On today’s episode, we’re diving into the tradition of celebrating the 100th Day of School with a controversial activity: dressing up as "old people." While meant to be fun, could this practice unintentionally teach kids to mock rather than respect older generations? We explore how this tradition may be insensitive to families and staff who have elderly relatives facing aging-related challenges. Dressing up as exaggerated versions of older adults can inadvertently promote negative stereotypes and bias, reinforcing the idea that aging equals weakness. Tune in as we discuss why it’s time to rethink how we celebrate this milestone, and find ways to honor the elderly with dignity and respect instead of caricaturing them. Let’s make sure we’re teaching kids to embrace aging as something to celebrate, not mock.

Key Topics:

1. Why the 100th Day of School may be hurtful to families with older adults or those with disabilities.
2. How these dress-up traditions could inadvertently teach kids to mock instead of celebrate longevity.
3. Addressing age-based biases and fostering positive perceptions of aging in kids.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for a more respectful approach to honoring the older generation.

🔗 Listen now and connect with me: 📩 Website: valueofwrinkles.com  📸 Instagram: @thevalueofwrinkles

Grab a FREE mission from the Grandkid Investigator Kit at valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

#100thDayOfSchool #AgingWithDignity #EndAgeism #CelebrateAging #RespectForAllAges #InclusiveEducation #DisabilityAwareness #AgeBias #TeachingRespect #SchoolTraditions #OlderAdultsMatter

In this special episode, we’re celebrating my mom’s 75th birthday by sharing her incredible story. My mom has lived through challenges, immigration, and poverty, yet her journey is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude. Hear a heartfelt recording of her sharing her story—one that reminds us all how understanding our family’s past helps us appreciate our own story even more.

Plus, I’m excited to share an update on the Grandkid Investigator Kit—a tool designed to spark meaningful conversations between grandparents and grandkids. Hear how families are using it to build deeper connections!

If you or someone you love has experienced the struggles of starting over, adjusting to a new culture, or overcoming hardships, this episode is for you. Listen in, be encouraged, and don’t forget to share this story with someone who needs it!

🔗 Listen now and connect with me: 📩 Website: valueofwrinkles.com  📸 Instagram: @thevalueofwrinkles

Grab a FREE mission from the Grandkid Investigator Kit at valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

#FamilyStories #AgingWithPurpose #GrandkidInvestigator #AsianAmerican #ImmigrantStories #Resilience #GrandparentsMatter

The Grandkid Investigator Kit is the perfect gift for grandparents and grandchildren alike! Today I'm sharing how this intergenerational activity is being used to help grandkids connect with their grandparents in a simple and FUN way! Learn what The Value of Wrinkles is doing to support nonprofits and how you bring more GOOD into the world through buying the Grandkid Investigator Kit. I'm also sharing the special perks for those who purchase the kit from Feb 1-9th! Highlights What I'm doing to support a nonprofit this month  If you purchase the kit between Feb 1-9th, you'll be invited to a special LIVE Zoom session for a Q+A so you can get help using kit right away! 30% of sales between Feb 1-9 will be donated to the Caregiving Support Network!  What does the Caregiving Support Network do and why did I choose them? Resources Mentioned Faith Community Monthly Meetups - Join with other Christians/ministry leaders who want to support caregivers/older adults in their congregations. Register at https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/churchworkshops. Link to my interview on Good Morning Washington where I got to talk about the Grandkid Investigator Kit! Buy the Grandkid Investigator Kit and support the Caregiving Support Network too! Learn about the Caregiving Support Network. Let's connect    sign up for my newsletter  |  find me on instagram  |  check out my facebook page |  contact meLooking for more?    grab my book The Value of Wrinkles  |  explore the store

You may visit your parent/grandparents during the holidays, but here's why visiting in January matters! Website: valueofwrinkles.com Sign up for my newsletter: valueofwrinkles.com/signup Instagram: @isabelctom

It's been a few months since the last episode. That's because I've been working behind the scenes on some exciting projects.

Follow along and let's connect in 2024!

Today I'm breaking out the Bible and using the Discovery Bible Method to break down 1 Timothy 5:4 and why it's important to share particularly with youth groups/teens/young adults. If you're a pastor, preacher, youth pastor or ministry leader, listen to this episode to hear what the Bible instructs us to do in regard to grandparents.

Shownotes available at ⁠valuefowrinkles.com/listen⁠.

Resources mentioned:

• Grand Monday Nights - YouTube (Subscribe, LIKE and Share these videos!)

Intro done by Barb Lorenz, Host of Grand Monday Nights with The Legacy

In this episode, we'll explore meaningful ways to honor and celebrate Grandparents Day within your faith community. In this episode, Isabel will guide you through three simple steps you can use to create a special and heartwarming Grandparents Day celebration that truly shows your appreciation for the older generation. Prayer and gift ideas included!

Highlights: 

• We'll talk about the topic of celebrating Grandparents Day in faith communities.
• The lack of focus on honoring grandparents' in churches.
• The growing importance of honoring grandparents due to increased life expectancy.
• Get three simple steps on how to celebrate grandparents in your church.

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 63: How to Deal with Parents Who are Really Difficult?

• Read 1 Timothy 5:4.
• Two gift ideas for grandparents - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/store

Shownotes available at ⁠⁠⁠valuefowrinkles.com/listen⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by: Bobbie Kogok, grandmother, illustrator/author of Rocky the Christmas Owl and more, ⁠bkpenandpaint.com⁠.

Book: ⁠⁠⁠The Value of Wrinkles ⁠⁠⁠

Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠valueofwrinkles.com/signup⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: @isabelctom 

How do deal with aging parents who are difficult, challenging, sometimes stubborn and resistant? Dealing with elderly family members who are difficult can leave you as an adult child or grandchild stressed and frustrated. Listen to today's episode to get three tips on how to care for "difficult" family members.

Highlights: 

• 3 things to remember when you have "difficult parents"
• Not think of them as a "difficult person"
• It will take longer and more energy to care for someone who is challenging. The video I have below will help.

Resources mentioned:

• The Silver Post (intro done by the founder) The Silver Post coupon code for $5 off the annual subscription - Go to https://www.hello.thesilverpost.com/ and use this code on an annual subscription. This is a super fun and easy way to connect with family especially if you're busy.  
• Podcast episode from Montgomery Hospice Center for Learning, "Working with Challenging Families" with social worker Lisa Frank

• FREE video from the Prepare to Care course. Show this video to your aging parents/older loved ones - ⁠valueofwrinkles.com/talk⁠ (also available in Mandarin now!)

Shownotes available at ⁠⁠valuefowrinkles.com/listen⁠⁠.

Intro by: Carolyn Dalle-Molle, Co-founder of The Silver Post

Book: ⁠⁠The Value of Wrinkles ⁠⁠

Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠valueofwrinkles.com/signup⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: @isabelctom 

Today I'm sharing why I've been shy about talking about my digital course, even though I'm the most passionate about it. The Prepare to Care digital course is a course that supports caregivers and even those who are not yet caregivers but want to love and honor their elders well.

Highlights: 

• The type of Instagram posts I love reading and following 
• Why I'm rarely share my digital course when I should be sharing it more
• Doctors and the type of doctors you want
• The bad news I bring
• Why you're probably fearful about talking with your older loved ones about certain things
• Have the tough talks

Resources mentioned:

• #bujo #outfitideas 
• FREE video from the Prepare to Care course. Show this video to your aging parents/older loved ones - valueofwrinkles.com/talk 
• This is available in Mandarin thanks to my friend Xiu-Hong.

Shownotes available at ⁠valuefowrinkles.com/listen⁠.

Book: ⁠The Value of Wrinkles ⁠

Sign up for my newsletter: ⁠⁠valueofwrinkles.com/signup⁠⁠

Instagram: @isabelctom 

Today I'm sharing a great intergenerational resource for homeschool moms who want to connect their kids with grandparents. This resource called the Family Resource Guide by Rhondalyn Richardson can be used as part of your homeschool curriculum Rhondalyn, a homeschool mom, uses her Family Worship Guides to help families study the history and Scripture behind famous hymns. She includes fun and engaging activities for the kids and the hymns are sure to be a winner with Christian grandparents. Listen to today's episode to see how this resource can be an effective way to help your children connect with their grandparents.

Shownotes available at valuefowrinkles.com/listen.

Resources mentioned:

• The Solid Rock Family Worship Guide (28 Devotions), $12
• How Great Thou Art Family Worship Guide (28 Devotions), $12

• Episode 58 (Behind the Scenes): Grandkid Investigator Camp
• The Inspired Business Sales Funnel Club- This is the Christian business group that I am a part of. If you'd like to learn more or join, visit HERE. (This is an affiliate link. When you join, it will allow me to get a small commission to support my small business. Thank you!)
• Fill-in-the-blanks Fun (My Childhood Home Edition), $4.97

Today's intro: Agent Brock Mooch from the 2023 Grandkid Investigator team