It’s the second week of spring break and my son actually asked if we could go to the library to get more Beast Quest books. I never thought this day would come. He’s devoured 3 books in 3 days. Last year, my son would groan if I even mentioned an outing to the library. I … Read more How To Raise a Reader in a World of Digital Distractions
“Children, like the rest of us, handle change best if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar routine. A predictable routine allows children to feel safe, and to develop a sense of mastery in handling their lives.” – Dr. Laura Markham, Aha! Parenting.com When I was a teacher, I wrote our … Read more Why Kids Need Routines – And Parents Do, Too!
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? Your son strikes out in his baseball game. Twice. Now he wants to quit. Your 8-year-old can’t seem to memorize her multiplication facts and says she hates math. Your 5-year-old throws a fit when his picture isn’t perfect. Never fear. There’s a picture book to the rescue! No, … Read more Growth Mindset Picture Books for Kids
Yesterday, my youngest son bounced into the kitchen with a big smile on his face. “Ollie filled my bucket!” he said. “He gave me his Altaria EX Pokemon card.” Now I don’t know my Pokemon characters as well as I should (other than Pikachu), but I could tell Altaria EX must have been a good … Read more Teach Kids To Be Kind With This Fantastic Resource
“Common sense would suggest that having ability, like being smart, inspires confidence. It does, but only while the going is easy. The deciding factor in life is how you handle setbacks and challenges. People with a growth mindset welcome setbacks with open arms.” – Dr. Travis Bradberry, What is the Best Predictor of Success My … Read more The Importance of a Growth Mindset for Kids
It’s one week after the holidays (or a child’s birthday party) and you’re staring at the mountain of new toys that has suddenly invaded your living space. Just looking at all it stresses you out. You asked the relatives to tone it down this year, but Aunt Joanne and Uncle Bob insisted on spoiling your … Read more How to Declutter Kids’ Toys and Teach New Skills at the Same Time
How do you motivate your children to learn a new skill? And, how do you get them to practice? It’s not easy. I play the piano. Every time someone hears this, I get the same response. “I took piano lessons when I was little, but I quit. I wish I’d stuck with it.” The truth … Read more How to Motivate Children to Learn New Skills Without a Daily Battle of Wills
Please note – some of the links below are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love and have used personally. Thank you for supporting my blog. It’s Saturday morning. You pull out the … Read more Improve Your Child’s Math Skills with a Dartboard
One of the best ways we can prepare our children for future success is to teach them how to get organized. The transition from elementary school to middle school, junior high, and even high school is a tough one for our kids. We can help smooth this transition by teaching our kids to use the … Read more The Bullet Journal for Teens (and Tweens)
You have to leave the house in five minutes! Your youngest begs for help to put on his shoes and your eldest has just announced he can’t find his homework. You’re scolding your children while you frantically search for jackets, back packs, and water bottles. Does this sound like a morning at your house? We … Read more Teach Kids To Be More Independent With A Calendar Routine