A Blog By Maria Dismondy
Connecting with Your Teen
Who out there is raising a teen or almost teen and feels like they are failing miserably?I am raising my hand over here. It’s a new part of parenting that Dave and I are navigating. I think we are doing well and other days it feels like we just can’t get it right....
5 Ways to Get Your Family in the Giving Spirit
Can you think of the last time you actively sought out ways to give back to people in need? If you’re anything like me, that question may have you wracking your brain for the last time you held the door open or cast a stranger a smile. In truth, the world in which we...
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...
Shine Bright This Holiday Season!
Special Launch OfferFREE SHIPPING on every order! BUY NOW! As you enjoy the holiday season with your young loved ones, give them the chance to explore the holidays and cultures celebrated by their peers. Alongside the diverse heroes of Cardinal Rule Press’s...
![Total Hysterectomy at Age 40 (plus menopause) [updated]](https://i1.wp.com/mariadismondy.com/wp-content/uploads/1-4.png?w=500&ssl=1)
Total Hysterectomy at Age 40 (plus menopause) [updated]
Menopause at 40 & Then My Vagina Fell Out: An Uncommon Tale Brace yourselves! This is the most personal blog post I have ever written. While it may make some say, “Woah! This is a LOT to share, Maria!” I’m sharing it so that other women know they are not alone...
5 Tips to Foster a Positive Relationship with your Child’s Teacher
All parents want to have a positive and supportive relationship with their child’s teacher. Some years parents are closer with teachers than others. So what makes the difference? Is there a way to encourage a positive relationship? Is it possible even with the current...
5 Picture Books that Celebrate Native American Heritage
In the spirit of October 11th being Indigenous Peoples’ Day and November being Native American Heritage Month, I’ve compiled a list of picture books with concepts and characters that call attention to Native American heritage. A lot of Native American stories and...
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...
3 Children’s Books that Feature Characters with Disabilities
In recent years, the world of children’s literature has expanded to include characters from more diverse cultural backgrounds and underrepresented walks of life than ever before. At Cardinal Rule Press, a reader may encounter Raja from Anita Nahta Amin’s Raja’s Pet...
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...
TWO Puppies During the Pandemic and Survived!
My husband always said he didn’t want pets. He married me while I had an 18 lb, long haired cat. Shortly after we had our first baby, I became highly allergic to my sweet kitty and gave him to a family who would love him just as much, if not more, than I did. For...
Picture Books That Heal
Just LISTEN. When a child wants to talk or needs to talk just LISTEN. We all fight battles daily. We all fight battles that we wish were not ours. We all fight battles to be able to help others. In the silent moments that feel lonely, we are never alone because our...
Five Picture Books for Growing Up
“When I grow up, I want to be…”, every child has that moment where they try to imagine what they might be when they grow up. It is up to us to inspire them to be anything, and to do anything they want. It’s never too early or too late to dream! Here are five picture...
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...
Five ways to encourage your child to enjoy reading
As a teacher in kindergarten and first grade for many years, one of the most common questions I get from friends and family is “How can I get my child to enjoy reading?” There are a number of ways to do this, but I have 5 ideas I typically give every time. 1....
Picture Books on Activism
Have you ever walked around a neighborhood and stumbled upon a little bookhouse on a stand offering free books inside? You just might have found a Little Free Library. “Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. Our mission is to...
EKWC THE PODCAST-DAILY PARENTING TIPS & HACK- JULy
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...
5 affordable, creative ways to foster creativity this summer!
We’ve made it! Whether we have been homeschooling, hybrid learning, virtual only, or learning face-to-face, our kiddos have earned a summer to relax and enjoy time with their families. Having fun and creating memorable self-care in our kids this summer doesn’t have to...
Summer Fun for Kids
Purchase here: https://gum.co/wOoKe while supplies last. Keep the learning and emotional growth going throughout summer!Encourage literacy and character growth with Cardinal Rule Press books! Evie’s Field Day (good sportsmanship, kindness)Fruit Salad Friend...
10 LGBTQ Picture Books
"LGBTQ Pride is important for kids, families, and allies because we must work together for equal rights not only under the law but culturally. Visibility is everything, and we are all in this fight together," said Ricardo Cooper, who is helping to coordinate a family...
EKWC THE PODCAST-DAILY PARENTING TIPS & HACK- June
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...
Providing “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors”: The Importance of Providing a Diverse Collection of Books for Children
My role as a librarian, or one’s role as an educator, parent, or conscious citizen, is to read and promote a diverse, well-rounded collection of reading materials for the youth in my charge. From a young age, children should see themselves and learn about others in...
