In our parents group, we had a HONEST CONVERSATION about how much the kids are consuming extra screen time and it was very heartening to see the responses.
I want to reach out today to everyone struggling and worrying about the same and say that it is okay.
Every thing you are doing in these uncharted waters to make things work is OKAY.
There is no need to feel sad or worry about how much extra screen time you are allowing your child. Including , classes, work outs, talking to friends etc, they are bound to get more than the usual amount of dose.
My own kids do NOT watch TV / have gadget time during week days on normal school days. But this time is different for all and everyone has different ways to cope. Even your children. Allow yourself and them the space to be GUILT FREE !
While I agree there is a severe negative impact to excessive gadget use, I do feel, self moderation and personal independence go hand in hand in teaching kids to balance technology themselves. Instead of keeping kids AWAY from technology, I think it’s more important to teach them how to BALANCE and use it as a tool towards their own success. Because the future is certainly leaning towards that…
To help your kids to SELF MODERATE and be INDEPENDENT at play during these times, it’s important to create a foundation of the same early. I have tips for that in my book. – https://amzn.to/3bMyMpJ Which is how I see many a times, my kids switch off the gadget in use by themselves and go play or find something else to do.
But first Remember, wen we talk about being judgement free, it starts with us !
In the spirit of transparency, my own kids are at 2-4 hours every day, including online classes, talking to friends, grandparents, games, school work, work outs etc
My daughter’s birthday is coming up soon. I dread to think how we are going to get through the day. Not because we had a lavish birthday planned but because it makes all this real for my kid. Which is why I am going to try to make this birthday more about memories than being inside, corona or missing friends.
My daughter loves her birthday just like her mama. We are people people. Having our friends around us makes days extra special. And I know this time now has been hard, not just because we have been home for almost 3 weeks now, but because they miss friends.
Being a person who likes to plan ahead, I have observed what people are doing online and some other ways that I can think up to make the day grand!
Remember, one of the most important things is asking for help from friends, even strangers.
An Online Birthday Event
I had done this for her 1st birthday, where I had invited my friends from all around the world and walked them through all her firsts. I think this time I will do the reverse, where I will have all my friends around the world, leave video messages in the online event and go live at a certain time to celebrate with them.
Hire a Character/Princess
There are online services that are reading/talking/celebrating with your child. If interested, leave a comment below and I will find a service that can help you.
Dance Videos
I recently got into Tik Tok and the app makes it super easy to put together short dance videos. This would be a great way to celebrate.
She doesn’t want for much, but she has certain likes. I think this year, I may put to my friends a list of books that she would love to have. We have lot of book lists on this site if you don’t have an idea of what books to ask for. I would make sure the delivery was planned 3 days before her birthday so that the books have the time outside before they need to be brought in.
Drive By Birthday
Ask friends to drive by our home at a given window of time. Have the kids out at that time and while maintaining social distancing, throwing their birthday wishes or confetti out of their cars to make the day special.
Kids LOVE Getting Mail
So, whoever cannot make it in the drive by birthday, I would love to ask to drop her a birthday card. I have seen online, that people are asking in their local / favorite mom groups for wishes for their kids. People are sending cards, video messages and more straight to the mom’s inbox to share with the kiddo. A lot of fun!
Giving Back
I always recommend giving back to those in need. This year, I think we would brain storm for a way that enables us to donate items, our toys, money or time to a charity of her choice.
Getting Crafty
Not creative…not a problem. Go online and find ideas to make a special but elaborate birthday craft. This is specially wonderful for kids who enjoy getting creative with paints or seeing something fun being made by their hands. Our Pinterest has a tonnes of crafts you can do that same.
Baking in the Kitchen
Make your own cake this year. Or cupcakes or brownies or whatever you like to get cooking. Get creative, not just with your meal but with your dessert. Let the birthday kid make it on their own.
Outdoor Fun
If it’s warm where you are, borrow / buy a second hand bouncy house or splash pad or play area for the special day. Make sure to sanitize it completely. And remember, this is not a community event but just for your kiddo.
Take a Virtual Tour
There are many virtual ways to visit a new place these days. Have your kids get into a blanket and take a virtual tour of a museum or park.
Movie Night Marathon
Pick your kids favorite movies/shows, get those snacks together and get cozy enjoying the movie with your favorite characters or stories.
Video Calls with Family & Friends
My kids love their friends and this time was made easy only after I got in touch with all their friends onto a platform where they could connect with each other. Just knowing their friends are a click away really helps kids feel a little better. Make sure to get your kids on the calls with those they care about.
Drive to an Open Place They Love
I may not do this but I have seen people drive to a near by lake or open park and just be in the open air or go fishing. The change of pace and place does wonders for a child’s day. Don’t forget to maintain social distancing.
Online Games with Friends
There are fun games like this https://www.drawasaurus.org/, you can play with your friends , far and near (well, physically) . It should make for a lot of laughs. This would be great for kids 7 and above though, who can read and type.
Scavenger Hunt Around the House
Have the birthday kid start from a spot and go to the next place depending on the clue they get. A lot of fun usually, specially so now. You could also just play hot and cold with their gifts or hide small Easter egg like things in the back yard and give them a special prize for finding all.
Birthday balloons When They Wake Up
You can do the classic birthday balloons around their room the night before or have them fall down when they open the door. Who doesn’t love balloons ?
There is no time like now than letting go for some of your usual ways and stepping it up personally. Go overboard with the decorations around the house. Plan in advance and make the birthday last all week long. The little kiddos deserve it, specially for being such troopers.
And remember, if this year you don’t feel like doing ANYTHING but just lounge around in pajamas, that’s okay too!
Has your child’s optometrist recommended corrective lenses? With more than 60 percent of the population wearing glasses or contact lenses, they’re not alone. Getting their first pair of glasses or contacts is a milestone for many kids and teens, but how do parents decide which is best for their child? Here are four factors that can help you choose.
Age and Maturity Level
Contacts require a great deal more care than glasses, so children who always forget to brush their teeth or wash their hair may not be the best candidates. Kids who aren’t old enough or mature enough to keep their contacts clean and in good shape can suffer injuries and infections from improper use. Make sure your child won’t wear dirty lenses, clean them with spit or swap contact lenses with friends.
Sports and Activities
You might think that contact lenses and sports don’t mix, but many eye doctors recommend contacts for athletes. Glasses don’t provide peripheral vision correction, which means that your child’s athletic performance may suffer. It’s also easy to lose or break glasses while playing sports. However, children who participate in water sports like swimming and diving should avoid wearing contacts in the pool due to the risk of irritation and infection.
Eye Health
Contact lenses work best for healthy eyes. If your child suffers from frequent eye infections or allergies, wearing contact lenses can increase irritation and even result in vision loss. Wearing contact lenses can also reduce the flow of oxygen to the cornea, a condition called hypoxia, in some wearers. If your child wears contacts, make sure they practice good eye care and remove the lenses at the first sign of problems.
Type of Vision Correction
While nearsightedness and farsightedness are easily corrected with contact lenses, a condition called astigmatism is more complicated. A common cause of poor vision in kids and teens, astigmatism is a genetic condition that causes the cornea of the eye to be shaped like a football instead of a sphere. Regular soft contact lenses are not good at correcting this problem, which means that your child may need to use glasses or a special type of contacts if they have astigmatism.
If you and your child still can’t decide between glasses and contact lenses, keep in mind that many people use both. Check with your vision insurance plan to see if two types of vision correction are covered and remember to ask your child’s optometrist for both prescriptions.
In the midst of all the turmoil in the world it is very important to take the time to rest and let ourselves be. Especially, if like me you are suddenly involved with another four hours a day in study time for children, where you have to school at home.
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, TRUST, let go and see what happens!”
– Mandy Hale
In my case, in a language I do not speak or read at an academic level – it has been an interesting and occasionally stress-filled school at home time. Needless to say, I am learning many tricks to translate all the data to English, learn the lessons in English and then once we understand the details of the lesson we are translating back to our target learning language to answer all the questions and send the corresponding answers back to my children’s teachers for marking.
We have a very large case of “Perfectionist, please meet your children”. Not one of them will operate on a schedule. Not one of them ever managed to follow any plan that I worked on for hours, planned and researched till I was exhausted, and was enthusiastic to implement during our school at home time.
“What do you do?” I hear you ask…. Well, panic and mayhem were the order of the day for a long time. Until I learnt a valuable lesson…
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than a year in conversation” – Plato
I had taken the fun out of learning with my scheduling and research. In my panic over the possibility of missing something, I had failed to recognize, I had left nothing to chance. No space for investigations. No space for thought without an outcome already being known. No space for play.
Find New Ways to Learn
My having missed the mark significantly was summed up neatly whilst learning about volcanoes, when my daughter says, “Mum, we have talked about this till there is nothing to talk about, drawn about it till there is nothing more to draw, when do we get to make the volcano?”
Right, make the volcano… make a mess in my kitchen… for me to clean up mess-in-my-kitchen… eek…. I am thinking “How about, Never! Never works for me!’ Then my daughter pipes up again, “I saw this baking soda with vinegar experiment that they did, online. The mum made the volcano down her kitchen drain because it is really good for cleaning out the drain. Then you just turn on the cold water tap and it all washes down the drain to clean it! Wouldn’t that be neat?” Wait a minute…. Clean my kitchen drain with a science experiment about a volcano…. I can get on board with that! “Please tell me more?”
This was how I learnt that over scheduling, over planning and over stressing were taking the joy out of learning. I needed to step back and “make a time” as opposed to “make time”. Here was where I had to prove to myself and my children that we were worth more than adherence to a schedule that was making everyone frazzled. It was time for a rest!:
Time to make muffins and declare it “all school work complete for the day”.
We covered maths (measuring ingredients), science (Learning about oven temperatures and how ingredients mix together), literacy (reading the recipe) and geography (where did the food come from?). Oh, and don’t forget the tea, hot chocolate and candle for the table when the muffins are ready to eat!!!
Let me leave you with this quote:
“Have regular hours for work and play.
Make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well”
YouTube gets a bad rap from a lot of folks. Parents tend to think the massively popular video platform is only good for cat videos, toy unboxings or zoning out on Minecraft channels or video game playing , but there are actually a ton of excellent, high-quality educational shows and channels available on YouTube.
Many are great for motivating elementary students, gearing up interest in art or music in tweens, or brushing up on complex math or science concepts. YouTube can be an asset and a boon to your child’s learning. Make sure you use it in the right way.
Chicago’s Field Museum has created a YouTube channel called The Brain Scoop, which engages kids with such videos as “Why Did King Tut Have a Flat Head?” and “The Human Biology Collection.”
If your child has an affinity for animals, check out the Houston Zoo YouTube channel. YouTube often gives kids (and adults) access to many popular educational attractions that are too far away to visit in person.
The SoulPancake YouTube channel dishes out a menu of “brain batter” about art, culture, science, philosophy, and more. As the site proclaims, “We make stuff that matters.”
This phone show started in 2014 and is hosted by Jessi and Squeaks, her robot rat. Twice a week they answer fun and complex questions like “Why Does Ice Cream Hurt My Head?” and “Why Do We Cry When We’re Sad?” Making science fun and accessible, SciShow Kids is a wonderful choice for screen time, supplementing school lessons or finding answers to your kid’s endless list of questions.
Produced by educational stalwart PBS Digital, It’s Okay To Be Smart encourages curiosity and host Joe Hanson makes learning fun with kid-friendly topics like “Flatulence and You: It’s Okay to Fart” and “How Poop Shapes The World.” It’s not all about poop though; he also tackles serious scientific concepts about climate change and the properties of light. Part science magazine, part science instruction, It’s Okay to Be Smart is perfect for tweens and teens wanting to know more.
Flocabulary uses hip-hop to teach everything from language arts to history, for all ages. Covering topics ranging from the original 13 colonies to how to manage anxiety. Flocabulary teaches standards-based lessons in a fun and memorable way.
“Imagine a cross between MacGyver, James Bond and the Myth-busters” sums up The King of Random pretty well. With fun experiments, host Grant Thompson pushes the envelope of “don’t try this at home” and shows kids top-tier science in a safe way.
Whether you homeschool or not, Homeschool Pop has a lot of great kids videos. Uploads include:
“Oceans of the World”
“Antonyms”
“South Carolina for Kids”
Homeschool Pop!’s learning videos are geared toward kids from Kindergarten to 4th-grade level. Precocious preschoolers will also learn from these videos.
Host and rapper Mike really likes science. Every month, Mike releases a new science-themed rap song and they are all awesome. He covers everything from deep space to scientists of color. This show is a great choice to complement middle school core sciences.
Biographies, history, geology, oceanography, mythology, are all topics Free School tackles on their kids YouTube channel. Free School’s videos can be used with younger children, but they are best for kids in 3rd-6th grades.
TED-Ed (from the nonprofit responsible for TED Talks) is committed to creating lessons worth sharing. On this channel, kids can be challenged by perplexing riddles, or they can investigate nature or ponder such subjects as “questions no one knows the answers to.” While most preteens will love this channel, many of the videos are appropriate for younger kids as well.
For older kids, check out Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls channel. It features the requisite DIYs that kids love, such as how to make fizzing bath bombs, for example, but also provides profiles of inspiring women, including astronauts and scientists, not to mention manners tutorials and videos designed to inspire girls to become involved in social issues such as climate change.
This is a great YouTube channel that’s focused on teaching kids about physics. Uploads include:
“Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain?”
“Immovable Object vs. Unstoppable Force”
“What Is Gravity?”
This channel is best-suited for kids who are in the 3rd-6th grade age group, but some of the more general videos will be enjoyed by 1st and second graders.
It is so important to understand why a daily schedule will most probably not work during the Corona school closure and social isolation. And what we can do about having an optimistic attitude!
I grew up in a household where we had a text book to read. In the current school closure scenario, I am in a school system where I find myself constantly trying to keep up and now it is even more overwhelming. Sometimes I am stuck not knowing what I should do to ensure my child doesn’t experience a slide in education.
That I think is the most worrying thing about the whole school closure situation.
At the start of the School Closure…
Day 1 – “Gosh, I’m so unprepared. Look at all the moms who are so on the point with schedules and kids activities. …. I need to make a schedule.”
( I had spent four days getting prepared for the upcoming two week break, rearranging things, cleaning, meal planning, etc. On the first day, I got the kids to do some of the school work and things went not too bad. By this day, we have been a total of 7 days in isolation. “
Day 2 – “The schedule is going very well. ” But as the day progresses, I can see the kids and myself feeling the build up. They spend the evening in the back yard. I realize I CANNOT keep this up every single day. I will BURN OUT! Pus, I need to plan things out for myself.
Day 3- “Let’s take a break today and just read, play board games, take a walk. ” (Kids very happy!) By evening the school announces it’s going to be a month of school closure.
The overwhelm gets to me and I feel very low. My heart seems constricted. The unknown really gets to me. The Type A personality in me hates not knowing when this whole thing will end. Plus, I have realized that if we need to keep things up, we need to have a SUSTAINABLE plan.
So, here’s my take away on having a plan of action that helps moms get through this totally unprecedented scenario.
Have a Broad Framework
Understanding why a schedule will not work in this school closure situation.
I’m a scheduler. I love making lists. My days usually are planned out the night before and the morning of. And I get immense pleasure in keeping to my scheduler and ticking things off.
We wake up the same time every day, follow the same course and go to bed the same time, every night. The “framework ” of our days is the same. There is change, in the form of different classes and play time at school and friends where they meet.
But kids are small and we want to keep the overwhelm away from them. If every single day is the same, they are going to feel tied up, and frustrated eventually. Everyone needs constant change.
So, this is what I came up with AFTER I threw away the schedule, which I will use sporadically.
For the week, have a framework, than a schedule. A sort of, kind of, schedule that you ASPIRE to. To that end, we have two days school work (one day on gadgets, one day worksheets) and then one day off and then two days back on. That ways kids have enough variety. The days they have device time for education, they do not for play and vice versa.
So, in essence, kids end up getting 3 days off than just 2. And our day goes kind of –
Speaking of variety, give kids options to choose from. As I have mentioned in my book multiple times, we want to encourage our children to become problem solvers and good decision makers. How will they do so, if we do not give them the room to make the decisions.
The options can range from what topic would you like to study to book to read or thing to do or board game to play. Kids need options to choose from.
Get Creative in Educating
Go through their educational material and make up games or out of the box ways to get the concept stronger. Quiz them while cooking. Play board games that help in the same. We want them to learn, not be drilled.
Use the many resources online available to parents wisely. Don’t get overpowered to dabble in everything. Take time and see what interests your child the most and use those most effectively.
Audio books are your friends too.
Start the Day with Self Care
It’s very easy to put others before you. Every single mother does that. Specially on days that you think are daunting. But make sure you do your thing every single morning.
Have your water Go for the walk Listen to a podcast Meditate
Remember, this applies to your kids too. Connect with your kids’ friends and classmates and make sure they get some face time in as well. Don’t let them become isolated.
Everything Cannot Be a Priority
As a person who likes to do everything and do it well, it’s hard for me to let go. I need to know how my life is going, my tasks in a queue, my goals achieved.
I am supposed to have a podcast up. Two new books in the process. I have like 10 articles in queue, mapped out. One book to be edited. Two clients with books coming out. And since I’m an mompreneur, it’s All me. I’m the end all of all decisions and tasks to be done. Luckily I have an amazing group of women who help me when and how they can, but it’s still not enough since many of the tasks are hands on for me.
The house needs to be cleaned (I can’t function), the family fed, exercise needs to be added to the routine and I need to ensure all the above gets done.
But guess what?
More than half of that is NOT going to get done immediately. Doesn’t mean I’m giving up. It just means, I’m being realistic and understanding that I am one person, and even with my husband’s support, there is only so much we can do with him having a full time job and the many things around the house that need fixing. Balance home and family with the knack that is needed.
Don’t take breaks only when your body forces you to.
Delegate
Which brings me to making sure your kids are helping around the house. Yes, it is hard to do and be consistent but it is very important for their overall development and your own sanity. Have a family meeting and decide what each child can and will be doing. Take turns, pick your own thing to do, get incentivized. But make sure you delegate jobs around the house.
I get this feeling constantly. The one where I feel nothing is in my control. That’s what I felt last night when I learned of the extension of the school closure. This is my new reality. I took the evening off. Relaxed with my favorite book. Looked at my task planner and thoughtfully realized, the scheduler cannot work for us.
Take time to process. Allow yourself to let go of things that you can. You are allowed to take time off to re-calibrate.
Don’t Compare
The mom that is killing it on her schedule, being amazing at everything is not sharing the tears and the sadness. Shes’ sharing coz it’s her outlet and connection to the world. It helps her get through her day. It’s her journey. Don’t compare yourself and your children to theirs. What works for them will not, cannot work for you.
It’s not a one size fits all world!
Stay Motivated
I saw this amazing talk where the speaker said, “Action comes before motivation.” If you are looking to get the “feeling” before getting inspired, you will be waiting a long time. Find out what goal you need to be achieving and start working towards it. One step at a time. You will slowly inch towards what needs doing.
Change Things Up
As I mentioned, humans need constant change. Move furniture around, make things pretty, set up to give yourself a change. Even if a slight redecoration occurs or a furniture is placed differently, it makes a difference to your outlook. Re organize a closet, wear a nice dress at home, put on make up, put on some music that you wouldn’t otherwise listen to. Send your friends a care package just to spice things up.
Shut Down Negativity ASAP
It is very easy to fall into negative spirals and fall into traps of panic. With people sharing forwards, without fact checking and breeding hatred, it is most important to make sure we ourselves keep negativity at bay and try to keep an optimistic attitude.
All, in all this is a mindset game. Remember, this is the first time such a situation is happening. Our children are watching us and seeing our reaction. It is teaching them how to behave in any untoward and unique situation.
We want them to develop an attitude of education, awareness, and hopeful action.
THIS IS NOT A HOLIDAY FOR PLAYDATES, MOVIES, PARTIES and GET TOGETHERS.
Saying No to friends is hard. We miss them. Saying no to kids playing together is hard. Kids miss their friends. Saying No thankyou for things that you would usually say YES to is just weird.
Do it all! Because it’s the right thing to do. Help stop this academic by JUST STAYING AWAY from those you care about.
They say, it’s OKAY for small groups. BUT ARE the members of THAT group isolated otherwise?? Think about these things.
Think about the many who HAVE NO CHOICE. Respect THEM by doing YOUR part. Don’t judge them, offer them help and be kind by reminding them that this is a time that you can also help them by CONSCIOUSLY PREVENTING together. Sanitize. Hand wash. Clean.
We have so much to do at home. Yes, it’s overwhelming. But we CAN get organized and if we get even 40 – 70% of our schedule/lists done, it’s a WIN !! Give your self the slack you DESERVE.
Think about the many who are DOING THEIR PART.
Fellow entrepreneurs are rushing to create free resources, lists and content to help parents staying at home.
Neighbors (bless them) are offering help.
People are willing to stay indoors, social distancing from their peers and YET helping the elderly when needed.
Companies doing their best to help how they can.
Positive messages and information that helps keep us informed from all sides …
My heart soars at the amazing community I am a part of. How wonderful people are coming together by being apart in a time when it’s needed the most.
Yes, it’s a worrisome time but all we need is a balance of awareness and action. (Denial is never okay!)
WE CAN GET THROUGH IT TOGETHER♥️
*** PS. Also, make sure to SHOP responsibly. There is NO need to PANIC or SPREAD FEAR FILLED MESSAGES ENCOURAGING HATRED or PANIC BEHAVIOR FORWARD.
Be AWARE of the needs of others, offer help when you can and PLEASE check on your elderly neighbors who are the ones at actual RISK! Encourage them to stay indoors. Be kind!
Read Aditi’s awardwinning, best selling book here —
Lost In Space is a perfect mix of sci-fi, adventure and drama all packed into one series. This web-series follows the adventures of the Robinson family, whose spaceship gets lost in space and lands on an unknown planet. Will, Judy and Penny, the three Robinson siblings along with their parents dare to take on the unpredictable environment, aliens, robots and other conniving survivors on the unknown planet. Lost In Space is an absolutely addictive series, so don’t forget to keep that popcorn ready. Definitely a family binge-watch! Watch Season 1 and 2 on Netflix.
Raising Dion
Raising Dion is the story of a single-mother Nicole and her son Dion, who begins to display some superhero powers. Nicole, who is slowly coping with the loss of her husband Mark, now has a new task of figuring out where and how Dion got his superpowers. She along with Mark’s best friend Pat, are on a mission to uncover the truth. Dion goes on to explore his magical powers and realizes all doesn’t seem to be how it is. An interesting web-series and a must-watch for little kids! Watch Season 1 on Netflix.
The Unlisted
Unlisted is an Australian drama web-series that follows the story of identical twins – Dhruv and Kal. A secret government organization plans to control and track Australian students by implanting them with electronic chips. The Twins uncover this dark truth and set out on a journey to save themselves and others like them, who form the mysterious Infinity group. Unlisted should definitely be on your list if you like an exhilarating watch, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Watch Season 1 on Netflix.
Gortimer Gibbon’s Life On Normal Street
Gortimer Gibbon’s is the story of Gortimer and his two bestfriends, Mel and Ranger. Together the three friends go about on an adventurous journey in the ordinary suburb of Normal Street. This web-series filled with lost fables, ghost stories and magical adventures makes a fun watch for children of all ages. Watch Season 1 and 2 on Amazon Prime Video.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
This web-series chronicles the tale of three orphans – Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, who are on a mission to investigate the tragic and mysterious death of their parents. Count Olaf, their evil guardian is out to get his hands on the Baudelaires’ inheritance. In this quest of Good v/s Evil, the three Baudelaire children must outsmart Olaf and overcome many trials. The series is based on the best-selling series of books by Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler). Watch Season 1, 2 and 3 on Netflix.
IF you enjoyed our recommendations, you will certainly enjoy our children’s book. “Why do I look different? ” , the answer many mothers get asked.
Stephanie Parwulski has a lifelong love of children’s literature. She is the author of Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and is excited to be on this journey of writing her own books. Through her words, she hopes to provide encouragement, hope, and understanding.
She lives in Buffalo, NY, where she works as a preschool teacher and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Stephanie is also dedicated to raising awareness about mental health by sharing her personal experiences with social anxiety and grief through her writing.
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I have always been an avid reader, which fostered a love of writing within me, too. I profoundly enjoy working with children, for their perspective on the world inspires me. I am a preschool teacher, and I also help out at an elementary school during their after-school program. In addition to storytelling, I love to sing, garden, take walks in nature, and be a champion of kindness.
My immediate family is central to my life. My dad and brother are my amazing support team, and the three of us love to go on adventures together. Sadly, my mom passed away unexpectedly in September of 2014. Her unconditional love still lives on for each of us, and she is the primary reason I write. All of my stories are dedicated to her, in honor of her memory.
Which cities have your lived in/ visited in your lifetime? Which is your favorite?
I was born, grew up in, and currently live in my beloved city of Buffalo, New York. I have always felt a deep affinity for my hometown, because I feel it is a hidden gem that may get overlooked by larger cities. I love that Buffalo celebrates the arts in all forms – architecture, art, literature, music, and theater. I also love the sense of community that I feel here, especially the passion we have for our sports teams. Lastly, Buffalo’s proximity to Niagara Falls and Canada allows my family and me to see a natural wonder of the world and another country with frequency, which is an amazing opportunity.
What brought you to what you do?
My yearning to provide others with uplifting messaging and help them process difficult emotions in a sensitive, understanding manner is what inspired me to finally share my story. I give all the credit to my brother, who gave me an encouraging push and helped me to believe in myself and my reasons for writing.
4. What current cultural trend disturbs you the most? How do you think we can work towards betterment of it?
I want to help diminish the power of stigmas/stereotypes. I realize how demeaning a negative label can be, and I want to join the conversation to help replace the current negative labels with positive ones. For example, I would encourage others to use “people first” language and find the positive when describing others.
What is one personal challenge you have overcome growing up?
A personal challenge I face is generalized and social anxiety. For a little over a decade, I have been learning to manage my social anxiety, and I am grateful for the strides I am making along this journey. 1.) My parents were always accepting of me. They never thought of me less because I have social anxiety. 2.) I am enough. No matter if I plateau on a particular day, my value is intrinsic and cannot be taken away. 3.) My writing has also helped me feel more comfortable expressing myself, allowing me to connect with others and help them feel less shame in opening up about their invisible battles.
Losing my mom at such a young age and unexpectedly has forever changed my life. In everything I do, I aspire to honor her memory and help others who are grieving find hope.
Share with us two parenting hacks that have made your/child’s life easy.
I am not a parent yet, but I hope to be one day. In working alongside children at a preschool and elementary school, there are observations I have made that I believe are important to apply to parenting/childcare. 1.) Validating how children feel is essential to helping them identify their self-worth. If you bend down so you are at eye level with them and listen intently to what they have to say, the children will understand how much you care. 2.) Be engaging. If the children observe your enthusiasm as you share in their activities with them, they will be more inclined to participate and try new things.
What projects are you working on next?
I am currently working on a middle-grade fantasy novel about the art of storytelling and the need for men and women to work together to bring about positive change. Even though I feel picture books can be appreciated at any age, I wanted to try to write a piece that was more suitable for my older readers.
What is one thing piece of advice you would give to children?
I would encourage children to always believe in kindness and be promoters of kindness along their journeys in life.
Tell us three things that are on your bucket list?
I want to find my soul mate.
I want to visit Japan.
I want to keep writing stories.
What 3 books/movies would you say changed your life?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Through this book, I was able to find kindred spirits in Beth and Jo March.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee – My brother and I had the honor of meeting Min Jin Lee when she visited Buffalo in March of 2019. Her writing is breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally profound. She definitely is an inspiration.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn – This is a beloved book from my childhood, and one that still resonates with me today. I have always believed that the love from our loved ones guides us and stays with us no matter the distance that may separate us, and this book conveys this message so beautifully.
11. Do you have any advice for our readers?
I hope that everyone can find what they love and pursue that in life. I feel so honored to be on my dream path, and I hope that everyone can be on theirs, too.
It’s a Jewish holiday that is celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Adar, which usually coincides with the Gregorian month called March. There are many lessons Purim, the Jewish festival can teach kids.
About 2,500 years ago, the Jews were forced to leave Israel and many of us went to Persia (Iran today) which was an empire those days that ruled over many lands. From India to Nigeria, according to the Book of Esther.
An evil man named Haman was the king’s advisor, and he hated the Jews. He convinced the king to allow all his subjects to kill the Jews in all the lands of his empire on the 13th day of Adar. Unfortunately for him, the Persian king had a Jewish queen named Esther, although he had no idea she was Jewish. Esther’s uncle Mordecai informed her of Haman’s murderous plan, and she instructed all the Jews in the empire, including herself and her maidservants, to pray and to fast for 3 days and three nights.
After doing so, she approached the king. It was a very great risk. In those days, if you dared to approach the king without being summoned, you could be put to death. But Esther took that chance to save her people. She invited the king and his advisor to a party, and there she confessed to being Jewish, and begged her husband to deal with Haman. The king, who suspected Haman of intending to seduce his queen, ordered him to be hung. Haman himself had previously prepared a tree to have Moredecai hung, but in the end he was hung on the very same tree.
The evil decree had been signed by the king and couldn’t be cancelled, so Esther and her Uncle Mordecai asked permission for the Jews to defend themselves on that day, and it was granted. On the thirteenth of Adar that year, the Jews in all the lands of the Persian empire fought for their lives and won!
This holiday is called Purim– which means a lottery in Hebrew.
Everything Turns Out for the Best
Jews everywhere rejoice on this day because our fate to be murdered on that day was reversed- This was salvation in disguise, because although we prayed to G-d to save us and He did, there were no supernatural miracles involved.
Everything “naturally” turned our for the best!
Celebrate Joyously with Variety of Color and Food
So on this day we all put on costumes, to show that things are not necessarily what they seem. We also have a festive meal, and in addition everyone over the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls is required to give a portion of two different kinds of food to at least one other person that age or older.
Charity for Brotherly Love
This is meant to increase the brotherly love among us. Another requirement to give charity to a poor person. The head of each family usually takes care of this. It’s considered the most joyous holiday of the Jewish year.
Storytelling for Lesson Learning and Celebration
We all gather in the synagogue on the eve of Purim and again on the following day, to listen to the reading of the Book of Esther, that tells the story of what happened on that day. Everyone wears a costume, and we all bring noisemakers like the one I’m holding in the picture. Although we are totally silent and attentive during the reading, whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, we all make as much noise as we can!
I’m Tsila Glidai, and writing has always been my passion. I’ve been a high-school English teacher in Israel for over 30 years, and I love making up rhymes, stories and songs to help my students learn what they consider to be a difficult and challenging language. I am fortunate to be the mother of eleven wonderful children- eight daughters and three sons, as well as a loving grandmother to – well I’m not counting. Sapphire, the bright and curious little girl who appears in all my stories is my oldest granddaughter. I try to fit the names of the rest of my grandchildren into my stories whenever I can, but it’s not always easy getting the modern Hebrew names to fit into an English story. My husband and kids are very excited about my new career as an author of children’s stories, and they are always happy to offer their ideas in our “brainstorming” sessions. I am so thankful for their love and support! I have recently uploaded my first nine stories to Amazon Kindle.
Are you schooling from home or your schools are closed? Here are fun and additional ways you can help your child build their education and supplement their growth and learning.
Firstly,
Have you joined your local library online?
You can sign up online for e-books and audiobooks free!!
Welcome to our new Adventure!
from a Worldschooling / Gameschooling mother!
“Learning while Laughing”
I like to share my family’s learning adventures! There is only one aim: The best learning happens when you are having fun! So, are you ready to come “adventuring” with me! You are now the official “Leader of the Mischief”. Wait! Stop! That was supposed to say “Homeschool Teacher” but it’s tea time so….
Have you joined the online library yet?
You can get e-books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers online through your library!
Preschool:
Listening to Audibooks whilst playing Lego, making craft, or playing puzzles.
Audiobook suggestions:
Winnie the Pooh by A A Milne
A Bear called Paddington – Michael Bond
Alice in Wonderland by C S Lewis
Ronald Dahl reading his story stories : Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Julia Donaldson – we love all her books – The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom
Making Origami paper planes – Did you know it is actually an international sport for predominately Engineers and Mathematicians.
PBS kids in USA has lots of fabulous mini documentary cartoon style learning programs.
For extra ideas google homeschooling ideas for “Preschool with Netflix”.
ABC4kids in Australia likewise – tv, online, or app
“DLTK’s Crafts for Kids features a variety of printable children’s crafts, coloring pages, worksheets and activities including projects for holidays, educational themes and some of our children’s favorite cartoon characters.”
Explore cell structure, cell function, scientific studies, plants, vertebrates, invertebrates and other scientific topics.
www.chem4kids.com Explore Periodic Table Basics, States of Matter, Structure of Atoms, Changes in Matter, Chemical and Physical Changes, Solids, Enzymes, Solutions and other science topics.
This women’s day I declare, “My daughter is not a princess!” When I say this I mean it. “A warrior queen (maybe) but not a princess.” She is a normal child who is treated fairly, as any child should be.
In a world that is working diligently towards gender equality most parents proudly declare they are bringing up their daughters as “princesses”. I hugely respect this sentiment and the change in collective psych of society. But first a question I request an honest answer to.
When your princess grows up and makes her own decisions about the things that really matter, would you let her? They may be decisions that you might not agree with. Will you give her the right to her own life? Would you not second guess her?
You see “Princesses” just don’t get a cushioned upbringing they are also supposed to own their lives. Sometimes, I feel there is a serious overlap in parenting with the idea of gender equality. Many a times the pendulum seems to have swung to the other extreme, when the idea is balance. As parents it is our duty to rectify the mistakes of the past and empower our girls but for that they need not be treated as royalty.
What should stand true is the fact “Boys rights are no less than girls but they are NOT MORE too.” Equal rights are simply “EQUAL”.
BE TRUE:
What I think really works is being truthful about how things stand when it comes to gender equality. Giving our girls a tailor made existence is not really preparing them for the world that awaits. My daughter is pulled up for her mistakes, now that she is old enough to see right from wrong. She gets scolded and is taught to behave.
We try to incorporate in her upbringing her responsibilities with a very clear understanding of her rights. The rights she can and should exercise. One thing I want her to be very clear on is the fact that she can be as “difficult” a woman as she sees fit. She needs to have a voice and a shrill and loud one when needed, even at the risk of being termed as “difficult” by social standards.
Being self dependent plays a major role in bringing up a woman ready to face the world. A “princess” who can always stand for her self respect. I can’t even begin to tell you how many parents take pride in the fact their “princesses” are not required to do any work at home. It leaves me speechless! Since when has fending for oneself become a thing to be looked down upon? Nor should it be gender specific.
Teach your kids to work, they will thank you for it one day. There is a world out there that can be very unforgiving. Being just princesses helps no one!
HAVE INTEGRITY:
Many situations in life have us women reeling with the unfairness meted out. How do you choose what to do or how to act when faced with an unjust situation? The answer is never loose your integrity. To pacify societal norms do not stand with any form of injustice.
I teach my daughter to defend herself I also try to instill in her the importance of standing up for other women. It is weak women who pull each other down. Compromising on ones values can never guarantee any long term happiness.
Also, girls need to learn to differentiate between any form of abuse and real affection. Many a times people disguise abuse, major or minor, as love. They need to recognize what is not accepted behaviour and put their foot down. Be true to yourself. Say NO if you want, stand your ground.
Women are expected to make relationships work when it is actually a two way street. People instill such a fear in girls of being single. I would never want my daughter to keep investing in an unhappy relationship.mSingle or hitched, integrity first. Make decisions that you can live with.
FREEDOM ABOVE ALL:
Freedom above all because “Real empowerment is the ability to choose.” I would not give up my freedom for any form of privileges.
Your girls wants to lead their lives as princesses or as normal working women, giver them the right to choose. Be her guiding light not the chains that hold her back in the name of love or parenting.
Any kind of love without freedom is a hollow attempt at narrowing the gender gap.
Discuss your girl’s choices with her but do not undermine her choices because of her gender.
I would leave you with my thoughts on this topic with a confession.
Yes, my daughter rules our hearts. She sometimes even lords over us. She has the temper of a tempest, for someone so small. Still I stand by my claim she is not a princess, just a little girl who is loved very much.
Do share your views on how to bring up our girls stronger.
I am exactly that. Foreign in my own country, and Alien in this foreign country that I Live.
I have many names.. Mom, wife, daughter, sister, but the name ALIEN pricks my heart.
I am the foreign mom ,who wishes her own mom was close by for comfort, when life doesn’t sail smooth.
I am the foreign mom ,who is lonely even with the virtual closeness of social media.
I am the foreign mom ,who behind the facade of big house, mowed lawn,would give up anything just for a day in her own humble home.
I am the foreign mom ,who smells the earth of her homeland whenever it rains.
I am the foreign mom, who remembers the gushing wind on the face when sitting on a window seat of the train ,while travelling in a comfortable car on a smooth road in this country.
I am the foreign mom who celebrates festivals only on a weekend at a party.
I am the foreign mom who feels sorry for my children that dont know the feel of growing up around their cousins.
I am the foreign mom whose social media profile filled with beautiful landscapes of this foreign country , flips through her old photo albums with a knot in her throat.
I am the foreign mom who fears her children might never fully appreciate their roots ,for all they get to see are the colourful fruits .
I am the foreign mom who is living in this dreamland, dreaming to go back home one day.
Mathangi is a mom of two boys. She is a full time mom living in Cyprus. She enjoys learning new languages , reading and photography. She has recently ventured into blogging on parenting and motherhood. She believes that a happy child makes a happy world and every child deserves to be respected for their choices.
Social skills books are extremely essential for children to grow into high functioning adults. It is paramount to personal development and long term success that we provide our children with all the tools we can. For a well rounded development, we want our children to know that they can use every aspect of their emotional well being in dealing with friends and family.
Below are DETAILS of the social skills books included in this esteemed list.
Can a Cookie Change the World?
By Rhonda Bolling
A true story about a young girl with a big heart who changes the world one cookie at a time. Ages 6-11
Funny Dragons ABC’s
By P.J. Rogers
Wacky Dragons share unique words in this ABC book for kids ages 3 to 5 yrs.
Marie’s Big Adieu
By Tamara Rittershaus
Marie says a “big goodbye” to her best friend and starts over somewhere new.
Recommended for children ages 4 to 8.
The Elephant in the Room: A Lockdown Story
By Alicia Stenard
Circus animals and a fun-loving teacher gently teach lockdown drills to young children.
Ages 3-8
Edithina Hides the Pirate’s Treasure
By Martyn Kenneth
Three wicked pirates who are terrible at hiding their treasure travel the seas to seek out Edithina because of her ability to put things where nobody can find them, unless she draws a map.
Ages 3-8
Thor’s Dreamland Adventures: Ducks N’ Dragons
As Thor drifts off to sleep one night, he arrives in a stunning world where everything is bright and fun. He starts to make friends with some ducks in a nearby pond when all of a sudden, a dragon appears and starts taking the ducks! What is Thor to do??? Ages 5-9
How Our Skin Sparkles – A Growth Mindset Children’s Book for Global Citizens About Acceptance
By Aditi Wardhan Singh
Aarav asks his mom, “Why do I look different than my friends?” This story is about acceptance and the impact of childhood curiosity towards inclusion. Through a mix of science and culture, this story inspires children to be okay with asking questions and be different.
AGES 3 – 8
I’m Basically a Unicorn
By Melanie Hawkins
This rhyming book is a sweet look at unique genetic traits, illnesses, and abilities in children, and celebrates what makes them special and unique. It can open dialogue about others who may look and act a little differently, & can help promote tolerance, inclusion and empathy for all, because we are really not so different after all!
Ages 4-10
Ben’s Adventures: A Day at the Beach
Come along as young Ben imagines a fun day at the beach with his family and friends – all from his wheelchair — showing that ALL Kids can play and dream!
Age 4-8
Childrens Book on Kindness and Manners: “Little Dino Says Please”: A Rhyming Book for Kids About Dinosaur
Meet Donny, a little stegosaurus who has almost no friends due to his rude behavior. But one sunny morning, he meets a magic butterfly who came to teach him the power of the magical word “Please,” and everything around our dino starts changing. His new friends invite him to play together, his sister lends him her skate, and his mother reads him as many books as he wants before he falls asleep.
Can Quilliam Learn to Control His Temper?
A Punk and Friends Book
By Misty Black
Little Quilliam has a BIG problem. Will he learn how to control his temper before someone gets hurt, or will his quills continue to cause chaos? Ages 3-8
The Adventures of Pookie: Mission Fat Hearts
By Rebecca Yee
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Pookie, Thor and their new friend Kisa the Elf spread kindness EVERYWHERE.
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