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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
“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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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!...
“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,...
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...
Always telling your kids to “be kind,” but not sure how to help them understand what it means or how to put it into action? These ten books explore the concept of kindness with courage and warmth. 1. THE POTATO CHIP CHAMPBy Maria DismondyAmazon I BookShopChamp...
Understanding what a good friend is and how to be one is invaluable for children’s social wellbeing. These ten fun books demonstrate how to grow a caring, generous, and empathetic friendship. 1. STICK AND STONEBy Beth Ferry and Tom LichtenheldAmazon I ...
Cardinal Rule Press is celebrating Pride month with a book line-up that promotes self-expression, diversity, and inclusion among young readers. Read on to explore our favorites, including the Cardinal Rule Press 2019 release DAZZLING TRAVIS. DAZZLING TRAVIS: A STORY...
Happy summer, gang! This month, it’s all about CREATIVITY. We’re sharing ways to encourage creativity and offering a fun way to help a friend out with our FREE DOWNLOAD. I was lucky enough to grow up in a creative household. My parents were both singers & my mom...
Over the last several months I have been checking out books set in India from our local library. It is important remember that we can open our children's eyes to the world beyond their homes by simply reading a picture book. Diverse picture books allow children...
Part of our mission here at Empowering Kids with Character is to help make the world a more inclusive place through the work we do. We want to provide resources for families to help replace the hate that seems to be showing up where LOVE should. Taking action is where...
Good morning, Sunshine! Thanks for reading our blog today! (Imagine this said in the cheeriest voice possible in your head) That’s a lot of perkiness, right? Ha! Well, the world needs optimists today more than ever. As parents, we really want our children to...
Like all of you, I WISH that the start of April was one big April Fool’s Joke. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic that has turned our schedule, lives and usual daily freedoms upside down. It might feel like you have no control over...