Moms Inspire Learning

The Power of Moms and Picture Books

I love being a mom. What other role can bring you so many moments of love, joy, pride, laughter, inspiration, and motivation, while at the same time causing you to feel occasional moments of fear, frustration, sadness, anger, and exhaustion? Today, I'd like to focus on a couple of picture books that highlight the power and complexity of motherhood. Here's to all of you moms out there who could use a little reminder that what you are doing matters. You are making a difference just by being the best mom you can be.

How to Guide Reluctant Readers

Why do some children dread picking up a book, while others can't wait to get their hands on another one? I've seen many children "pretend" to read during silent reading time at school.  If you think the teacher is to blame for that, think again. Most teachers do not have the time, the training, or the resources to customize reading selections for each student. What can you do, as a parent, to help your child?

Favorite Chapter Books for Young Athletes

I get upset when people suggest that athletes are stupid. I have sat on the sidelines of countless youth baseball and football games, and I have witnessed the hard work, concentration, and dedication it takes to excel in any sport. Athletic ability is a gift, not a limitation. That's why I love to find books written by professional athletes, like Tim Green. It's not easy to find positive role models these days, but this author shows us how to find a multitude of ways to make a contribution to the world.  He is the author of one of Green Guy's favorite books. Green Guy is my 11 year old son, and today I'd like to share a few of his favorite sports related chapter books.

Healthy Choices for a Green Planet

I've been buying organic products since my first child was born. Certain individuals claim there is no proof that these products are any better than conventional ones, but sometimes common sense should override even the most convincing "expert" advice. I've always been skeptical about the use of chemicals, but pesticides make me even more nervous. After all, pesticides are used to kill insects. How can anyone ever be so sure that they can't kill people, too? 

8 Ways to Turn Around Your Day

When the world around you has taken a negative turn, it's easy to get lost in the tornado. You and your family members may end up cranky and sad. That's when it's time to seek out small ways to turn things around. Here are some suggestions:

Favorite Board Books for Future Readers

I started reading to my children soon after they were born.  I also talked to them a lot during pregnancy. There's something about mom's voice that brings out the warm "fuzzies" for infants and toddlers. Now that my children are independent readers, they still remember reading a few select board books. The best board board books combine beautiful, colorful artwork with words that have a certain flow to them that is not easily forgotten. I'd like to recommend some board books that my children asked me to read to them again and again.

How Moms Can Change the World

As moms, we are so busy that we often miss opportunities to make the informed choices that have the power to change the world in small ways. Every day, we make decisions that impact our families and the world around us. Stop and think about the decisions you made today. How did you interact with your children?  How did they see you interacting with others?  What did they see you buy? What kind of meal did your family eat? These are just a few of the many decisions you make every day.

Why Older Children Should Read Picture Books

Elementary school teachers have so many demands being placed upon them these days, that sometimes they may not have time to teach an entire subject every week, or even every month. The one subject that often seems to be pushed to the side is social studies. It takes a lot of time and energy to effectively teach this subject, and more than just an outdated textbook as a resource. If there is a subject you'd like to focus on with your children, relating to the school curriculum, I suggest that you make it history.

Picture Books for the Early Years

Sometimes just looking at an object, or hearing a song, can bring you back to an unforgettable moment in your life.  It's no different with picture books, only my favorites instantly take me back to not just one moment, but to countless giggles, smiles, hugs, and nightly "pajama" read alouds. The toddler and preschool years go by quickly, and reading with my children during that time was an experience that I'll treasure forever.  I consider it to be one of the greatest gifts I ever gave them, because even though our days of pajama nights are no more, they each still love to read. Today, I'd like to share some of their favorite books from those early years.

Two Delicious Recipes for Healthy Families

As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to prepare healthy meals and snacks when time is limited.  It's not easy to cook with fresh ingredients when you barely have time to run to the supermarket (I do keep frozen organic veggies like peas, corn, spinach, and edamame on hand, though).  Fortunately, my children love apples, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, red peppers, and baby carrots so much, and it's easy to keep these on hand.  I was pleasantly surprised to find organic versions of most of these items at Whole Foods this winter (organic foods will be a topic for a future post). As long as my children see that it's important to eat a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, and they see me making informed choices at the supermarket, I'm providing valuable health education for when they step out on their own.