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...
Seasons change and so do our seasons in parenting. Dave and I are entering a new season and it's called "Having a middle schooler!" To prepare, I have been reading, listening and exploring different approaches to this new phase our daughter is entering. The most...
Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or at home, problem-solving helps kids thrive. These ten children’s books promote everyday problem-solving and resiliency, whether the issue be a missing toy or a struggling friendship. 1. STUCKBy Oliver JeffersAmazon...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
In the last few years, I have been declining books for review for simply a lack of time. If I am reading, it's a book that I want to read for personal growth or entertainment (my book club meets monthly!) However, this book showed up in my inbox and I was intrigued....
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...
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...
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...
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 —...
Is it vain to be thinking about my FACE during a worldwide pandemic? You may think so. The way I look at it, other people are taking time to binge watch Tiger King, so let’s not judge either side! I think it’s okay for me to use the extra anxious time we all feel...