A Blog By Maria Dismondy
Three Cures to Getting the House Organized for Families
It’s the New Year, a time to feel that fresh slate that comes with writing January 1st, along with the change in that one digit in the year! Time and time again, I have had people ask my husband and I how we keep such a tidy house. Now before you roll your eyes...
Word of the Year: Beauty
Every year I choose a word to focus on throughout the 365 days. I have been doing this for a decade now and it helps me to be intentional as life gets busy and I am stuck in the day to day grind (you know, the continuous hamster wheel that we try to avoid but...
EKWC The Podcast-Daily Parenting Tips & Hacks-December
Are you looking for quick tips as a parent to: learn parenting hacks that work?incorporate positive character into your daily routines?Have FUN with your kids, even when life gets hard?Find JOY in parenting? But WAIT–who has TIME to listen to a podcast? What if I told...
The Year of Covid-19 {The Silver Linings}
It’s been a strange year. A year full of disappointments. I like to think set backs and tough times help us to grow and bloom. So in a year where we can easily list the canceled vacations, the back and forth of in person events like church and sports, I choose...
‘Tis the Season! Tips on Raising Children to be Kind and Generous
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention..” ~ Khalil Gibran As we wrap up this crazy and unexpected 2020 year, it’s worth reminding ourselves that this holiday season is an opportunity to exemplify forgiveness and gentle attitudes...
EKWC The Podcast-Daily Parenting Tips & Hacks-November
Are you looking for quick tips as a parent to: learn parenting hacks that work?incorporate positive character into your daily routines?Have FUN with your kids, even when life gets hard?Find JOY in parenting? But WAIT–who has TIME to listen to a podcast? What if I told...
Teaching GRATITUDE: A Healthy Habit that Lasts a Lifetime!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~ William Arthur Ward Of course we’re talking about the character trait of GRATITUDE in the month of November. It just makes sense, right? We’re kicking off the...
EKWC The Podcast-Daily Parenting Tips & Hacks-October
Are you looking for quick tips as a parent to: learn parenting hacks that work?incorporate positive character into your daily routines?Have FUN with your kids, even when life gets hard?Find JOY in parenting? But WAIT–who has TIME to listen to a podcast? What if I told...
Life Isn’t Always Fair…but That’s OK Kids!
“Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need .” ~ Rick Riordan, The Red Pyramid If there was ever a time to talk about “life not being fair,” I’d say just take a look at how 2020 has been going. Life is full of tough...
EKWC The Podcast-Daily Parenting Tips & Hacks-September
Are you looking for quick tips as a parent to: learn parenting hacks that work?incorporate positive character into your daily routines?Have FUN with your kids, even when life gets hard?Find JOY in parenting? But WAIT–who has TIME to listen to a podcast? What if I told...
Support Your Child’s Mental Health {During the Pandemic}
As a social skills educator, mother of three, and children’s book author, Maria knows that this fall is going to be challenging in many ways for school staff, families and children. Many families are choosing to Homeschool or helping their children with Distance...
Take a Deep Breath…it’s Time for Patience!
“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” ~Joyce Meyer As we kick off a new season of the year, and perhaps a new style of learning for your household, an important character trait that’s top of mind is PATIENCE. As...
Children’s Books About The Value of Service Work
From food drives to picking up litter at the park, there are plenty of ways to involve young children in service work. These ten books further children’s understanding of the value inherent in helping others, collaborating in community, and contributing to society. 1....
EKWC The Podcast-Daily Parenting Tips & Hacks-August
Are you looking for quick tips as a parent to: learn parenting hacks that work?incorporate positive character into your daily routines?Have FUN with your kids, even when life gets hard?Find JOY in parenting? But WAIT–who has TIME to listen to a podcast? What if I told...
Children’s Books On Manners
Manners is one facet of social intelligence, which supports positive interpersonal and professional outcomes throughout life. While we’re never too old to improve upon our manners, it’s better for everyone involved to start early. Here are ten of our favorite books on...
Unschooling at Home
Have you heard of the term “Unschooling”? Here’s what Pinterest says it is: Pinterest Marketing: "Unschooling," a movement focused on self-directed learning, has taken off in certain parts of the US. That’s why some parents are swapping out things like shop class...
Homeschool Classroom Set-Up-Remote Learning
How we are preparing for remote learning It’s official! We are learning from home this fall aka Dismondy Homeschool! This was a decision made by our school district here in Michigan to keep our children, teachers, families and school staff safe. Different decisions...
Children’s Movies Based On Books
Movies based on classic books have storylines so engaging that Hollywood has gotten behind them. Whether or not you’re a proponent of reading the book before you see the movie, here are ten favorites to share with family and friends. The BFGBased on the beloved...
We Have A Middle Schooler.. Help!
The door just slammed and our eleven year old is furious with me for making her clean up her mess. In a few minutes, she will be back in a calm mood and will most likely apologize (she’s good like that!) It’s a rollercoaster of emotions over here and we are just...
Children’s Movies With Strong Moral Lessons
Children's movies are an easy way to model characteristics we would love for kids to develop. Whether you’re looking for a flick on sibling relationships, values like courage or honesty, or the importance of appreciating cultural heritage, we’ve got you covered!...
Teaching Problem Solving Skills – The Ultimate Super Power!
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~ Benjamin Franklin If you could help your child develop one significant super-power that would help them succeed, wouldn’t you? Whether you want your child to get into an Ivy League school,...
Digital Resources for Distance Learning-Resources for Families
Corona Virus has brought us all disappointment after disappointment. Hopefully as you read this, you have remained safe and healthy, along with your loved ones. As I search for silver linings through it all, the virtual homeschool class I taught for families stands...
