Moms Inspire Learning

Parents as Partners in Playing, Reading, and Learning

Have you ever heard a parent suggest that they'd lose brain cells if they stayed home with their children? Well, I understand that most parents don't even have that choice. And staying at home is certainly not for everyone. One size does not fit all adults, just as it does not for children.

From Anxiety to Bravery Quotes

"The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid. - Lady Bird Johnson

"When you're worried, tell yourself the truth: Shyness is a strength to build on, not a character flaw to be stamped out." - ``Shyness Is Not A Character Flaw" at the Malvern School

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do" - Eleanor Roosevelt

"To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform." - Theodore H. White

More Anxiety Related Books

Here are two more books you might want to try if your child tends to worry a lot, which are on my pile of books waiting to be read:

Reduce Anxiety by Being Brave

Too much of anything is never a good thing, and the same is true when it comes to anxiety. So, if you find your child worrying a little too much, here is a resource which might just help him to focus on the positive:

And now for a Billy Joel Quote...

"The only people I fear are those who never have doubts." ~Billy Joel, musician/singer/songwriter (from the song Shades of Grey)

Rethinking "Don't Worry. Be Happy."

Do you remember that song by Bobby McFerrin? I haven't heard it in a long time, but today's children's book brought it right back into my head. I can hear it so clearly!

While it brings a smile to my face, the title of the song is much easier sung than done. If you worry a lot (and I'm guessing the state of the planet has more than a few more worried than usual), here are two things you can do (in addition to listening to whatever song inspires you) to ease your mind:

Is Sheila Rae Really Brave?

"It suddenly occurred to Sheila Rae that nothing looked familiar." ~Kevin Henkes, author of Sheila Rae, The Brave

What Do Moms Inspire?

Life is a roller coaster raising children, isn't it? It's full of twists and turns, ups and downs, highs and lows...Sometimes you feel like you're in the dark, but somehow the sun always returns.  If we let it, anyway.

Sometimes, we find the sunshine in a single word or smile. Sometimes, it's a gesture or an act of kindness. Where have you found the sunshine in your child lately?