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 —
LOVED the Superbowl half time show they put on !!! Outstanding !!!
I’m all for empowerment and all for everyone wearing whatever they like but I wonder how we teach our girls that being sexy is more MIND than body when women in the limelight constantly choose to show that LESSER is HOT !! #superbowl
I have always believed talent and hard-work doesn’t need crutches of props, gimmicks or glitter. I was raised in Kuwait where fashion can be seen in modesty as well. That’s why I never get why women (specially with amazing bodies ) often feel less is HOT or Fashionable…
Unfortunate times we live in IF stars feel they “need to” , to remain relevant! In-spite of being at their ABSOLUTE BEST even at 50 ??!!
And this is me talking just because I feel maybe it’s time me shifted that perspective..not just about These outfits.
Superbowl is always this way.
I have heard people question that this is part of the Latin culture and they have always dressed this way. That when men are half naked, we have no issues. But my question is why do we need to sexualize something, at all?!
I personally even have an issue with all the Hindi movies that show women in skimpy clothes and men half naked for the sake of their 6-10 pack abs. Body display is not the only thing that makes a movie amazing. It is great acting!
In 2013, a friend of mine has a perfectly valid question about Beyonce’s get up the other day. – ” If a singer who is a role model of thousands of young girls ( our daughters) dresses up like a stripper on national television, and we object to it, are we being judgmental? Or just bury your head in the sand, and ignore? ”
My response runs something like this.
Yes that is being being judgmental. Though everyone is entitled to their opinion as well.
It’s burying one’s head in the sand for thinking of her as stripper coz that’s how the world just is these days, unfortunate as it may be. One can only control their own hemisphere in life and their own children. I think a lot of parents’ worries come from the fact that kids emulate what they watch on TV. Parent’s example n guidance can turn even a negative influence/experience into a positive lesson.
In today’s world where guns, violence, drugs and rape are major issues I believe it’s important to guide our children to be good within. Instead of worrying about the dangers in the world and pointing at all the things people do wrong, teach your kids how to make good and sensible decisions.
I didn’t like the choice doesn’t make them any lesser or take away from their achievements.
I just feel it’s time around the world, the dialogue shifted to sexy being more MIND than body. So your outfit doesn’t take away from your talent.
It’s unfortunate that people are talking about that more than how amazingly awesome the show was and all the hard work that goes into putting it up and looking SO powerful on stage.
Talk to your about what sexy is. give them the gift of confidence.
Look at what is behind the scenes.
My son asked me, what is being sexy?! I said, it means being completely awesome.
So, I took to the matter to my kids today. And talked to them about what looking awesome is. This is going to be an ongoing conversation between us. Watch shows together. As Indians, we tend to make our kids close our eyes. Instead, highlight what’s behind the scenes.
Talk to them about whatever costumes we watch on TV. How we can comment n talk about it but its the singers choice of how she wants to portray herself. She has a great body n she’s worked hard on it so she will flaunt it. When it’s part of a culture then it’s not wrong or right. It just is. Also, instead of concentrating on what she was wearing one can think/talk about the talent, hard work, time and energy it goes into putting such a show together. It gives so many people jobs, co ordinating those dancers, lighting, the dedication to dance And sing at the same time. Having taken part in stage dramas,dances and all so I know it’s not easy.
If we want our children to understand that sexy is more mind than body, then we have to make sure they UNDERSTAND the difference between the two and how important it is to first KNOW the confidence within.
There’s a Time and Place for Every Outfit
I come from the, as some might say, old school of thought and find it important to talk to kids about how it is important to dress up in some places and dress casual in others. And that dressing lesser is not appropriate for every situation. Everyone has a right to wear whatever they like but we have to be in control of what we wear and where we wear it. Don’t let your hard work be hidden by something that you wear just to provoke!
Don’t Wear Something You Are Not Comfortable In
Wear it if you want, but remember you have to be comfortable in it. It is so sad to see many people wear clothes they are not comfortable in, just to fit in. They wear it, attend a party, and then are constantly roaming around with a worried expression, stressed about wardrobe malfunction.
Don’t follow trends, just because your friends are doing it. Don’t fall prey to the idea of you having to have a certain image. The first rule of fashion is be yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin.
Those women on stage on Superbowl 2020 are not sexy because of their clothes or lack there of. They are sexy because they are powerful, successful go-getters who followed their dreams.
And that is what allows them to be totally amazing, no matter what the situation.
I realize the world chore has become one that creates confusion these days. Kids crib about helping around the house and yet crib about it, expecting some kind of payback. I often see adults also lamenting about doing chores. There seems to be an inherent loss in taking pleasure in doing simple things that feed the soul. And why in the world are kids expected to be paid for helping around their own house?!!!
No one paid me for helping around the house. Admittedly, I didn’t do much but still, this concept of being paid for chores is so foreign in our Indian household. There is a huge misconception that kids in American households are paid for helping with simple tasks but the truth is most get paid for extra chores, i.e harder jobs like raking leaves, weeding, deep cleaning etc. not taking out the trash!
To that end, we stopped using the word “Chores” in my home. Lest my kids expect to be reimbursed for their efforts.
Instead, now I say, “Please help me out by …” or “Please, do …” and reminding them time and again to do the same with patience and perseverance. And that we are a family and this is THEIR home.
Moms and dads are human and need help too. Doing laundry, loading the dish washer, making your bed, de-cluttering or organizing is Not a favor being done for the parents. We are a family and everyone should pitch in. One contributes depending on the need of the hour. Sometimes, I need help to get the living room clutter free before guests come urgently. Other times, I’m sick and need something done that they don’t usually do.
They Learn to Co-operate
When house work is not allowance based, the kids try to find ways to word together to get things done quicker. One changes the clothes from washer to dryer while other moves the clothes from dryer to the room.
We Need to Be Self Motivated
It is their home. They need to feel proud of the house in which they live, grow and have friends over. No job is small or big. Every single thing you do towards grooming, cleaning or helping out carries value in itself. There is much to be said about a home that is welcoming. Appreciation should come from within for what you do.
Doing It Right The First Time is An Art
When it is not monetary, the kids want to get done and QUICK! After all, play time is at stake. Plus, if my kids are grumpy about helping out around the house or they do a job badly just for the sake of it, they not only have to redo it, they have to do something else too. This is one really important aspect that has helped me a lot. This gives them an incentive to do it right the first time!
Helping Need Not Be but Can Be Fun
Let’s face it! These ‘how do I get chores to be fun?’ or “paying kids for chores” is unhealthy. You are not going to find treats or stickers when cleaning up as a adult. There will be no point system or compensation for what you do for your home or at your work. Life is hard. Kids need to know that doing your job need not be, but can be made fun by themselves.
Finding two pairs of socks or jumping in a just washed pile of laundry is fun.
Talking to each other when emptying and loading the dishwasher is fruitful.
Helping your mom out by running as fast as you can to get the diaper for the baby can be fun.
Finding the silver lining in the mundane is a beautiful characteristic to develop.
Consistency is Key To Life Skills
All things that need doing are not life altering but they carry within them the key to basic life skills. By contributing towards work around the home kids learn that consistency is key to organizing. If you want something to be done right or neatly, you have to do it every day, week or month. That dedication is a core life quality.
In order to grow up into individuals providing value to society they need to know that not every task is going to be compensated for.
Work around the house is valuable and needs doing. It builds character, empathy and many more life skills. And taking care of your home is a matter of building character not bank balance.
Are you tired of repeating yourself? Having your child’s mind wander to inane places? Having trouble getting that homework done. Well, I’ll tell you it is never easy. Getting kids to be focused is a battle of wills. You have to get them to drop what they want to do and focus on what they need to do.
Processing a any instruction to achieve success ties into developing focus & strong listening skills.
There are always aspects of growing up we constantly work on but focus & listening are huge. Here are some things that have helped me.
Playing Board Games
A wonderful way to help your kids build focus is playing board games. Not to let them win, but for the best player to win. A lot of parents make the mistake of letting their kids win. The most important reason to play well with your child and explain the rules is that they have to follow the rules, pay attention to the other players and of course strategy building, and losing is a wonderful bonus to developing empathy. So far, we play chess, monopoly, zingo etc and we always play the whole game. One game at a time.
Play dates with Friends Without Gadgets
When a child has a play date, a lot of ideas come into play. They encourage each other. They learn to focus onto plans they have. Recently, my kids created a movie where they enacted scenes. They create whole worlds together. Pick things from around the house and create a battle plan or play dress up. All this needs focus on working together and paying attention to each other.
Extracurricular Activity
Taking up any extra curricular activity is a wonderful way for kids to learn to listen to others. Children are often free at home, to behave as they will. But in an outside setting, with a coach to work with, instructions to follow teaches them to listen and be concise about following step by them. My kids currently are in gymnastics, swimming, dance and Tae Kwan Do. Now, I have reasons for doing all 4 but one activity at a time is great as well. My son used to have a hard time listening, but now I have seen him grow focused and even grow to love. The condition of course is for your child to love the activity to begin with. I have mentioned in my book how to discover and build a love for a passion to follow in their life time.
Give Your Child Time to Transition
We as parents often forget to give our children time to build the buffer in which to change tasks. You wouldn’t go to a co worker and tell them to do something you need, instantly. Why do we expect the same of your child? Tell your children, ” In 15 mins, we are going to sit down for homework. ” Your child is already doing something or desires to do something. Your request comes in the way of what they have in mind. Have empathy for that.
Have a Rough Routine and Plan
When you tell them to find socks in the morning, they are half awake and flustered. Plan your day roughly, together. For every party, homework, school, occasions, talk about what the day is going to entail so they know what to expect. The day may not go exactly as expected but knowing that they are going to work on something or something is expected of them is a great way. This is an important reason why homework time should be set up each day and why many kids who are in after care flourish for they know what to expect of each day.
Have Some Chores Assigned
Doing chores is a great way to build listening skills as well as focus. The simple task of helping sort laundry or put shoes in a cabinet, needs a child to work on their cognitive skills. They don’t even have to be daily but something that they know they are expected to do. My kids both clean up their rooms, sort toys, empty the dishwasher, help take the recycling out etc.
Give Your Child Time for Themselves
A restless child will probably not listen, will not focus. If their day is packed back to back, even if they are in line, in the beginning, they will surely get surly eventually. This leads to tantrums and clingi-ness. When a child has to do something they have to do, they know they will get the time they need to do their own thing. Time for themselves is a wonderful way to build imagination as well.
Teach Kids Goal Setting & Prioritizing
This is for older kids to build confidence and learn to plan better. Self regulation means knowing how to break down big tasks into smaller ones and how to make them happen. The step by step ways to do so is mentioned below.
Kids can be distracted by “internal stimuli,” like physical sensations or entertaining memories. Reading to your kids and having them do stuff is all great, but making sure you talk to your children just for the sake of talking teaches them to focus on YOU, your words, listen to you and respond appropriately.
I often talk to my kids about my day, the good and the bad and we discuss our days and how we can better handle our situations and what we can be grateful for.
Understand, It is a Journey
When I was a young mother, worrying about my child’s potty training, someone said to me, “Why do you worry? It’s not like they are going to walk down the aisle in a diaper. ” And this applies to almost everything. Breathe, my friend. Teaching kids focus and listening skills take time. It takes a lot of consistency and years and you still find days when you feel like what are you even doing! Remember the good days on such times and keep going.
Raise Your Child to Be Confident and Accepting of the World
Festive season is around us. What a wonderful time to enjoy beautifully illustrated books that teach our kids values and entertain them as well. Here is a list of books for Christmas 2019. Please note the links mentioned are aff links. Please make sure to leave reviews to encourage the authors to create more value based stories.
Make sure you give your child the gift of values and festive atmosphere.
The Elf Who Couldn’t Read
Show kids how magical reading is and teach them that every expert was once a beginner, perseverance is the key to success and practice makes perfect.
Arial The Secrete Santa
Follow Arial through her day at school, in her community, in nature where your child will learn how easy it can be to share kindness. From giving a compliment to smiling at someone who’s having a bad day, Arial shows children that words and act of kindness MATTER, no matter how small!
The Festive Flamingo
Enjoy the benefits of meditation with journeys that spark the imagination. Build a magical camel out of snow, learn to ice-skate with the woodland animals and create an exciting game for the elves. Enjoy many traditional Christmas activities with a twist!
When the Clock Strikes on Christmas Eve
Written in a rolling rhythm and brought to life with a vibrant illustration style, the Christmas season feels magical as every hour passes. A clock on every page introduces kids to telling time. The candy canes on every illustration reinforce counting and will have your kids looking for details on every page.
Santa’s Reindeer
Take a journey to the North Pole where Santa’s Reindeer share their unique personalities.While they are all very different, their shared passion for Christmas brings them together to make the holidays a magical time for children around the world.
A Christmas Cookie Exchange
This sweet holiday story has a powerful message of self-love and acceptance, showing children that character and self-confidence matter. It’s perfect for reading aloud, early learners, elementary classrooms, plus anyone who loves holiday cookies!
Little Squirrel Squish
Little Squirrel Squish Gets His Christmas Wish Little Squirrel Squish wished all his life to be part of santas flying crew. But only reindeer were allowed. He liked to dress up in his shiny nose and antlers. This year he decided to follow his wish and his life was never the same again. A fun and festive story that will delight children of all ages.
Never Let a Unicorn Met a Reindeer
A story about a little girl that wants a reindeer for her birthday!
Put a unicorn and a reindeer together and let the games begin! Read this book to the kids at bedtime and you will spark their imagination as they dream up all the ways that unicorns and reindeer might collaborate on future projects!
Christmas is one of the few global celebrations that touches every home. Today we take a look at some of the different ways this occasion is acknowledged in multicultural homes around the world. A sneak peak into the lives of those who have let the spirit of Christmas into their homes in-spite of it not necessarily being from their own culture even. Be prepared to smile with joy.
At home we celebrate Christmas Eve by eating a huge dinner of diverse dishes from Venezuela, the US and Germany. On Christmas Day, we adopt the American style and have again a nice family meal and open presents from Santa Claus. We are a Venezuelan/American family living in Germany.
We love creating space every night of December to reflect as a family and to sing villancicos ( traditional Christmas Spanish songs)!! I remember doing it as a child and for me is so important that my children learn those songs also!!! I grew up with the Catholic tradition of Las Novenas!!!
At home, we start our celebration with Advent and counting down the days to Christmas. On Christmas day we celebrate with a multicultural (Southern and Puerto Rican) meal and opening gifts. We keep our Christmas tree up through January 6th because we celebrate Epiphany “Día de Reyes” (Three Kings Day/Day of the Magi) my son cuts some grass and places it in a box (and the magi leave a gift behind). What is fun about celebrating Epiphany is that he’s already back in school and we continue to celebrate the holidays!
We read books and sing in both Spanish and English throughout the month of December. We usually have a church service Christmas Eve, wherever we are. When in the US, Christmas Eve is a quiet night in front of a fireplace. When in Peru, the weather is hot and we have fireworks at midnight, when most families eat dinner together here.
At home in North Carolina, we attend festivals with Santa and Latino festivals with the traditional food, songs and dance. We celebrate Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with the Ecuadorian traditions and celebrate Christmas Day with the American traditions.
As a Muslim convert living in the UK, I do not celebrate Christmas in my own home. However, my family are Catholic so we go to see them on Christmas day. We exchange gifts and have a big roast turkey dinner. We eat Christmas pudding and mince pies. Then we sit down to watch the Queen’s speech. The rest of the day is spent playing board games and watching Christmas TV specials. On boxing day we go to see the Mummers performing out in the street. This is an old English tradition. The actors wear costumes made out of shredded newspaper and act out a play and sing songs!
In Australia is common to serve seafood. As it’s summer at Christmas its quite refreshing to have seafood with salads instead. Plus you’re not adding to the heat of the day by using the oven!
Siena decorates its streets with Christmas lights and Christmas trees so there will be plenty of opportunities to take lots of holiday photos with your family. The church bells ringing, the chestnuts roasting and the holiday lights sparkling will surely bring joy to kids and parents alike. You will also find a traditional nativity scene as well as a giant and real Christmas tree in Piazza del Campo. And if you’re lucky enough, you might be able to see the March of the Santas!
Many Filipinos attend the “misa de gallo”, a Roman Catholic mass celebrated around midnight of Christmas Eve. After the mass, church goers would eat special Christmas desserts such as “puto bumbong” ( a purple rice cake sprinkled with coconut and brown sugar) and “bibingka” (a glutinous rice cake with margarine and sugar). The traditional Christmas drink is called “mainit na tsokolate”, a hot chocolate drink made with tablea cacao and peanut butter.
Every Christmas eve, my Indian friends and I get together and treat the kids to some presents from each other. We enjoy a mutli -cuisine meal as the food is provided by different households and take pictures with the Christmas tree. On Christmas Day, my kids bid farewell to the mischievous elf “Rudy” who comes to our home December 1 and open the lovely presents with all their excitement. The day passes in fun and evening we go around looking at Christmas lights around the city.
We have all been there. Going to sleep when wide awake, or trying to, then waking up struggling to get the day started.
Our generation did it as kids and now the next one does it as well. It is a hard circle to get out of. This cycle of restless sleep and sleepy exhaustion. It is only very recently there has been a clear emphasis on good sleeping habits.
“Everyone needs their beauty sleep”, is not just a cliche. It is a fact!
I stand by the immense role sleep plays in a healthy body and mind. Specially that of a growing child. Not just to keep one fit but also, in helping one during those many sick days.
Sleep plays a vital role in healing and growth.
My son has taken both parents’ sleep vices. Sleeping late and being a light sleeper. So I have always had a struggle getting him to and keeping him asleep. Leading to me being exhausted. Once I started doing the below steps to help him, it went a long way towards both my kids waking up with huge smiles with just a nudge!
‘Are you ready for brush? Are you ready to put in bed your tush ? Are you ready to put dreams in your eyes ? Are you ready to say to mom goodnight ?’
Giggles aside, the kids went to bed happy and it really helped them look at bed time as fun rather than a chore that makes all the fun end.
How do we make sure kids wake up wide and dewy eyed every morning? How do we ensure they are ready for school with minimal coaxing ???
Hope the below help you as they have helped me.
Lots Of Activity During Evenings
Kids are bundles of energy that needs to power down before it can be recharged. And to discharge that energy every, single kid need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Thus it is highly important to get those wiggles out in inventive ways so they can head on to a direction for good sleep.
Summers are easier when you can let the kids out in the back yard or have a play date at the park. It takes a little extra effort during winters when you have to think up new ideas to get them engaged. Sure, it is hard work for every parent but so vital for the release of energy in ways that are conducive to exploration, creativity or just happy madness!
Wind Down Half Hour Before Bed Time
I would suggest this time is important to give your kids’ body and mind space to relax and signal that the fun is over. Now it is time to start slowing down. Meditate. In my home this time is usually when the kids just read or play board games or create with Lego.
Stick to Favorite Bed Time Routines
This can often be cumbersome but is very rewarding in teaching kids that there is a set path towards lights out and consequentially sleep.
They get so used to the idea of changing their clothes, getting to brush and then snuggle time for a set amount of time. (Don’t forget to include prepping for next morning.)
Prep for the Day, the Night Before
Make sure your child knows to have their clothes, bag, maybe even snack ready the night before. This is a wonderful precursor to learning goal setting and being prepared.
I suggest you follow these guidelines to decide when your kids should go to sleep. Make sure your set time is in accordance with your wind down time. So, for example, in our home kids have to sleep at 9:30 pm. So they hit their rooms for bed time at 9 pm.
Ask Your Child How They Would Like to be Woken
My son likes to be called to gently and my daughter likes me to hug her awake, me pulling the blanket off her. They both have chosen how they want to be woken up.
I have also observed that giving them a 5 min warning, let’s them feel like they had some extra sleep as well.
Time Your Mornings
Feeling rushed every morning. Time the amount of time it takes for your child to get through their morning routine, and add 5 mins to that.
Give Your Children Affirmations / Gratitude
Who has time, right? So, I just write them on a white board in their room. They wake up , read it. My little one sees the happy image I made and wakes up positive.
While they have breakfast or are getting ready, bring up something amazing that happened the day before. Let them start the day with a grateful heart.
Begin Your Day Hydrated
Milk or water. Make sure we all start the day on a positive
Say Bye with a Hug / Good Day
Wish them a good day. Make sure they do so till the time they aren’t running out the door.
Books are a huge part of a child’s growth. Many a times, stories help build a mindset of growth where conversations fail. Below you will find some of the most unique books that help your child build a mindset rooted in confidence, learning about consequences, moderation, and more. Books that help in character building from the ground up.
“What Should Danny Do”
This is a choose your own adventure book that empowers children (and adults) to see the consequences of their own actions. As a parent, this book is so powerful. Flipping back and forth between scenarios open the discussion for the kids to see how Danny’s day would change based on the decisions he makes… should he throw a tantrum for not getting the plate that he wants for breakfast or should he let it go and learn to share. Each situation is relevant to real life examples and drives the point home that our children have the ability to change their life.
Kindness Starts with You
This is a great book to incorporate kindness into school days for your child. I actually plan on making a post on my social media to recommend the author and this book as well as sharing the info about our kindness challenge I encourage and help my son do. Kindness does matter and this book is a great way to encourage others to start. Will be reading more titles from this author.
The Fantastic Elastic Brain
Lets talk about various aspects of the brain and how it works, but my favorite is the neurons. I now tell my students turn on their neurons. Even though learning is sometimes tough, we need to persevere and work through the discomfort and that’s how our neurons get turned on. As more neurons are turned on, the faster and more powerful the brain works. This really gets my students excited and it motivates them. Every kid needs this book!
The Magnificent Thing
Child-friendly language and charming illustrations are a perfect combination in this story of hope, perseverance, and hard work as a little girl endeavors to create the most magnificent thing. She fails more than once, even becoming so frustrated that she gives up. But determination wins the day when she takes a look at all her “failures” and discovers each has an element that is just right.
What Do You Do With a Problem
Kobi Yamada’s books are entertaining for both children and adults. This is a great follow-up to “What do you with an idea?”. In both books, the author writes about the feelings of being faced with an idea or a problem, mustering up courage and facing them. The illustrator does a great job turning abstract ideas into something concrete. The book does provide us with some talking points. “Remember when you were scared to get up the slide? That’s how this boy felt.”
Rosie River Engineer
Andrea Beaty has written a children’s novel for children and adults alike. It features an endearing character, Rosie, and her desperate hope of becoming an engineer about how young Rosie has big dreams and even though the dream seems too big, it takes just one person and the perfect words to spark her spirit once again after a failure leads her to calling it quits.
The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes
Success doesn’t really come unless you have failed first. The book was fun and there’s a bit of a twist when the kids think she’s going to fail but she doesn’t – the failure comes in the next pages. It kept them on their toes and sparked a great discussion, both on the author’s pacing and the positives of failure if you learn from it. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to incorporate growth mindset.
Beautiful Oops
For kids who are a perfectionist but feel that they can’t draw something perfect. Kids love this book and it has inspired children to use their creativity if they “accidentally” rip a piece of paper. This author has taken one’s imagination and turned it into an amazing piece of art. Beautifully done.
How Our Skin Sparkles
“Why do I look different that other kids in class?”, Aarav asks his mom. What happens next? Read on to see how Aarav’s mom using science, culture and concept to talk to him about skin color and acceptance, of self and others. With easy to read rhymes, sibling love and thoughts to explore, this story talks about how one can truly see everyone as they are inside. This book is a must have for any child who wants to learn a little more about themselves, the world around them and how we truly sparkle!
Anjali Forever
We can all relate to wanting to change something about ourselves, and in Always Anjali that concept is explored through Anjali wanting to change her name due to being teased. This story was captivating for my students. Our school has read it and from grades K-5
The Magic Is Inside You
The author Cathy Domoney has shared such a great, powerful and much needed message for kids who deal with lack of self confidence. The characters are brought to life. Cathy has done a phenomenal job dulling and drowning the negative voices children often dialogue with internally and bringing up the positive voices that requires encouragement and praise. Cathy has offered activities for adults to help children improve their self esteem is invaluable.
What Do You DO With an Idea
Insightful for children & a reminder to adults to not ignore ideas. Possibly a clever addition to a corporate brainstorming meeting. Very clever, one of the better children’s books I’ve savored. I have this & one of it’s companions as coffee table books & adults can’t be pulled away once they start reading. A wonderful book for budding entrepreneurs. The world certainly needs to nurture more kids who are.
What Were You Thinking
It outlines a simple four step strategy which kids can practice to help them smooth out their responses and ensure that the result they get is the one which they want.Can also open conversation about intentions & how humor doesn’t lessen the pain of hurtful remarks/behavior. This book offers another tool for helping kids fine-tune their emotional literacy and expand their menu of choices. By exploring the gap between intended goal and actual results, families can teach kids to recognize and choose strategies that serves them better.
Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets
Will the treats catch up to Cami? Where is she getting them? What happens at the dentist? The story is fun and relevant. An important book about self moderation. Do check out also, Cami Kangaroo has too much stuff.
Strong Roots Have No Fear
Finally a book for parents to lead by example. Read Aditi’s story and how her values helped her be rooted in spite of feeling like the Girl From No Where. Find many talking points that the author provides to help your child grow confident early and develop a global mindset accepting of all, specially themselves.
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Today, as we sat having lunch together, my little one said to me.
“ Mom, you know what ? You are perfect. “
My heart welled with love and gratitude for those three words. “ You are perfect. “
My little girl made me, an often underappreciated, overworked, challenged at every step, mom of two feel like in that moment I was indeed perfect.
I know I have my flaws. I make mistakes. I don’t exercise enough. I am a tad too idealistic for today’s day and age and I overshare. I am me.
But I have never felt less than.
I was an only child for 10 years and my parents never ever made me feel that there was something missing. Even when my brother was born, I was secure in my place in my family.
With time though, it becomes obvious, it’s a man’s world specially in Indian culture. There are “rules” you are expected to live by. Serve, be submissive, understand your “place” in society. It’s not something that is said outright but in the little things by people around you.
Be Who You Are
But my little girl, should always know that you are loved! You are second to no one. You have the right to stand up for what you believe in. The right to eat when you what. The right to say what you want. The right to BE how you want. Laugh how you want. The right to go anywhere, do anything without the fear of being harassed, molested or put down.
Today, when you are little, you are the center of attention no matter where you go. Your teachers love you. We get you all that you need. You dance yourself silly and act like the diva you think you are. You say, “ Watch this mommy! “ after everything you do. You are stubborn and won’t eat something you don’t like. You enjoy everything that you love totally, un-apologetically.
I wish for you a lifetime of what you have now. A lifetime of smiles when you enter the room. Pampering wherever you go. A lifetime of confidence that whatever you are doing is worth being appreciated and applauded. A lifetime of knowing that you are special in every way !
Be a Feminist in The Real Sense
A girl is not the same as a boy. She has unique strengths, many of which are different. That’s not to say, she cannot learn or grow to imbibe traits she desires. Feminism doesn’t mean girl and boys are exactly the same, it gives everyone the freedom to make the choices they deem right for themselves.
Don’t Judge Other Girls, Least of all Yourself
Let the fear of judgement of others around yourself go. One doesn’t ‘have to’ do or be anything she doesn’t want to. But that doesn’t mean she has the right belittle men or anyone else for that matter. Remember your way is right for you, but it may not be right for another.
Similarly, understand that you are going to be hardest on yourself. Often people aren’t even thinking about the thing you are obsessing over. Understand that you have to learn to forgive yourself.
Trust Your Gut
If you don’t know what to do in life, always be very very sure of what you don’t want. Trust your gut ! It won’t ever let you down. And if all else fails, remember what your mom and dad have taught you and fall back on the values you have grown up with.
Get Your Priorities Straight, without Remorse
Be passionate about life and the people you love. Care about them like the tiger you are. Know your priorities and go after them without remorse. Know that people will never understand what your life and choices is about and that is okay.
Always Choose To Be Drama-free
Time and again, you will for sure be sucked into the web of insecurities, jealousy, envy and gossip . Make sure to walk the path of truth and try your best to keep your mind above all the spectacle. A real crisis is the only time you should be anxious.
Don’t let relationships be the cause of turmoil.
Respect yourself enough to walk away when needed and cut ties when pushed.
Be Mindful in Your Actions
With great power though, comes great responsibility as they say. You need to remember that with the freedom of choices you have, you need to make decisions that are healthy, compassionate, brave and right. To speak out when you see wrong doing. To stand up for those who cannot, specially yourself.
Know your strengths, understand your weaknesses, introspect often and be self aware. Above all, remember that the same applies to everyone. Every person goes through their share of pain and suffering before they find their bliss. So, never, ever try to compare your journey to another’s.
Remember, you are perfect as you are. Never feel less than, at any moment ever !
Raise Children Who are Confident with a Global Mindset
There is NO right or wrong way to create art. Be it paintings, sketches, poetry, prose, dance …
Of course there is a base foundation that you will develop when you keep working on what you believe in consistently. Years of practice will help you develop form, theme, a unique voice.
Experience teaches you how to be able to translate your work so others can learn from it. Constant practice also can help create talent where there was none to begin with.
BUT let no one tell you that You aren’t good enough. For being “good” is defined by the eyes that see it. A 11 year old doesn’t understand the magnificence of a 3 year old’s doodles. A 21 year old does not understand the heart an 8 year old puts into the “dream project” they do all by themselves. A 30 year old cannot compare the form of a 9 year old to a 16 year old. A 40 year old cannot imagine the passion it takes for a 70 year old to practice and perform.
It takes a lot of introspection for someone ahead to look back and remember the pains they have taken. To have an appreciation for passion. To understand what comes quite naturally to you, takes years of work for another.
Parents, do not squash your child’s vision by the desire to make it perfect. Give it time, it will be. And it will be appreciated.
All it takes is eyes and a heart that SEE and FEEL.
HELP YOUR CHILD FIND & NURTURE THEIR TALENT WITH OUR BOOK
Raising includers is not as easy as you would think. When my kids start school, I hope they make friends and are kind to everyone. But is that possible?
Humans are quick to build judgement as a species and get set in their own ways, to the point of excluding without conscious thought. We see it all the time. People tend to prefer to be with people who speak their language, have lived in the same city and/or follow their own customs. In most communities, you will see families subdivided into sub groups. The children in turn prefer playing with kids they feel are their own. Consequently, you will see children excluding someone who doesn’t look or sound like them.
No child does it on purpose. They just subconsciously mimic their parents’ behaviour. Parents too, do not do the same on purpose but the sad truth is that it takes a lot of conscious and mindful effort on our part to make sure our children understand our acceptance of different ways of life.
Oh yes! We all say, we want our children to have a global mindset. How many of us however make the effort to ensure our children are exposed to a diverse environment.
If you are a parent who wants to make sure their child does not fall into the groupism trap, here are ways you can ensure to do that.
Raising Includers with These Steps
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
It is not easy for us to explore the world. It takes a lot of self awareness and desire to step out of our comfort zone to do so. We have our friends. We hold our ways close. It is so easy for us to keep going on our way. The way we have been brought up is comfortable. Besides that, inviting unknowns into our homes can lead to subconscious fears of being judged. We need to be above that. We are all just people, living our lives in our ways. Doing our best to raise our families, the way we know best. The judgement on both sides is unnecessary and non existent.
Invite your child’s friends over to your home. Gone are the days when mothers used to be home and neighbors could just play at each others’ houses. Working parents means we have to make the extra bit of effort for our children. Yes, our homes are messy at times. Yes, it could also be inconvenient. But children bloom knowing their friends are welcome in their home.
My house is a hub for both my kids’ friends. It is always wonderful seeing the children interact and learn about each other’s cultures. I too, find it fascinating how differently a child sees our home when compared to their own. But it is all going towards their growth.
I notice often it is hard for most parents to reciprocate and invite my child over. I show them the grace of accepting they have their reasons for my child enjoying with their friends is more important than waiting for reciprocation. The point at the end is for the children to grow together.
Conversations
Talk to your child about being kind and generous and loving to their friends. Talk to them about how important it is to be accepting of the different experiences and ways they witness. My son recently had friends judge him on what he likes and being a non vegetarian. These opportunities make your child stronger in their beliefs, yes. It is also a learning moment for them to be tolerant of others views and to never judge and they are being judged.
Celebrations
It is important enough to make the most of every moment in life. For every single year is nothing but a culmination of all the moments you make special. What is more essential is that we share those moments with people who may not know what the significance of our celebration is. I have had the privilege to often being included in many a Christmases, Onams and Eid celebrations and that is why I have a wonderful sense and desire to include any and all in my life’s special days!
No Generalization
We all tend to do it. We label a whole group of people based on our personal experience or the stories of our parents. You may deny it to yourself, but your child sees the world through your eyes. And if your comments, stories are off handed and biased, that’s how they will see the world. Make sure you are aware of what you say when you meet someone new, or come across someone in an instance. Smiling and just having an open conversation goes a LONG way in teaching your child to be open to including all others in their day and lives.
Be kind to those around you, help out with your child when you can. Help a friend move. Be nice to someone in front of them. Go out of your way to be an includer yourself in order for your child to learn from you.
If your find someone being ignorant about your own culture or group, educate them. Do not talk badly behind them for their response which was clearly from being ignorant.
Read, Read, Read
Reading about the world, societies, sub cultures, etc is the biggest way to show your child the world is their oyster.
Make sure you make the effort to read this easy to read book to being mindful of raising a global citizen.
I don’t need to tell anyone the importance of time management. The world is full of appointments and deadlines to make it clear about why every child needs to learn the art of time management. Yet, many of us find themselves constantly running in the IST time zone. It’s a well known running joke within the Indian community where IST is Indian Standard Time where they are consistently 30 mins more more late for everything and unrepentant for the circumstances are never in their hands.
Now of course everyone understands being late once in a while. But being consistently lagging causes a number of issues for those waiting and is just disrespectful of the time of others.
I grew up in a house where my father pushed us to be on time for everything. Being on time is a trait he drilled into us. In my all my years of life, I have rarely been late. And all the credit goes to parents who ensured that we respected the time of others and ourselves. They could never bear to be late. In spite of many times suffering for holding this respected trait. There have been times when a party was supposed to start at a given time and my family has been there only to realize that the even hosts have yet to arrive.
Would I say now being on time is overrated? No!
For being on time is a huge sign of respect. It shows respect for the person who is waiting for you and respect for your own self, for we all are running a hamster wheel that needs us to stick to schedule.
Since I started working for myself, it simply offends me that people today have no respect for the time of another. And believe saying Sorry is all it takes to pacify the troubles and sacrifices I made to manage the same.
The truth is All it takes is valuing your time as well as another.
Teach your children early the art of time management. It is an imperative quality one needs to be on time as well as manage projects and goals that you set for yourself.
Here I am, in all my years as a parent never found my children to be a hindrance in me being on time and yet I hear many parents saying, “Oh! You need to add a 30 mins of being behind to every child you give birth to. ” I am sure the children too consequently begin to feel that it is not a huge concern to be on time either. In a world which is full of people that are never on time, what hope do we have for children who follow such footsteps ?
Counter Distractions
I see it all the time. You tell children to wear their shoes. They go off doing something else. It happens with us too. We are doing one thing, and yet we find ourselves distracted by a phone call, television or these days, social media. Children need to understand how important it is to work while you work and do the job at hand with a single mind.
Talk to them often that when you tell them to do something, you expect them to first do that. Explain to them that there are distractions all around them.
Do the Math
It is interesting to me, when people feel the circumstances around them are constantly working against them. It is in fact, just a matter of doing the math. If you are going to take x amount of time prepping for an occasion, y amount of time wearing your clothes etc, z amount of time to travel to the location, you need to give yourself x+y+z + a standard buffer amount of time to ACTUALLY get ready so you can BE ON TIME. The buffer can be any thing from 10-20 mins depending on your observation of how often you derail from your planned time.
Explain to your child as the get begin to learn time, why you ask them to get ready at a certain time.
Create a Work List
Every morning wake up to a list of things you need to have done this day. This increases your productivity 25-50%. Organizing your tasks with a list can make everything much more manageable and create a clear path for your day. Seeing a clear outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks will help you feel organized and stay mentally focused.
Kids having a journal is a great way to do this.
Set Priorities
Once your list is made, make sure to KNOW what is essential to do and what is okay to let go of. Follow the ABCDE rule after making your list.
A – Must Do B – Not Urgent (Great to do but not urgently, can be moved to another day.) C – Add Ons (Bonus if you get done) D – Can be Delegated (You can assign to someone else) E – Eliminate (Often we add things to our list that can actually be cancelled all together)
Of course for a child, A and B are enough. But as we grow and expand our lists we need to remember to assign the above to every item on our list consistently so we can learn how to be effective in working on our list.
Overcome Procrastination
Don’t wait for the last moment to start doing something. Whenever my son gets a project from school, we start prepping for it earlier than later. He always responds with, “But it’s not due TILL … ” and I come back with, ” If you are done with this early, you are free to do other things at the last minute. ” After the first two projects, when he witnessed his friends in class submitting projects early too, he realized how wonderful it is to be done with submissions. So, now he starts planning earlier himself.
Well Begun is Half Done
Speaking of planning, this is so important to do early. Whenever we start a project, we plan the materials we will need, time needed, and ideas early. This helps us a lot in prepping for everything. Be it cooking to party planning to school projects to work related organization.
Let Go of Perfection
This is something I see many adults struggle with. The desire for perfection leads to procrastination and delay in completion of any project. One needs to understand that we need to be okay with something as is. To just start with the project without a desire of perfection or guaranteed rewards. Time management needs us to give grace to ourselves to fail.
Review Your Day
Before sleep every night, we have to make sure we take a few moments to go over all that you did through your day. What held you back, what went wrong in your planning, what worked best towards helping your achieve your goals. This simple habit reinforces your strengths.
Talk to your kids about their day and all they achieved in it. These days many schools help kids set goals and achieve them. Do the same with your child.
Discipline
Time management is a culmination of all the above. It is so important to be relentless in practicing all the above through out your day, with your child. What works best with any child is consistency and conversations. Talk to them about how discipline is not just one trait that we have. It is a combination of a number of things.
Yes, showing grace to those who are struggling is important. But it is also important to show grace to yourself by being mindful of the one thing that you have NO control over. Time!
What would you add to this list?
To read more such ways to create confidence with a global mindset in your child, read my book. Strong Roots Have No Fear
I didn’t know how to manage money. We didn’t have allowances when I was a kid and any money we got as gift ended up with mom for “safe keeping”. While that makes total sense, with no concept of what healthy money management looks like, I had to struggle for a while before finding my personal methodology as far as handling this very important aspect of life meant. Which is why teaching kids about finance early is so very important.
My kids don’t get allowances either (I prefer they care for their home because it is their home) but recently now that my son is 8, he is allowed to earn by doing jobs we don’t feel like doing or need an extra hand with. Say, weeding or sorting and folding loads of laundry or helping re organize the kitchen.
And we don’t give him the money. He’s got a book where he notes down how much money he earned. He adds his earnings and subtracts (consequences or expenditures as need be). Yes, it had gotten him a little too involved into what he will buy next but we are working on the balance between saving and buying. That too will take time.
Teaching Kids about Finance is Not Just About Money
I have never shied away from talking about the cost of an item or class with the kids. Talking to them about something being too expensive, and why has been very important to be for those are the conversations that led me to at least not over spending at every turn. It helped me understand early that some things are just not worth spending the money on, while others even though extravagant expenditures are totally worth the financial commitment.
These conversations go towards showing that as a family you can talk about almost anything.
2. Get Excited about Deals/Savings
I love a deal / discount. I even have friends who are never shy of talking to me about how to where they get things cheaper and worth the amount. Getting something priced just right is wonderful. In India, where often people say they bought something for $500 when they actually paid $50, it is refreshing to be able to just enjoy deal shopping and doing it with my children. Money saving can be fun too. They see how important it is to not just buy something and ensure that you have gotten the good price on an item. To check around and do the work that is needed.
Seeing your parents be mindful about their expenditures is a wonderful way for children to learn to do the same. It extends into being mindful about most actions also.
3. Money Saved is Money Earned
We do our own yard work. We clean the house ourselves. We drive instead of flying when we can. My husband and I are a team when it comes to saving by doing something ourselves instead of paying something to do it for us. And we explain to our kids the importance of doing that. And how the money we have not spent is money we can put towards something else.
And not just for saving, there is love we put into our gardens, home, work and our trips. The value of self work extends into self worth and valuing the work you put into doing something vs just paying someone to do it for you. (When we do avail of help, we ensure our children understand how that money is better spent on outsourcing so we can do other things like maybe getting help to clean the house for a party so I can cook etc) .
4. Brainstorm Ideas to Save Money
Kids love this one. Out of the box thinking is encouraged where we ask the little ones to give us ideas on how to save on something. Like when my son was supposed to have his birthday party. He wanted to have a Nerf party at a location but of course that was a lot of money for just 8 kids and he wanted to invite around 20 friends. So, we thought about ways we could have a Nerf party at home. The conversations we had were intense as he thought about different party ideas. We ended up having a super fun Lego party instead with all his friends.
It takes a lot for one to find ways to do the same thing others can afford to spend money on, in cheaper but creative ways. Neither is right or wrong, just different but can be just as fulfilling and that is wonderful to ingrain into children early.
5. Be Positive About Work at Hand
The above can be hard. Making home made creations for occasions or working at home or finding that perfectly priced thing you really want can all take time and patience. Both of which are extremely essential to building a positive attitude within kids. To be optimistic plays a big part in this. Teaching kids about finance takes perseverance at both ends.
6. Donations/Tips are Essential to Soceity
So important to share with children early the importance of donating and tips for service rendered well. This surely instills the importance of giving for charity or when someone has worked hard for you.
7. Perseverance Pays Off
This is such a wonderful lesson that gets imbibed when you work towards saving. And this trait goes into a life long journey of being patient and slowly but surely going towards a goal.
8. Money Needs to Be Earned with a Purpose
Investment is such an important part of money management. And this is why when we started giving my son jobs, we asked him what he was going to save towards. His end goal is a Lego set that is quite expensive and he’s so joyful in adding to his final total every time he gets the opportunity. Travel, high end gadgets etc, all should be saved up for. This is a such a simple way to o the same.
9. Not Every Job Has Equal Pay
The first day I told my son I would pay him $2 for a small section of the yard, he pulled ONE weed and said, “I’m done.” . We continued our conversations about how you have to finish a job your started before expecting a return. Children get paid way too much without thought. I mean, when I hear kids getting $20 from the tooth fairy for losing a tooth, it seems way too extravagant.
Even when our son helps us, we do pay his anywhere from $1 – $5. As they get older, I imagine we would increase it to $10-$15 again depending on the job.
This is so important to teach children that not every opportunity pays equally but it all adds up and is of value.
10. Helping is Different than Earning
All the above being said, it is very easy for kids to fall into the trap of doing everything with the expectation of getting money in return. It’s like candy to them. For they learn quite quickly that it will add up. This is why it is important to have simple things they do around the house like emptying the dishwasher or help clean up before a party so they know the difference between helping someone and working for money.
How do you get kids to stop interrupting and give you that semblance of space when you are on the phone with the Internet company, wondering why you WIFI won’t work?!
It is the bane of every parent’s existence. Kids talking over, behind, under you while you are striving to have conversations, work or be on the phone. The sound of Mom, mommy, mama, are enough to drive you crazy when you are trying to focus on anything else.
Those sweet voices from which you yearned to hear “Mom” & “Dad” now won’t stop saying those words when they need something. Which is ALL. THE. TIME! And specially when you are distracted, because that is when these sneaky critters know you will say Yes to anything to get them to shush.
How do you get them to stay still and be quiet? Here are the tricks that have worked for me. Tried and tested. Hope they give you some idea on how to get kids to stop interrupting.
1. Monkey See, Monkey Do
Have you noticed how many times we interrupt our kids? They come to us when we are sitting and instead of listening, we give them a job to do, or change their clothes or some such task that could have waited two minutes after they spoke. Listen to your child. Give them the respect of your listening ears. Point this out when they interrupt your flow in THAT conversation with, “I’m not done”.
2. A Taste of Their Own Medicine
Silly. Yes! Kiddish. Yes! But it’s fun. After they have done it to you, give it a few minutes and when they start talking do it right back to them. I don’t encourage this more than a couple of times and explain to them how utterly distressing it is to have your words cut off.
3. Signal for Listening
One that works both ways. So if you are with friends/spouse and they come over, if it’s not urgent, they need can your hand and wait for you or everyone to finish. That way they know they are connected to you but waiting for their chance. Also, another signal like a raised hand when something urgent comes up that is MOST important.
Also, a signal from you that you cannot be stopped during THIS conversation, specially ones on the phone. Maybe a raised finger. Practice it during your conversations like a Red Light, Green Light Game.
4. Talk to Them About the Importance of Your Calls
Dad goes to office, so his meetings do not have to be disturbed. Kids learn this very early and easily. But with moms calls, they tend to take us for granted. A HUGE shift in our listening skills came when my I told my kids that me being on the phone with a company, the doctor’s office and even friends is the same as me being in a meeting. It is important for me, and thus they need to respect it. They grasped the relative importance and it made quiet a difference.
5. Don’t Hold Your Breathe
With the BEST kids, these tips work with perseverance. It all takes time, and after all they are kids. For them, their desire for TV/snack arises the moment they know you are busy for they feel they have to keep themselves occupied. Make sure they know that you are NOT going to be available to cater to them and that works best!
Find out more ways here, and share your experiences below.
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I recently read, traveling the world is a huge part of multicultural families. These books allow elementary aged kids to travel the world. We travel to meet our families and learn about the world. We hope that our children explore cities, new cultures and understand their own better.
Food, festivals, customs and little things that make us all different and yet similar at the same time. Below and a list of books, my children and I have read and enjoyed. They act as little passports to the world around us.
Since, it is impossible for everyone to see everything, it is so much more important now than ever for us learn from each other and share stories of how our worlds truly are.
(Aff Links)
Elementary Aged Kids Travel the World with Books
Maya and Neel Series
Originating from Indian authors, this series is an authentic look at Mumbai and Delhi. The authors plan to add more books to these series and talk about lot of Indian festivals. Great for younger kids, learning about India and Hindi too.
Goodnight Series
A fun read for little kids who would love to see India. An easy read.
Travel Guide Series
These are kids who love a lot of non fiction. Gives a great look at different countries around the world with facts and celebrations.
Goodnight Series
Nick and Aya Series
A great book for parent bonding. Father and daughter take trips to different cities/countries around the world.
National Geographic Series
Who doesn’t know Nat Geo and their bid to empower the world with a real life look within countries. They have a lot of books about countries around the world.
Seymour and Hau Series
Books about Italy, Morocco and more, Seyomour and Hau is a great book for advanced elementary readers. Chapter books with images to boot! These make a wonderful gift too.
50 States Guide & Activity Book
You can learn all about America by buying this guide and their activity book combined. It is a great resource for social studies.
Flat Stanley Series
Another chapter book with images, these make a great read. Kids who like Judy Mody or Stink, would love Flat Stanley and all his adventures around the world.
Real Kids, Real Stories Series
Sometimes, learning about the world is not just about the cities, countries. It is about the people who are making courageous choices and bringing real change around the world.
Hello World Series
Perfect for little kids, these books give them a view of what different cities around the world look like.
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