Get to know The Kid President - Self appointed voice of a generation

Our nation is led by a man globally considered the most intelligent and charismatic world leader of the century. Highly recognizable and admired by many, we all know President Barack Obama. But have you had the pleasure of being acquainted with the pint sized, self appointed POTUS? Meet Robbie Novak, aka Kid President - the HKIC (Head Kid In Charge). 

Since late 2012 Kid President and his team www.soulpancake.com, a group of viral video virtuosos, have started a blog and posted a series of inspirational videos on a mission to "make the world less boring". The ten year old hailing from Henderson, TX has become a YouTube sensation. There is no denying the lovable comedian and motivational speaker. From his tiny oval office he reminds us of the candid wisdom found in children's observations of the world. His age appropriate outbursts ("Not cool Robert Frost!") resonate with messages that can motivate all those who are young at heart from ages 2 to 102. Visit his blog at www.kidpresident.com/

Adding impact to his mission to inspire, Robbie was born with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "Brittle Bone syndrome". Yet, his spirit is unbreakable and optimism shines through in every address. He is the son of David, Freed-Hardeman University staff member, and Laurie Novak. The videos are produced by Robbie's uncle, Brad Montague, who directs the university’s efforts in social media. Take 3 minutes and do yourself a service. Watch my favorite, his breakout video, below. 

A Pep Talk from Kid President to You

All hail the child chief! Let's rally around this young man on his quest to follow "the road that leads to awesome".  Just this week President Obama asked Kid President to help spread the word about the lottery for tickets to the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Check it out and register before February 25, 2013 at 10am. 

PolitiKids: Introducing your Children to the Political Process

As election day approaches, eligible voters across the United States will head to the polls to cast their votes in the federal, state and local races. I've been actively engaged in keeping up with this year's tumultuous presidential election and simply by proximity my kids have gotten interested. I'm my family's resident political analyst, flooding my social media timelines with opinions and funny memes. I look forward to debates like my husband does Manchester soccer matches. Even though they're little, both under 5, I think it's important to introduce them to the political process, especially concepts of social justice and the knowledge that their voice matters. This week I'm sharing a few tips on how to raise pint sized politicos!

1. Start with the basics: Define terms.
What is an election? How do you vote? Why is it important?
If possible, try to keep your own divisive ideologies out of it. For kids younger than middle school age I don't think you need to address party affiliation. Explain what a President does. Governor, Mayor, State Representative, Congressperson, etc. My Kindergartener has been memorizing the 44 POTUS' since he was three. We have a cool place mat that helps him have fun with it. Make a local connection. Perhaps you'll speak more about figures that hail from your home state. Being in Illinois we talk a lot about Lincoln and Obama.

2. Stress the importance of equality
Explain that all votes matter. Save the electoral college discussion for later. Whether you are male or female, no matter your age, level of education or ethnicity help your child understand that being politically aware and active is their civic duty. Beware of using gender specific language. Just because we have yet to elect a female or Latino president tell your child it is possible - they may even become the first.

3. Skip the Cynicism 
Political opinions are often polarizing and controversial. Nix the sensationalizing and table the cynicism. We want to teach our children from a position that is unjaded. Politics, values and personal philosophies are certainly interwoven, but we must start with basic understanding. Liberals, Moderates and Conservatives alike believe in the principles of freedom and justice for all. Introduce a sense of democracy to your children in it's purest form. Treasure the innocent way they view the world and support their belief in fairness.

4. Lead by example
As their primary role models we must "show" more than we "say". Discuss domestic and foreign affairs with adults in the presence of your children; let them learn that it's OK to respectfully disagree with friends and family. Become involved with the school board, participate in neighborhood planning or volunteer for your candidate of choice. Take them to vote with you if possible. Let them admire the scores of citizens who participate. The idea is to demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the world around them; by getting involved they can impact their environment in a positive way.

5. Student Government and Extracurriculars
When the time comes, talk to your child about running for a student council post. This can give them an opportunity to truly understand what if means to be an elected official. Of course, some will win and other will lose. Teach them that this is simply a part of life. Whether or not they are the victor,  encourage them to demonstrate leadership everyday in classrooms, on the playground and after school clubs. This is a lesson in valuing their influence and using it to benefit others.

Happy Birthday President Barack Obama! 10 Things You Might Not Know About Our Powerful and Polished POTUS!

Today our Commander-in-chief, Barack Hussein Obama, celebrates his 51st birthday. The charismatic 44th President of the United States made history in 2008 by being the first African American man elected to take the Oval Office. With his radiant wife Michelle by his side, President Obama has become a political figure and family man that many admire. He has continued his long list of achievements over the last four years, becoming one of the most popular and highly recognizable leaders around the globe. Aside from his international endeavors he is a symbol of hope, diversity and progress in our nation. 


How well do you know Sasha and Malia's Dad? To celebrate his special day I'm sharing 10 interesting facts about President Obama. 


10. He says his favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are.” 


*That's a ShoMommy favorite too, check out an old post to celebrate the author Maurice Sendak http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/05/beyond-where-wild-things-are.html


9. His first date with wife, Michelle Obama, was to the movie “Do The Right Thing.”   



*ShoMommy loves the smart, stylish, rising icon "Chelly O". We shared little known facts about our favorite first lady for her birthday. Read the old post at: http://mommymorphosis.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-birthday-mrs-michelle-obama-10.html

8. His favorite show is HBOs “The Wire.”

7.  He kept a pet ape called Tata while in Indonesia.


6. He has his hair cut once a week by his Chicago barber, Zariff, for $21

5. He was known as “O’Bomber” at high school for his jump shot skills at basketball. He has weekly games at the White House court. 

4. He owns a pair of boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali.



3. His father grew up herding goats, then went on to attend Harvard University. In 1991 Barack graduated 
Harvard Law School where he was president of the Law 
Review.

2. He wrote a children’s book “Of Thee I Sing.”


1. His name means blessed by God in Swahili.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT!!!