KIDS AND PARENTS!
Parents, it's never too late! Stop by and get inspired to rediscover YOUR dream! Learn how to get in touch with your own creative spirit, or find some ideas to help encourage your kids' ideas and dreams. Be sure to stop by the Giggle Gear shop to equip your young artists with all the tools they need to get started!

"Kids today are smart. They know at an earlier age what they want and what they want to do with their lives. We hope to provide an environment where that is nurtured", said Stoll.

Be on the LOOK OUT for PlanetGiggle.com's exciting upcoming projects and contests. KidVision, an inspirational book based on interviews with kids across the country that are already living their dream, is expected to be released soon.

"KidVision is a project we are very excited about. It celebrates young dreamers who teach courage to be anything, most of all oneself. We want kids to know they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. No matter what is going on socially, politically or economically in our country, it is important to continue to encourage kids to reach for the stars," said Clayton.

For more information or to discover for yourself what dreams are made of, visit www.PlanetGiggle.com.

PlanetGiggle.com is on-line company creating self-empowering tools and resources that are fun and educational. The company celebrates the talents we each bring to this world. In addition to KidVision, Clayton and Stoll are currently working on several projects including inner-journey, interactive CD-ROMs and inspirational picture books.

PlanetGiggle.com - making life FUN!

###