Remembering Loved Ones, Cultural Traditions, and the Power of Passing on Stories When our loved ones have passed away, sometimes it’s hard to think of them. That sudden pang of grief that sinks like a boulder in your stomach is enough to deter you from dwelling on the past too often. I was recently going through some of my art lesson plans and came across …
Pumpkins, Ghosts, and Spiders – OH, MY! Halloween is CREEPING up on us, making this the best time to DROOL over these Top 10 Halloween Books. But have no fear, fans of not-so-scary Halloween; while SPOOKINESS may earn a picture book extra points from me, this list is still a family-friendly list at heart. Ultimately, this is a collection of books to read with the …
I remember the year my mom told me I was too big to go trick or treating. I was twelve. And I was devastated. I did NOT want to grow up and miss out on dressing up and going door-to-door. I was so sad, not only because I wanted the pillowcase full of candy, but also because I felt this was an undoing of the …
Practical Steps for Parents to Foster Resilience and Growth in Their Children Have you ever done something dumb? I mean, really dumb. So dumb that you felt it in the pit of your stomach, and a sick feeling just washed over your entire body. Have you ever blown it that bad? Yeah, me too. Let’s face it, we all mess up sometimes. Every one of …
10 Ways to Help Children Embrace and Learn from Mistakes Read More »
Studies have shown that grandparents can have a positive emotional influence on their grandchildren that lasts a lifetime. Children who are close to their grandparents are more social and know how to share and care for others outside of the immediate family unit. This translates into a more stable young adulthood. And since many grandparents step into the primary caregiving role for their grandchildren, the …
My love for magical creatures started when I was in Elementary school and began collecting Pokemon cards. Holding those special cards with amazing drawings of various creatures was just the best. As I opened each mystery pack and discovered which creatures lay inside, I felt like a real explorer discovering something new and exciting. I also learned about the abilities and evolution of the Pokemon, …
Tips for the Healthy Wellbeing of You and Your Children When most people think of back to school, they think of the never-ending supply list: pencils, colored pencils, erasers, folders, markers, lined paper, spiral and composition notebooks, binders, or if you are a child of the 80s like me, the Trapper Keeper with matching pencil case and hand-picked folders. One did not DARE show up …
My 8,000-Mile Journey to Illustrate a Children’s Book! I’ve lived in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, since I was born and have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I’ve always loved drawing stories and characters, and every year I participate in drawing challenges on Instagram during October, including #Inktober. In this challenge, you draw something for every day of the month. Little …
How can an emotional support dog inspire a children’s book? “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” -Toni Morrison When I was ten years old, I read The School Story by Andrew Clements. The book follows Natalie, a sixth-grade girl who writes under a pseudonym and publishes her first novel before her …
By Adam Bieranowski If you’re like me, when asked what you want for Father’s Day, you usually say something like, “You don’t have to get me anything.” Truth be told, everyone likes receiving gifts, no matter how old you are. However, most dads are used to putting themselves after their spouse and kids when it comes to things that they need. In most cases, it …
Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas – Ways to Make Any Dad Feel Special Read More »
