September has things to learn outside of school

Just as September is the month for heading back to school, it also holds another title — Childrens’ Good Manners Month.

Wishful thinking on the part of teachers everywhere, I imagine.

While some students might be anxious to get back in the classroom, others may be disappointed that their summer has ended.

Get the kids excited about September by introducing some holidays they may not have known existed. It shouldn’t be hard to develop some enthusiasm — after all, the first week of the month is International Enthusiasm Week.

Sept. 1, today, is a Saturday so your children shouldn’t be in class, but that’s doesn’t mean they can’t continue learning.

Today is National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day. Celebrate by challenging your kids to a contest: the winner is whoever comes up with the longest list of words that don’t rhyme. The loser has to wear a chicken suit for the rest of the day.

Yes, Sept. 1 is also Chicken Boy’s Day.

No chicken suit lying around the house from last Halloween? Loser has to cook supper instead, and the menu is chicken.

Apparently the birds are extra delicious this time of year because sales are promoted heavily during National Chicken Month.

Along with its chicken title, September holds dozens of interesting titles. Happy Cat Month, Shameless Promotion Month and Subliminal Communications Month are just a few ways to refer to September.

Also, don’t forget all of the foods that are celebrated for the next 30 days. The month brings extra attention to chili peppers, figs, low-cholesterol and low-fat pizza, honey, mushrooms, rice, prime beef, passion fruit, peaches, peas, radishes and whole grains, among others.

Hungry yet?

Well, come Sept. 13 its time for you to sit back and let someone else do the cooking. Recognize a holiday your children will love by letting them make a meal for the family on Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day.

Just remember one thing: You may not want to tell them about the specific foods distinguished this month or you could end up eating passion fruit pizza with a side of honey-dipped radishes.

Thankfully, not all of the food celebrated in September is quite so unappealing. There’s a fair mix of healthful and not-so-healthful snacks featured on various days.

Get a little bit of protein in your body Sept. 7 for Salami Day and Sept. 13 for National Peanut Day.

Allergic to peanuts? There are a couple of other snacks recognized on Sept. 13 and 14 as well. Granted, both are severely lacking in nutritional value.

Take your pick between sweet and extremely sweet as you decide to celebrate either International Chocolate Day on the 13th or National Cream-filled Donut Day on the 14th.

If you can’t bring yourself to risk a sugar coma, skip those celebrations and save room for a healthier treat on Sept. 15 during International Eat an Apple Day.

With your stomach satisfied, you can focus on some others types of holidays in September.

Talk Like a Pirate Day is Sept. 19. That one is pretty self-explanatory, eh, matey?

Acknowledgement should be given to a few other days that are built around everyday topics a person may not normally honor.

Sept. 22 can bring you closer to animals as you recognize Elephant Appreciation Day. Punctuation Day is celebrated Sept. 24, National One-Hit Wonder Day follows on the 25th and Love Note Day takes over Sept. 28.

Though they may be quirky, you can no doubt find unique ways to celebrate them.

Tags: lifestyle, social