Featured Guest, Author at Raising World Children

Old School Ways to Connect with Step Kids

For those of you with children, you need to know which hobbies will help you bond the most with your children. And this especially is important for those of you with step kids. To help you connect with step kids, here are five old school hobbies you all can enjoy.

1. Coin Collecting

You have all kinds of cool coins you and your family can collect. And these coins can one day be worth a good bit of money for your family. You also can find coins that relate to your stepchildren’s specific interests.

To get started you want to make sure you have all of the needed coin collecting supplies. This will make the experience even more enjoyable. And no matter your budget, you can find a way to afford this.

2. Cooking and Eating Out

Food is a great way to create quality time and connect with step kids, and you have all kinds of options. You could start by having your step kids help with the preparation of meals. And you could even have them begin to take over some ownership of meals. Not only are they developing essential skills, but they also have something they can take pride in doing.

And don’t forget to make family outings to restaurants a family priority. Make sure you all get to enjoy new restaurant openings. Be also certain to take your stepchildren to restaurants that serve their favorite foods.

3. Playing and Watching Sports

If your step kids love sports, then you must try to show interest in that. Even if you are not athletic, you should make sure your children have the chance to play sports. Of course, you have school and community recreation teams they can join. And if you are a sports expert, you can participate even more by coaching their sports teams.

For those of you who have stepchildren who are not athletic or show no interest in sports, you can still head out to watch sporting events. Consider, for example, America’s favorite pastime, baseball. When you head to the ballparks, you do more than just watch the game. Ballparks today include all kinds of entertaining features you can enjoy without having to be a huge sports fan.

4. Home Improvement Work

Outside of your home and inside of your home, there are all kinds of home improvement projects you can enjoy. And if you can find a way to involve your stepchildren, then even better. Not only will they be spending bonding time with you, but these are skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Of course, there is housecleaning and yard work they can do with you. But you also could ask your step kids to help you with more in-depth tasks. Maybe you all could update your backyard with a DIY backyard kitchen. Or, you could see if your stepchildren will help you create a new media room inside your home to watch TV shows and movies and to enjoy gaming systems more.

5. Camping and Fishing

Everyone can benefit from spending some time in the outdoors, and the same can be said for you and your step kids. Maybe you should schedule some time for you all to go camping at a state or national park. You can find primitive camping, and you can even find glamping experiences. So no matter how comfortable your family does or does not feel in the outdoors, you can find a setting that will work for everyone.

And even better, you should try to schedule in some fishing while you are out camping. Fishing is not only a tried and true old school hobby enjoyed by many, but you will also be spending even more quality time with your step children. If you decide to head out for a camping and fishing excursion, you can go at it alone or you could book an organized outing led by an expert.

You need to make sure you are spending quality time with your stepkids, and one or more of the above suggestions will help you. You just have to make this a priority. Don’t put it off. You will notice immediate benefits. When you connect with step kids, you will help your family for years to come, too.

Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Cancer is a difficult diagnosis for anyone, but for children, it is especially devastating. Even when we can’t provide medical help or caregiving support, there are things we can all do in the battle against childhood cancer.

Donate

For busy people with stable incomes, one of the simplest ways to support awareness of this worthy cause is to send a check to support a child cancer donation charity. Any amount will help. There is no obligation to keep donating on a regular basis. Just send a monetary donation through the mail or post it electronically at a secure online charity website. You might want to specify what your donation should go toward, such as research or home health care, if options are provided. Otherwise, trust the charity to put the money to good use.

Volunteer

Some of us have extra time that we want to use for meaningful purposes that help others. Donate your time at a child cancer center or hospital department. You don’t need special skills; many volunteers deliver mail or flowers, help with registration or direct guests to their destined location, or answer phones. You may be able to volunteer from home by doing phone work or assisting with mailings. As with money, you don’t have to pledge a certain amount of time every week or month. Just help when you can, and it will be greatly appreciated.

Participate

Many children’s cancer organizations sponsor major events once a year to raise awareness and request contributions. Fundraisers include silent auctions, ornate dinners, volunteer recognition events, athletic competitions, and other activities that bring caring people together for this special cause. You can sign up for events like these to either help with setup and cleanup or register to enter one of the competitive activities or fundraiser options.

Organize

Depending on your level of interest, you may be able to work with a local children’s cancer charity to organize an awareness or fundraising event. Start by contacting friends and family members to see if they are interested in helping. When you have a firm list of several individuals, contact the charity of your choice and ask about arranging an event to sponsor a child or contribute overall to the organization.

Whatever efforts you are able to make will help to battle childhood cancer and the toll it takes on children and their families. Give some thought to where your skills or interests can be best put to use and contact the children’s cancer charity of your choice.

A Guide to Indian Weddings

Chances are you may have seen vibrant pictures from Indian weddings. What do you think of, when you picture an Indian wedding?

Bright colors, dancing, singing, henna, festivities spanning several days, elaborate rituals and traditions, all of the above and more. Growing up as an Indian-American, I was always mesmerized by Indian wedding festivities. Traveling to India occasionally for family weddings, I fully enjoyed taking part in the various celebrations, and would relish any opportunity I had to dress up in full Indian attire.

However, it was not until many years later, when I actually had to plan my own wedding, that I understood the significance of the various ceremonies. I also came to appreciate first hand that Indian weddings are considered a union of two families, and therefore many of the customs involve both families.

The summary below is a general overview of customs that are common throughout India. It is important to note that India is actually a very diverse country, made up of several subcultures and each region has its own traditions.

Ganesh Puja – this is a religious ceremony that commences the Indian Hindu wedding rituals. It is a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and bestower of good luck. It is typically done at home with the couple, and close family and friends in observance. The ceremony blesses the couple and assures that the wedding can be performed without any hindrances.

Pithi/Haldi Ceremony– this is a ceremonial bath that usually takes place separately in the bride/groom’s homes. A paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and gram flour is made and applied to the bridge/groom’s skin. Turmeric is considered auspicious in Indian customs, and signifies purity and fertility. It also has an aesthetic purpose, and is believed to provide a beautiful glow to the skin. At the end of the ceremony, family members typically bless the bridge/groom. The bride will often wear yellow on this day, to represent the color of turmeric.

Mehndi Ceremony– Prior to the wedding, the bride and female attendees will typically have a mehndi (henna) artist come and apply mehndi in intricate designs on the hands, forearms, feet and legs. The bride typically has the most extensive and elaborate mehndi, sometimes taking several hours to complete. Common folklore is that the deeper red the bride’s mehndi turns, the stronger the bond between husband and wife. As a fun wedding game, the mehndi artist will often hide the name of the groom in the bride’s mehndi for the groom to find.

Sangeet/Garba – this is a musical night that takes place the night before the wedding. It is a joint event attended by both sides, and allows both families to enjoy singing and dancing to celebrate the couple. It is an “informal” night that allows both families to meet and greet.

Baraat– this is the groom’s procession, whereby the groom makes his way to the altar, followed by all his family and friends. The groom typically rides on a decorated white horse, with family and friends singing and dancing along the way.

Shaadi/Wedding ceremony– the specific rituals in the wedding ceremony vary from region to region. Often, a Hindu wedding begins with the bride and groom exchanging flower garlands (jai mala). A priest will then light the ceremonial fire (agni) in the center of the altar. The couple will walk around the fire four to seven times depending upon which region of India they are from (mangal phera). Each circle represents a pillar of happiness, namely duty, prosperity, love and spiritual salvation. After that the couple will take seven steps, symbolizing seven wedding vows, and they will be officially married. The groom will then apply a red powder (sindoor) to the bride’s hair partition, and tie a gold and black beaded necklace (mangal sutra) around the bride’s neck, symbolizing that the woman is now married. The couple will seek blessings from the priest and family members. For the wedding ceremony, the bride will often wear the color red.

Reception- similar to an American reception, this is a party to celebrate the married couple after the official wedding takes place. All family and friends can provide their congratulatory wishes.

Indian weddings take place over several days. Attendees typically dress in bright colors. White is usually avoided, as it is the color of mourning. Black is also considered inauspicious and generally not worn. In general, Indian weddings are very lively and meant to be a celebration of life through food, song, and dance!

My vivid childhood memories of Indian weddings actually inspired me to write a children’s book, Bindiya in India. It tells the story of a young girl who travels to India for the first time to meet her family and attend an Indian wedding. If you’d like to introduce your child to Indian weddings, please check out the book, coming fall 2020!

Monique Chheda, MD is a dermatologist living in Maryland. She has been married for four years and has two young children. Becoming a mother inspired her to revive one of her hobbies, writing. Wanting to pass on her Indian culture to her children, she found a scarcity of children’s books that allowed Indian-American children to connect with their heritage. This prompted her to write her own children’s book, Bindiya in India. Her hope is that through literature, she can share India’s rich culture and language with the next generation. Website: mangoandmarigoldpress.com/bindiyaindia, drmoniquechheda.com Instagram: @mkchheda

Body Positive Children’s Books That Build Confidence

So rarely talked about and yet one of the biggest insecurities adults have. Wouldn’t it be nice to nip these issues early in life?

Building a confident body image early for children is so important for:-

Confidence
Prevent Bullying
Stand up to Bullying
Avoid hurtful remarks
Build Empathy

Here is a list of books that would certainly teach your child to have a healthy outlook towards their appearance.

How Our Skin Sparkles

Do you have friends who look different than you?

It is overwhelming how many insecurities we carry within our selves, specially as children of the world. How Our Skin Sparkles is a book of empowerment through acceptance, of self and others. This is a wonderful addition to the library of someone 5-10

Guy Stuff – The Body Book for Boys

From hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to shaving, acne to voice changes, and everything in between. With tips and facts from a real pediatrician, this book will provide you with the answers about your body’s changes. A great book for kids 9+

The Care and Keeping of You

With all-new illustrations and updated content for girls ages 8 and up, it features tips, how-tos, and facts from the experts. Girls will find answers to questions about their changing bodies, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. And once she feels comfortable with what’s happening, she’ll be ready to move on to the The Care & Keeping of You 2!

I Like Myself

Perfect for little ones aged 3-6, high on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.

Luna and the Magical Owl

Luna And The Magic Owl is an essential read for every woman, young and old. There’s no doubt it will help shape and nurture a generation who are often torn down for not looking a certain way. It’s important to embrace self-love and body positivity to encourage a healthy self-image.

I Am Enough

This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Stand Tall

Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn’t mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart. But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.

I’m Gonna Be Like Me

Celebrate liking yourself! Through alternating points of view, a girl’s and a boy’s, Jamie Lee Curtis’s triumphant text and Laura Cornell’s lively artwork show kids that the key to feeling good is liking yourself because you are you. A book to rejoice in and share, I’m Gonna Like Me will have kids letting off some self-esteem in no time!

You Are Special

The little wooden people called Wemmicks scurry about their days doing what they always do: sticking gold stars on the pretty and talented Wemmicks or gray dots on those who make mistakes. But now the stickering is all the more important. The Festival is at hand. That means that the envied Most Stars Award and the dreaded Most Dots Award are about to be given out. And poor Punchinello is sure to be a shoo-in for the Most Dots.

Body Book

A must-have book for girls looking for straightforward advice about their changing bodies and growing up. There are answers to questions about everything from shaving, vocal changes, bad breath, smelly feet, braces, and acne, to school, sports, girls, friends, family, and more.

Short or Tall Doesn’t Matter At all

Whether it’s your size, weight, color, voice, the way you walk or even how you giggle and snort. We’re all somehow different, but kids can be mean and know how to trigger those pain points! Through an inspiring tale about the sun and the moon and how everyone no matter how different they are has unique traits and skills, this real life story shows parents and kids alike what is really important in life – like having a good heart and turning bullying into new friendships.

I Love My Nose

Whether your child is big, small, short or tall, THIS fun and interactive book guides children through the many reasons why they should love their unique and amazing bodies and engages them in kid-friendly positive self talk! Appreciating what our body does for us is a great first step to building a great positive body image and self esteem.

It’s Okay to Be Different

The book features the bold, bright colors and silly scenes that made Todd a premiere voice for emotional discussions in children’s literature. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never to early to develop a healthy self-esteem.

Celebrate Your Body

Covering everything from bras to braces, Celebrate Your Body goes beyond other puberty books for girls, offering friendly guidance and support when you need it most. In addition to tips on managing intense feelings, making friends, and more, Celebrate Your Body has even more than other puberty books for girls, showing you what to eat and how to exercise, so your body is healthy, happy, and ready for the changes ahead.

I Don’t Want Curly Hair

All Curly Haired Girl has ever wanted is straight and luscious locks, but when she meets a little girl with the smoothest, silkiest hair, who says all she’s ever wanted is spirally, squiggly hair, they are BOTH confused! Don’t Want Curly Hair! It is glorious new picture book for little people who always want what they can’t have! From the brilliant Laura Ellen Anderson – illustrator of the bestselling Witch Wars series.

Sulwe

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

Her Body Can

Her Body Can is a book of poetic self-love and body positivity declarations for all young girls. Its aim is to encourage our young girls to create a reality for themselves in which they love themselves and their bodies for exactly who and what they are, instead of learning to judge themselves and hate their bodies for what they are not. Our girls should know that their bodies are absolutely amazing and CAN DO incredible things—and that their worth is not measured by anything except how big they love themselves.

Check out more BOOK LISTS for kids to build a global growth mindset.

Real Advice from Moms for Moms during Lockdown

These are unprecedented times. We all are feeling overwhelmed but so few are talking about how hard it is for us. As always, we internalize and try to hide behind our schedules, kids, commitments and need to stand brave. It’s so important to share what we are going through and what’s working for our benefit. Here are some moms talking about what helps them through their struggles.

The New Normal

Something that helped my mental state enormously & came from a licensed psychologist:

Act as if THIS is the new normal. Make all your plans based upon the way things are, right now. That way, if plans are able to change when things open back up, that’s a great plan to have, but you’re not constantly dealing with disappointmnets. Put things on the calendar like you would if we were going out – family game night! Buy a special game or two but don’t open it until that planned day – same with a family movie night.

I changed my mindset to this, and I brokethrough the ambiguity freeze I was in. My anxiety has settled a good bit. I’m finally able to work again.

Ronda Bowen

Small Changes Help

I have introduced my elder daughter to my complex art materials, which I earlier didn’t because they needed more care. This way I have managed to trigger curiosity in her to paint more often, learn new art forms and also become responsible at the same time as I am sharing my precious collection with her. This way I’m also reiterating the importance of sharing and entrusting trust. She has become more warm towards her younger sister now. We both have been creating lot of art stuff at home and out of waste materials like boxes, cartons, aluminum foils and even toys that they don’t play with anymore. This way she is learning to look at any waste material as potential raw material to create something unique. I enjoy her ideas now where she comes up with fun projects.

Recently, we have been improving our home decor by making small changes with the help of the little one. We ask her for decorating ideas so that way she gets involved and also learns to organize things. There is never a right or wrong age to learn the importance of decluttering and that’s what I have been trying to do these days with my little ones.

My daughter loves to dance and due to the lockdown she isn’t going for her ballet classes. We discussed with her teacher to send dance videos for the students to practice at home. We try and emulate the steps along with her so that she remains motivated to dance. Honestly, I love looking silly in front of her because I can never move like she does. To see her giggle under such stressful times is heartening ♥️.

Leena Asnanie

Ease Up on Technology for Homeschooling

Here’s my opinion on homeschooling.. Yes no one’s asking, but am saying it anyway.. NO.. just NO.

With a toddler screaming his head off because I wouldn’t let him tear his brother’s schoolwork and a pre-tween (an 8 yr old who thinks he’s a teen in making with all the cool attitudes and slangs, hi fives his dad but still wants to snuggle and likes sloppy kisses from his mom), I would rather sit down and watch Karan Johar movies over and over (pun intended). Homeschooling and getting schooled (on EVERY single thing!) was not on my mind when the lockdown started. I genuinely believed, I would impart my worldly knowledge to my beloved son and may be bring enlightenment. How naive was I? Which planet was I in, when all these apps were created?

For someone who had not held an iPad, not had a Twitter or Instagram account, relied on a single baby app, spoke only through Facebook and Whatsapp before lockdown, it was a technology shock!

Here I was, learning to navigate through Popplet to Kahoot to class dojo with the help of my son, how ironic! With the constant trivias on technology and new techniques and his questions that always start with “Did you know?”, made me wonder truly, I really didn’t know!!

Don’t get me started on SIRI, she replaced me slowly and steadily with her ever ready enthusiasm and vast knowledge. My trump card…SNACK!! ( very mom’s mind voice!!).

Mathangi Murali

Take Time to Relax EVERY Day

If we get time to relax a bit at regular intervals, we can even work for 12 hours on a stretch. Trust me on this. Working women might agree that taking 2 coffee/tea breaks in working hours and chatting with colleagues will boost their productivity. If you are a stay at home parent, I agree that there is one or the other task which keeps cropping up always but take a 15-minute break just to sit and watch TV or to read a book or to take a power nap. This keeps you active for the remaining time of the day.

Any creative art can de-stress our brain. So try any creative art that you enjoy at least once a week like painting, singing, dancing etc. Even playing sudoku or singing karaoke with friends is a fun way to de-stress. Many women feel relaxed by cooking and decorating their houses. Crochet, quilling, photography, craft making etc. – there is a lot to research on. Whatever it is that makes you relaxed, try it and implement it.

More tips on productivity by Mahathi Ramya here.

Unplug to Ditch the Judgemental Jerries in Your Life

We all know them. The people who have opinions about everyone and try to force them on others. Sometimes ‘Judgemental Jerry’ is a family member or a coworker.

Adjusting to this new normal is stressful enough without the input from others, who are not trying to help or be positive. Every mom needs to cut negativity out of her life.

Listen, social media is a great way to connect with friends and family as well as just chill and laugh. But sometimes it can be toxic. It can feed your fear and anxiety, and it can cause people to argue back and forth with each other.

If you feel like social media is not serving you in a positive way, it may be time to take a break or get off all together. And that unfollow button is there for a reason – I’ve used it quite a bit these days.

Every mom needs to unplug from people and things that don’t lift her up.

This and more things Every Mom Should Avoid During Lockdown by Diedry Anothony

Get the Kids Involved and Helping!

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.

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.

More tips for staying positive and organized by Aditi Wardhan Singh

15 Unique Adventure Chapter Book Series Kids LOVE!

If you have a kid like mine who has a certain kind of liking for books, ie fantasy and adventure, below books are perfect. Remember, you can get most of the below books on

Kindle Unlimited, which is available for 1.99 for 3 months now.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

Full of laugh-out-loud moments, danger, excitement, and nonstop action, Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas is sure to strike gold with kid readers. This funny, action-filled series is perfect for adventure-loving fans of Indiana Jones and James Patterson’s Treasure Hunters!.

Ranger’s Apprentice Series

The international best-selling series with over FIVE million copies sold in the US alone!

They have always scared him in the past – the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice. Here is the fantasy adventure that launched the Ranger’s Apprentice series, an epic story of heroes and villains that has become an international phenomenon. Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Below is the Book 1

John Flanagan Complete Ranger’s Apprentice Series 12 Book Set.

Magic Tree House Series

Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books. The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system!

Boxcar Children

One warm night four children stood in front of a bakery. No one knew them. No one knew where they had come from. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans. Can they find a home where they can stay together as a family? Quite old fashioned, exciting, lovely stories, well written in a simple and easy to read format. My 6 year old son was delighted to be reading a proper book with chapters, understanding it all and not needing very much assistance with any of the language. A great find to encourage a love of reading.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Bestselling series takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level. Let’s face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg’s father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other “manly†? endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father’s efforts to change him. Greg and his family and friends, who make the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books a must-read for middle school readers, are back and at their best in this hilarious new installment of the series, which is sure to please current fans while attracting new ones.

Piper Morgan

In this charming new chapter book series, eight-year-old Piper Morgan is adjusting to a new home and all the new places and faces she meets along the way, as she and her mom look for the perfect place to plant their feet. But during Piper’s debut as a Little Explorer, her high kicks and pointed toes don’t go quite as planned—and after causing a dance disaster, she has to prove to everyone—especially queen of the Little Explorers, Lexie—that she belongs in the spotlight.

Whatever After

When Abby – plus her three best friends – land in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they are ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road to find their way back home. But they’ll have to acquire some brains, heart, and courage along the way to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West…and will they get to meet Dorothy? This second Special Edition is longer and packed with extra magic!

Ariol

Graphic novels for kids. If you’re from the neighborhood, you surely know ARIOL, the little blue donkey with round glasses. He’s fulfilling his greatest dream today: being invited to Petula’s, the young cow he’s secretly in love with. But the obstacles are mounting! Petula’s dad, a fearsome bull from the South, and Petula’s big brother, a sixteen-year-old calf raised by his mother, do their best to run interference. Will Ariol make it to Petula’s room, at the end of the hallway on the right, to play Thunder Horse and Princess Filly?

Aru Shah – Pandava Series

Best-selling author Rick Riordan introduces this adventure by Roshani Chokshi about twelve-year-old Aru Shah, who has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?

Black Lagoon Adventures

Introduce your early readers to the original Black Lagoon stories, and give your independent readers a thrill with the chapter books in the Black Lagoon Adventures. Both the original series and the spin-off, written by Mike Thaler and illustrated by Jared Lee, feature the central character of Hubie, a new student who enters a haunted elementary school and faces menacing monsters, fierce animals, and bullies. These fun-filled, spooktacular titles by Thaler, who has written more than 250 books for children, are perfect for young readers with monster-ous imaginations.

Wings of Fire

My son’s favorite these days, it is A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation! The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy — a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice. Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.

Weirdest and Weirder

With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Perfect for reluctant readers and word lovers alike, Dan Gutman’s hugely popular My Weird School series has something for everyone. Don’t miss the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang!

A-Z Mysteries

Z was just the beginning! With A to Z Mysteries® Super Editions, chapter book readers keep on collecting clues and solving mysteries with Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Now with over 8 million copies in print, this classic kid-favorite series is back with a bright new look! Welcome to summer camp for detectives! The kids can’t wait to spend a week following clues and learning about the science of crime solving.

Half Upon a Time

Life’s no fairy tale for Jack. After all, his father’s been missing ever since that incident with the beanstalk and the giant, and his grandfather keeps pushing him to get out and find a princess to rescue. Who’d want to rescue a snobby, entitled princess anyway? Especially one that falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says “Punk Princess,” and still denies she’s royalty. In fact, May doesn’t even believe in magic. Yeah, what’s that about? May does need help though–a huntsman is chasing her, her grandmother has been kidnapped, and Jack thinks it’s all because of the Wicked Queen . . . mostly because May’s grandmother might just be the long-lost Snow White. Jack and May’s thrillingly hilarious adventure combines all the classic stories—fractured as a broken magic mirror—into one epic novel for the ages.

Five Kingdoms

Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms—come and claim it in this start to a new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series. Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level.

Defiant or Disabled? Understand Your Child’s Tantrums

When your child has a tantrum, you may assume that they are just being troublesome. However, if the tantrums are happening regularly or past a certain age, it could be a sign of a larger problem. The child could be frustrated at the world around them. Here are 5 ways to understand your child’s tantrums better.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a disorder common in children that causes them to lose focus and get restless. When forced to sit still while feeling this way, it can cause them to become extremely frustrated. They may start to get out of hand when they aren’t allowed to explore on their own. They may need additional breaks when doing something.

Communication Disorders

Some children aren’t able to communicate their feelings as well as other. They may have physical problems saying certain words. This in itself can be problematic. They may also just have a limited vocabulary or feel unheard. It’s good to help your child by getting them a speech therapist. You can also help by being patient when they try to speak. You can also make a point to stop and listen when they try to tell you something.

Autism Spectrum

Some children fall on the Autism spectrum. These children can have issues with communication like above. They may also have behavioral issues and emotional issues as well. The first step is to verify if your child is actually on the spectrum. To do this, you should go to a behavioral health clinic to get advice from the professionals.

Brain Development Delay

A tantrum can actually be a sign of a brain development problem. The brain simply might not be developing as quickly as the other children. In some cases, the child’s brain may never develop quite as much as the other children. This can cause frustration for the child.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis. These children are more than just moody at times. They may have multiple tantrums a day for multiple days in a row. They may also have extremely long tantrums. This can be a sign of trouble in the future, so you want to tackle the problem right away.

If your child has a disorder causing tantrums, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis. Talk to a professional today to learn what might be causing the problem and how you can help it.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.

Making Unschooling a Way of Life for My Child

I armed myself with global degrees which gave me the privilege of accumulating knowledge and exposure over the years. My heart was filled with pride for being able to have achieved what many aspire to do and felt lucky and grateful too.

It should have made me happy and very successful in every aspect of my life, but the result was contrary.

My accolades and degrees surely got me the job and a respectable position in the society and family. It gave me the confidence as a young woman to take on the world and be independent in many aspects, yet something was amiss. The constant churning within me was always seeking for something more.

It was only when my daughter was born the journey of witnessing my inner truth and transformation began. As every parent, I was also concerned and worried about academics and the the school she may join.

However, being an educationist I was aware of the merits and de-merits of the system, and was conscious of it’s impact on children’s growing up years. The two roles pulled me in different directions and led to the search for alternatives within our society; and the best suitable option for us as a family. I discovered novel systems of Waldorf/Homeschooling/Unschooling and started exploring the education world.

I invested my time researching online, talking to people in the community, reading books on such topics and upgraded my understanding on the subject. The term Unschooling baffled me as much as it excited me and I investigated further into the terminology. I started reading profusely about it on the net, joined various Facebook pages of Unschooling/Homeschooling, TED talks, podcasts and many more resources to guide me through. I started finding answers to the dilemmas within me but they also added to the confusion. As parents we are plagued with self-doubt at every step of the journey as we want to give the best to our children.

However, we decided to march along and discussed extensively as a family, living through our fears. We discovered help groups in our vicinity, gained experiences which supported our belief system further.

Now, as an unschooling family we had the freedom to paint our canvas with a riot of colours. But, with freedom comes responsibility and we were very much aware of the same. Rejecting the available academic boards, not sending her to school what were we thinking and what was next?!

Even with the right kind of support there were numerous questions hovering around, not just within us but from the outside. The neighborhood, extended family overwhelmed us with their fears too, which were valid and kept us on our toes. How will we instill discipline if everything revolved around the child, what about her social skills, how will she learn to read/write and the list continues.

Observing our daughter grow and unfold as any other child of her age, helped us settle down with our feelings slowly. It has essentially been a journey through peaks and valleys of reassurances and doubts. During her play dates, the inevitable comparison between children emerged. However, when we saw our daughter know/learn the same concept of colors maybe a month later, our fears resolved.

This is when we realized an important fact of moving forward lay in overcoming our conditioning, and leave the rest to time. Gradually, we have witnessed the immense need from her to learn and know more from her environment. She chooses to read the books at her will and asks us to do the same when she feels, her curating different objects from wooden blocks comes from what she hears/observes in her environment. The varied age group from uncles/aunts, help workers and everyone she comes in contact with forms her source of developing social skills.

Unschooling is a way of life, a space to be! As parents we had to find and create ways to make our daughter’s learning process fun. With the knowledge that a child is born with instincts to learn we guided her journey by providing the essential instruments to learning. We discovered ways for her to acquire life skills without books and an organization.

To give shape to our thoughts I initiated a group of unschoolers (The Tribe) who would meet twice a week and engage in activities which were led by the children themselves. Free play and allowing sensory development through interaction with nature and peers served as a solution to begin with. Travel within the city and beyond gave us wings to fly and connect with families who believed in the same philosophy. We found our larger family in the wider world too.

It is a child centered journey for every family, observing life closely. We believe in developing life long skills and competence to live it through. It does not talk about competing with others but focusing on self accomplishment and confidence. Each family may have their prescribed definition of growth and success and may follow essential steps to accomplish that.

Though, we exist as a minority group across the country, yet it is heartening to see the force grow rapidly. There are several organizations based on principles of democracy, allowing the child to be, make mistakes and learn, follow their passions instead of fitting into a mold for all. Places like Bengaluru, Pune take the lead with initiating such communities with Mumbai and Delhi following suit. In a country like India, which is obsessed with degrees and certificates “An Unschooling Expedition” may appear to be a mirage but a reality for many families like us. We are committed to a holistic growth of our daughter through the journey of Unschooling with the biggest unlearning of letting go of our worries about the future.

As an out of the box approach, it is an effort to savor their innocence for a longer period and see them grow into happy individuals.

Ashita Narang Gautam is a mother to a 3 yo unschooler, residing in Mumbai, India. An arts based therapy practitioner and special educator by profession, at the moment a full time unschooling mom. I indulge in writing blogs for the unschooling group, The Tribe(created for my daughter and others). I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts on unschooling/education, going for walks, listening to music and my time in silence-meditaion (whenever possible).

Create a Roadmap for Ivy League Oriented Teens

Students who plan to attend Ivy League schools likely around know that they have a great deal of work to do and a sometimes difficult road ahead of them. However, you still need to provide these youngsters with a solid map. Failure to do so could mean that they become seriously overwhelmed or that they miss important steps in reaching their goals.

Speak with Advisors

Gaining professional advice specific to your children’s individuals goals is imperative. For example, you could speak with your children’s guidance counselors about the specific schools that they want to attend and how their current portfolio is looking in terms of getting into those schools. You should also look for opportunities to meet with advisors at the universities.

Prepare for Standardized Exams

Know what standardized exams the universities that your children are applying to prioritize. If your children have already taken the exams, you then have an idea of where they starting from in terms of scores. Many districts and local libraries offer classes to help students earn better grades on these exams. You can also purchase books so that your kids can practice more when they are at home.

Choose the Right Classes

Helping your teenagers to navigate what classes to take is an important part of the plan. While you don’t want them to feel overloaded with extremely difficult courses, they also need to demonstrate that they can handle the workload of Ivy League institutions. Enrolling in some courses for college credit or classes designated as advanced placement is certainly wise. College Prep High School students are trained to think ahead in their education. Think about having them enroll in classes that are directly attached to their intended majors or fields of study.

Bolster the Portfolio

Chances are that virtually all applicants to Ivy League schools are going to have high grades. Good grades aren’t enough by themselves to get your children into these institutions. You also must encourage them to have a balance in their lives. For example, participation in volunteer opportunities and joining clubs or team sports could help to bolster their chances of acceptance into an Ivy League university. You want to encourage your children to stand out from the other applicants.

Your children might feel as though they want to give up at points. Another pivotal role that you will play is encouraging them not to give up. Remind them of the successes that they have had along the road so far in order to help them build motivation to continue on the journey.

15 Educational Shows for Elementary Aged Kids on Youtube

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.

Hows & Whys of Using YouTube Safely for Kids

Curious to know what some of these unmissable educational shows are?

The Brain Scoop

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.”

Houston Zoo

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.

SoulPancake

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.”

SciShow Kids

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.

It’s Okay to Be Smart

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

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.

The King of Random

“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.

Home School Pop

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.

Coma Niddy

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.

Free School

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.

Peekaboo Kids

The Dr. Binocs Show is geared toward kids in elementary school. Peekaboo Kidz’ channel has Nursery Rhymes and Alphabet Songs for younger siblings.

TED-Ed

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.

Smart Girls

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.

MinutePhysics

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.

Mike Likes Science

Mike Wilson uses his rap lyrics to teach kids about science and math. Uploads include:

“Slope Formula”
“The Internet of Things”
“Black Scientists Who Changed the Game”

The content of Mike Likes Science’s videos is best geared for preteens and above.

Dealing with Social Anxiety and Negative Lables

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.

You can find Stephanie at —

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorStephanieParwulski/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/steph_p_author

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Lessons Purim – the Jewish Festival Teaches Kids

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.

MORE FESTIVALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD! – https://raisingworldchildren.com/magazine/

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11 Books to Help Kids Build on Social Skills

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.

Find out more books we have recommended here.

How Home-Schooled High School Students Should Apply to Local Art Exhibits

Encourage Home-Schooled Students To Apply to Local Art Exhibits

One subject that is vitally important for students of all kinds is art. Art allows you to explore your creativity. It allows you to express yourself. It helps to teach students important skills that can be applied to different careers. It helps children to discover their own talents and proficiency. Just because your child is home-schooled does not mean you should overlook all the benefits the art world has to offer. One way to do this is by having your student apply to local art exhibits.

Many people fear that home-schooled students won’t be able to measure up to their peers in AP art classes in High School. However, being home-schooled allows them more time to work on their projects. In traditional schooling, you are dependent on the time you have per period to work on your piece. This also includes setting up and cleaning up.

Home-schoolers have more flexibility on their schedule. This can be of benefit as they may be able to spend more time perfecting their art than their peers. After all, practice makes perfect and cements skills.

Present Your Portfolio

One thing your child will need to have to enter art exhibits is a portfolio that can be presented to different organizers. A good portfolio shouldn’t contain everything your teen has drawn, painted or sculpted. It should just include the cream of the crop. Six to ten pieces that show all your child’s artistic talents should suffice.

Mat and Frame

You will also need to have pieces ready to present at an exhibit if your child does get accepted. You’ll want to look into mats, frames, liners, stands and other art supplies that can really show off your child’s artwork. Keep in mind that each piece of art may be different.

You may need to invest in custom framing, for example, if your child’s artwork isn’t the right size or shape for mass-produced frames. You want to make sure the mat style and color match your piece. This professionalism will show the judges that you are fully committed to your piece of work.

Look for Student Shows

Of course your child won’t be able to enter every kind of art exhibit. Many are strictly for professionals with the intention of making a lot of money via sales. That should not be the goal of a student artist. Instead, look for art exhibits and shows that are specifically centered around students and emerging young artists.

Inquire about local art associations, art teachers, government officials and other upcoming shows. Follow local blogs and publications as well. You can look for local shows and those that are for online communities as well. This will be able to help you multiply the chances of placement.

School District Wide Art Shows

One option you should certainly consider for your home-schooled student is participating in different school district wide art shows. Just because your child is home-schooled does not mean they will be disqualified from entering. In many cases, their entrance into such art shows will be encouraged or even mandated by local laws or ordinances. This can also be a great opportunity for your child to meet other local student artists and make some great friends.

The world of art can be a wonderful learning experience for all students. It allows them to be creative, express their feelings and learn new exciting skills that can be applied later in life. Make sure your home-schooled student is able to experience all that art has to offer. Participating in art exhibits and shows is one way to do so.

How Working Mothers Balance Work and Family

While working mothers might be the masters of multitasking, between caring for their families and trying to climb up the corporate ladder, many women find it difficult to live up to the unrealistic expectations of an ideal work-life balance. However, as soon as you realize that it simply isn’t possible to have it all, you can set your priorities straight and find the most efficient ways of juggling your personal and professional lives. Working mothers balance home and work in many ways.

Here are some tips that can help working mothers balance her work and family:

Let go of ‘Mum Guilt’

Although we like to think we live in a progressive society, many people still believe it’s the responsibility of a woman to do everything from taking care of her children and doing household work to maintaining a relationship with her partner.

Due this societal pressure and the inability to spend all of their time with their children, many working mums are ridden with guilt. However, in order to live a balanced and happy life, it’s essential to overcome this illogical guilt.

After all, the benefits you gain by having a career by far outweigh these outdated ideals; not only are you able to support your family, but you can also provide your child with a better education and much higher quality of life.

Choose a Flexible Schedule

While the 9 to 5 workday might be the norm, it’s not manageable for everyone, especially working mothers. If you have the opportunity, talk to your boss or supervisor about constructing a more flexible schedule, or even see if your company offers the option of working from home.

In case you are having trouble arranging a more lenient workday dynamic, you can also try some alternative options, such as switching to a part-time job, taking late night and early morning shifts, or working from home once or twice a week. If none of these options can help you adapt your schedule, you can always take a few days off and plan a vacation to spend some time bonding with your family.

Find Quality Childcare

Quality childcare is essential for a child’s development. If neither you nor your partner can provide it during the working week, don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for help, or even hire an experienced nanny with great references and an extensive proven record.

Another good option might be to enroll your child in a great learning centre, where they can spend quality time learning through play and age-appropriate activities. Whether you’re at work or even utilizing this time to take a short break, quality education centres will give you some peace of mind, knowing your child is in the hands of qualified professionals aiming to help them develop to their full potential.

Organize your Daily Tasks

Photo by Jane Palash on Unsplash

If you want to utilize your days and enjoy every moment spent with your children to the fullest, efficient time management is essential for every working mum. For example, you can plan and prepare your weekly meals in advance, do grocery shopping only once a week, choose automatic bill payments if possible, and use a calendar to mark any important dates, tasks and projects for both you and your children.

Another crucial thing you can do is make your mornings less hectic for the whole family by laying out clothes, packing backpacks and lunch bags, and organizing everything the night before. Even simple changes like this can make your days less chaotic and tiring, and help you feel more happy and relaxed.

Schedule in Family Time

Instead of putting an emphasis on quantity, working mothers should focus on spending quality time with her family. This will help you strengthen the bond you have with your children and nourish a strong and loving relationship.

Whether it’s scheduling a family game night, going to the zoo, watching a fun film, or doing DIY or arts and crafts activities, make it a point to set some time aside at least once a week to spend quality time with your family. Even something as simple as having a meal as a family, or talking and cuddling at the end of the day can help you foster a deeper relationship with your children.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between work and family life is not as challenging as it might seem initially; all it takes is some organization, advanced planning and a positive mindset to get the best of both worlds.