• Books
  • Articles
  • Podcast
  • Kari
  • Speaking
  • Video & Press
  • Kari’s Viral Posts
  • Columns
  • Connect

Join Kari’s email list and enjoy free printables

Join 20,000+ parents now!

Featured on the TODAY Show as a top parenting blogger

Posted by dataperk on August 23, 2017

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Subscribe to Blog via Email.

0 Comments

  • Kari on Instagram

    A friend of ours who works with very successful bu A friend of ours who works with very successful businesses once asked CEOs what they want most in employees. The common answer? They all want enjoyable people who their employees like working with. People who elevate the company culture through a great personality, attitude, work ethic, etc. As AI takes over more and more jobs, just being a great person with strong character and soft skills (like people skills & social intelligence) could give our kids a real leg up in areas where robots can never compete. New on my Substack, for paid subscribers, is an article about soft skills that any child can develop - and that matter significantly in the real world. Comment below and I’ll message you the link, or find the link in my bio.
    Paris, you were a dream! We already want to come b Paris, you were a dream! We already want to come back🇫🇷 There were many highlights from our first visit, and I’m noting some for my future recall: taking a sidecar tour through the city, seeing unbelievable architecture and famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Galeries Lafayette on this trip), visiting Montmarche (includes the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, a great artist market, and an iconic pink house), strolling through Saint-Germain and grabbing lunch at Cafe de Flore, making macaroons, shopping, and ending with dinner at Girafe. I also loved watching Ella practice her French with the locals (they loved it, and Mr. Binet would be so proud), having a taxi driver who showed unreasonable hospitality by stopping to buy us chocolate croissants 🥐, chasing Ella in my heels as she chased down a taxi where she’d left her phone🙃, and enjoying special mother/daughter time before Ella and Maddie start their summer semester. The energy and optimism of youth are just good for the soul!! Thank you again to @kathrynlaneburns travel for planning such a fun trip. I’m going into Mother’s Day with memories I’ll forever treasure with the girl who made me a mom❤️
    First trip to the UK, and already I miss those bea First trip to the UK, and already I miss those beautiful accents, warm smiles, and great personalities!🇬🇧 Getting this time with Ella and her precious classmate Maddie and her awesome mom Aly in between school semesters was a gift I’ll always treasure. Highlights include a fabulous tour of St. James Park, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Changing of the Guard; Tower of London and Crown Jewels; lunch at Sketch, Tea at the Ritz, Harrod’s, Knotting Hill, Big Ben, Fortnum & Mason, and taking the Eurostar. We stayed at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, which was fantastic, and I highly recommend it as well as Kathryn Burns Travel @kathrynlaneburns who planned our trip and handled all the logistics. Big thank you to Kathryn and her team!!
    Sophie is officially a senior at Alabama! We’ve ha Sophie is officially a senior at Alabama! We’ve had so much fun watching her enjoy our alma mater with her sweet friends and love it as much as we do❤️ Very excited that we will have her home this summer too!!
    Freshman year in the books for our Marie Claire🧡💙 Freshman year in the books for our Marie Claire🧡💙 It flew by, and I can’t believe it’s over. Thank you, Auburn, for so many great memories, friendships, and experiences. We’re so happy she’ll be home this summer - we’ve missed that smile and laugh!
    One of the best life skills your daughter (or son) One of the best life skills your daughter (or son) can master is the Art of the Invitation. In fact, as they grow up and enter new situations, it’s essential to have this skill that will help them find friends and build community. The best relationships always consist of two Givers. And learning to be the blessing - rather than always expecting to receive a blessing - makes a person stand out. It attracts friends who do the same. On my Substack, for paid subscribers, is advice to share with your child on how to be proactive in extending invitations. Comment ART and I’ll message you the link🤍
    Started the day right at Mountain Brook’s First Pr Started the day right at Mountain Brook’s First Priority! Watching 100+ teenagers worship together, before the first school bell ever rings, is good for the soul and a solid reminder that God moving powerfully through Gen Z and preparing them for great things. A big thanks to Ellie and Lulu Gribbin for inviting me to share a word🤍 When these two were little, they always caught my eye as I drove morning carpool at MBE, as they were the most adorable twins I’d ever seen, and to see them now as beautiful young ladies and rising seniors at Mountain Brook High School makes me so happy. I always tell teens “Use your power and influence for good” and that’s exactly what they’re doing. They give the absolute best hugs, and they’re elevating the entire school culture alongside their friends and classmates. So thankful that my youngest child reaps the benefit of their example!
    Ella has officially finished year one of UAB’s Occ Ella has officially finished year one of UAB’s Occupational Therapy program!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 She started grad school two days after college graduation, and I worried about her not having a break, but from day one, she has raved about her professors, her classmates, and the curriculum. I’ve been so impressed by @uab_ot and highly recommend this program! From the speakers they bring in to the lessons they teach (everything from neurology to helping someone balance a checkbook) to the way these teachers encourage/cheer for their students, this program has surpassed my expectations. OT’s goal is to add meaning and purpose to someone’s life, and I love how it entails both proven strategies and understanding the deepest desires of the human heart. Year one of post-grad has also been a season of engagements. Ella’s best friend since 7th grade, Grayson, just got engaged, 3 of her awesome roommates are engaged, and her friend Virginia is now married❤️ After attending so many funerals in my 40’s, it is pure joy to have fun things to celebrate again in my 50s. Cheers to new beginnings, new life, and watching kids grow up and become delightful young adults!!
    Proud of our Camille, who received the Rhodes Coll Proud of our Camille, who received the Rhodes College Book Award at MBHS Honors Day for service, leadership, and helping others. Her sweet friend Zayna got the Katie Sanfelippo Memorial Award for Outstanding Sophomore Girl, so it was fun to celebrate them together!
    Follow on Instagram

  • ©2025 Kari Kampakis. All Rights Reserved.
    Designed and Built by DataPerk

Join 20,000+ parents in my email community!

 

You’ll hear Kari’s news first + get meaningful content and printables.
Join now and receive 3 free downloads.

 

Sign me up!