Social distancing. It’s almost an oxymoron. Humans aren’t wired for social and physical distance. We’re wired for interaction and connection.
One of the hardest aspects of the current global pandemic has been the loss of connection between children and their relatives, especially their grandparents who may be at higher risk of serious health complications from the novel coronavirus.
A few weeks ago we had our kids’ parent/teacher conferences to discuss how they are doing in school. At the end of the conference the teacher asked, “Are there any other questions you have?”
“Yes,” I said. “Are they kind to others?”
It’s a question I ask every time.
Don’t get me wrong. Academics are important, but as a parent who strives to raise good humans, doing well in school also means being kind to EVERYONE.
Children’s books are a great way to teach kindness and empathy to kids. They can relate the story to their own lives and hopefully choose kindness when the time comes.
Below are our top children’s books to teach kindness…though there are many not listed that are also great! (more…)
There’s something about the change of seasons in the Midwest that always gets me thinking about the changing seasons in our own lives.
As we say goodbye to flip flops and lemonade stands–and as the leaves turn colors and fall–I also become more aware of the changing seasons of my kids’ lives. (more…)
What could be better than book-inspired Halloween costumes for little ones?
We sure can’t think of anything!
Little kids can spend hours reading with mom and dad and getting lost in their favorite story.
Halloween is the perfect time to help them bring those favorite storybook characters to life.
Read on for some our favorite ideas for book-inspired Halloween costumes.
Our oldest turns 14 in six weeks. I don’t pretend to understand how that happened!
The months leading up to his birth were full of doctor appointments, prenatal classes, reading every book about expecting a baby, painting the nursery, agonizing over the perfect name and the list goes on and on and on.
Time was also spent researching what to include on our baby registry. Friends and family threw several baby showers for us and the registry helped them know which gifts would help out the most.
Little did we know how many essential items were needed to get through the first year of baby’s life. The baby sleepers, bottles, breast pump, burp cloths, baby monitor, diapers, wipes (don’t waste your money on the wipe warmer!), stroller, car seat and…
BOOKS! You guessed it. The best baby shower gift we received were books. (more…)
Jazz up your little one’s lunchbox with inspiring lunchbox quotes or jokes hidden inside.
Sandwich. Check.
Veggie. Check.
Fruit. Check.
Chocolate milk. Check.
Hidden note. Double check. (more…)
Even though it’s 90 degrees outside, the calendar says Fall will officially arrive soon.
In our house, this means many fun fall activities to plan. At the top of the list are all things pumpkin (picking, carving, eating, decorating), and of course, football…because we were born and raised in the Cornhusker state!
The change of seasons is also a great time to find related books to get your kids excited about what’s to come. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Take a peek at our favorite fall children’s books. (more…)
We recently asked a group of kids: Who is your real-life superhero?
We thought it was the perfect way to honor all the brave first responders and civilians who did superhero things on Sept. 11. (more…)
The back-to-school countdown is on.
We’re home from family vacation.
Summer camp is complete and nobody got poison ivy this year.
We made our annual trip to the zoo. (And we all agree that the job of wearing the furry vest and holding and feeding the baby gorilla looks like the best job ever!)
We spent quality time with the cousins. And the grandparents.
We volunteered to serve ice cream at the senior center.
But with two weeks left of summer, it’s officially time for the much-dreaded back-to-school checklist.
A book can be opened time and time again revealing something new each time to the reader. Maybe it’s the illustration, story line, or the way it makes the reader feel. It’s one of the reasons we are passionate about creating children’s books!
Books can also help kids discover interests or what “makes them tick.” Discovering this at a young age can help a child tremendously as they grow.
According to psychologist Silvan Tomkins, “It is interest which is primary. Interest supports both what is necessary for life and what is possible.” Helping a child discover their interests early on is a gift to them. (more…)