Reading is a way to be swept away to another world, learn something new, or even connect with another person. And there are so many ways as a parent or an educator that you can nurture a love of reading in children, and making reading interactive is just one way to do...
3 Ways to Encourage Self Love in Children
As parents and caregivers, we love our children so much it hurts. I am known to look at my daughter on our video monitor and tear up. I can’t tell you how many times I have said to my husband, “She is so cute it’s literally painful.” With all the love we have for our...
5 Reading-Based Resolutions for the Whole Family
The month of January is still young, which means if you neglected your New Year’s resolutions this year (guilty), there’s still more than enough time for you to make some! In truth, we can and should be making resolutions on a regular basis, regardless of...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Kids Are Bored? Creativity Projects for ages 7-11
Our kids have been home for what seems like forever. I have days when I love it and days when I know they need to be back in school for so many reasons. The thing that matters to my husband Dave and I when they are at home is whether they are using their free time...
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...
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...
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...
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!...
Summer Movies for Children
Summer is the perfect time for family movie nights, but it’s easy to feel like you’re running out of options. Not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of our favorite children’s movies. Find more details at commonsensemedia.org to ensure the content is a good fit for...
How Superman Capes & Imaginary Friends Foster Growth and Happiness!
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...
Optimism: Teaching Our Children Resiliency
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...
Summer Planning for Kids
There are four areas to consider in planning the BEST summer with your kids! These tips from author and parent Maria Dismondy will help you build intention to make the most of every summer day without feeling over-scheduled or overwhelmed. SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS...
Let’s Get Creative: The Power of Human Connection
5 “Deep human connection is...the purpose and the result of a meaningful life. It will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity and humanity.“ - Melinda Gates Even during a time of social distancing, studies have revealed that human connection —...
Why I’ve Made My Bed & Gotten Dressed Everyday of this Pandemic
It is April 15th and we are smack dab in the middle of a nationwide pandemic. This is something that we are all trying to navigate the best we can. We have offically been quarantined for one month and I’ve been reflecting over the last few days. It’s interesting to...
“MOM are you LISTENING to ME?” ~ The Power of Active Listening
“Mom….Mom! I said I can’t find my other boot! Are you listening to me?” It’s ok, mom. You probably weren’t. You were most likely zipping up a jacket, filling a sippy cup and trying to remember where your keys were. With everything whirling around us these days,...
Tidy Up in 2020
Organizing and decluttering are two of my favorite things to do. But having a child certainly makes it harder. Not only do we have a lot more STUFF around the house, but it’s also a daily battle keeping things from getting out of hand (game pieces, puzzles, LEGOs… oh...