First Post of #2019 - Why Do People Like Being #Parents by @WheezyWaiter #Hilarious

It's 2019 (can you believe it?!) and I wanted to start off the year with a bit of parental humor. 

If you've never seen any of WheezyWaiter's YouTube videos then you're in for a treat. With wry (hilarious) humor, WheezyWaiter and his wife talk about all sorts of things, in a comical way. 

I thought "Why Do People Like Being Parents" would be just the thing to share on the DIY Mom Blog. Hope you enjoy it! 

 

Kindness to Yourself, Kindness to Others Guest Post By Annelise Dixon

As a former Head Start teacher, special education assistant and substitute teacher, I have a great respect for educators. Shaping the minds and hearts of youngsters is truly a labor of love and an awesome responsibility. 

I recently reached out to teacher Annelise Dixon on Instagram. I LOVE her enthusiasm and outlook. I knew I wanted to invite her to the DIY Mom Blog to share a bit of her contagious enthusiasm. Annelise was a doll and wrote this lovely piece on kindness. Who doesn't need more kindness in their life? Take it away, Annelise...

“Give me knowledge so that I may have kindness for all.” – Native American Proverb

Kindness is Crucial to Our Wellbeing and to the Wellbeing of Others

When was the last time you showed kindness? What about generosity, tolerance, compassion, support, friendliness and warmth? How often do you do a good deed without expecting anything in return?  These are all traits of kindness that are crucial to our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

We live in a world that is constantly being bombarded by the latest social media websites and technological advances. It is important, now more than ever, that we cultivate kindness to bring our community together rather than driving everyone apart.

Kindness – It Starts with You

The first step to increasing your kindness involves being kind to yourself. Develop your inner voice to be nurturing and forgiving rather than harsh and critical. Looking after yourself, valuing your unique personal traits, being proud of your achievements, and forgiving yourself if you make a mistake are all ways of being kind to yourself. Implementing these suggestions will build your self-esteem and a sense of satisfaction in your life.

Celebrate Others

Celebrate the successes of others as well as your own. Remember that we have all had different experiences in our lives that shape who we are. We need to show empathy and respect to others because we don’t know what they have gone through in life. Avoid comparing yourself to others, as this will only lead to competitiveness, jealousy and spite.

 

Kindness is Action

Some suggestions to increase your kindness are using good manners, avoiding making unnecessary complaints, and listening to someone with your full attention. Write a note to a student, friend, family member, colleague or employee expressing your gratitude to them. Jot down what you love about yourself and others. Smile and laugh more to build relationships of trust and respect.

Start practicing kindness today. It is possible to become a kinder person but don’t expect it to happen overnight. Start small with some of the suggestions in this post and build up from there!

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” - Dalia Lama

ABOUT ANNELISE DIXON

Annelise is a beginning teacher, working in Newcastle, Australia. She has a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and is currently studying the Master of Special and Inclusive Education at the University of Newcastle. Annelise is passionate about teaching music and reading. She also has a passion for learning as much as she can about topics and blogging about them! Annelise is inspired by the work of Nelson Mandela, Sir Ken Robinson and Paulo Freire. She hopes to inspire wellness and happiness in all people. Readers can connect with Annelise on her website.

An Excellent Easter Gift - God's Easter Miracles by Lee Ann Mancini

DIY Mom is participating in the God's Easter Miracles book tour here. In celebration of the book release and tour, we've reviewed the book here too!

God’s Easter Miracles takes place on Easter Sunday. The sea kids are at Sunday school and are having fun making Easter-themed crafts. Miss Linda, the Sunday school teacher, organizes an Easter egg hunt for the children. Paul has a difficult time understanding the process and feelings get hurt. Miss Linda takes the opportunity to teach the children about sharing, friendship and the true meaning of Easter.

This is the second book I’ve read by Lee Ann Mancini and I was just as impressed with God’s Easter Miracles as I was with God’s Gift. The story is kid-friendly, with gorgeous and expressive illustrations. Ms. Mancini explains some unique and complex subjects in terms that children will understand.

The book is a sturdy book, in a generous size. This would make an excellent gift. As a care provider, mother and grandmother I’m sure God’s Easter Miracles will be a much-loved addition to the family library. Thanks to the publisher and BookCrash for providing me with a complimentary copy!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

ENTER TO WIN A FREE SIGNED PRINT COPY OF GOD'S EASTER MIRACLES HERE!

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner Book Review

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner will be available for purchase on February 28! 

When God Made You is an inspirational book, designed to assure young children that they are indeed unique in his or her own way in God’s eyes.

The first thing that caught my attention about this book, and the reason why I wanted to read and review it in the first place, was the colorful, whimsical front cover. I LOVED that the cover illustration depicted an African-American girl – something we don’t see often in Christian-based books for kids.

Using simple rhyming verse, When God Made You lets children know just how special he or she is to God. There are very few (minor) challenging words, but this provides the perfect opportunity for adults to discuss the book further. I’m a great believer that books aren’t simply to be “read” to children – they’re excellent opportunities to have meaningful dialogue with children.

The author again interjects diversity with “Out of billions of faces from cultures, all races, people God made, from all different places, God knew your name.” This is an AWESOME message for children AND adults.

The illustrations are quirky, colorful and highly expressive.  The entire book is positive and encouraging. What more could you want from a children’s book? As an early childhood educator, mother, grandmother and caregiver I can highly recommend this book! Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC of this book!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Middle Graders are Sure to Love Zelda the Pug and Her Latest Adventures

The adventures of Zelda the Pug continue in this installment. Readers meet the newest member of the family, Peach, who is a Boston terrier. Zelda and Peach live with Lucy, Ben and their parents Nate and Hannah. There are sixteen brief chapters in this book for middle graders to read and enjoy.

This book will especially appeal to dog lovers and pet owners. Zelda’s stories are full of action, humor and cute pet antics. Everything young readers look for in a chapter book. The author has done a wonderful job of giving children the opportunity to see the world from the perspective of a dog.

There’s also valuable information within these stories. Introducing a new pet to the family can sometimes have its challenges and Zelda’s reluctance to share with Peach certainly demonstrates this.  I could see families reading this book together before considering getting another pet. There’s even an epilogue from the POV of Peach, which gives some insight into what it’s like to be a shelter dog and to finally be adopted by a loving family. I found this to be a sweet and touching addition to the book.  

This is a nice mix of easy reading, with plenty of challenging words thrown in as well. The author’s writing is certainly kid-friendly and fun. 

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

THE ADVENTURES OF ZELDA: PUG & PEACH IS CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON.

Book Review of "Forever My Little Girl" by Karen Kingsbury

Forever My Little Girl is written from a couple’s perspective. If follows the birth and growth of their little girl and all the milestones they enjoy along with her. From holding their baby girl, to first steps, playing sports, boys, joys and sadness, Forever My Little Girl will certainly tug at any parent’s heartstrings.

The illustrations in this book are lovely. They’re colorful and sweet. The short accompanying prayers sprinkled throughout the book are wonderful additions to the stories within.

This book would make a welcome gift to new parents or for parents to give to their daughter. The one issue I had was that it doesn’t take into account that not all little girls are the product of a two-parent home. I get that this is a Christian book, which is usually geared toward marriage and commitment, but not all children are raised by both parents. As a single mother, I would have loved to have been able to give this book to my daughter, but it definitely does not fit our circumstances. I mention this because judging from the title I wasn’t expecting a two-parent perspective. I think it would have been more appropriate to have titled this book Forever Our Little Girl.

4 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

SuperKids by Anya Damiron Teaches Children About Disabilities in an Entertaining, Educational and Appealing Way

Every now and then I come across a book that would make an excellent jumping off point to discuss a sensitive subject with children. It's not always easy getting kids interested enough to sit still and listen to an actual lesson.

SuperKids by Anya Damiron is an educational, yet entertaining book about an important subject that will be sure to capture and hold the attention of just about any child. 

Ivan is a very active child with a very active imagination. He enjoys creating super hero capes from just about anything he can get his hands on and racing through the house to save the day.

Ivan’s parents provide him with an actual cape of his own and he then becomes Super Ivan. When he happens upon a little boy whose super power is unique way of painting Ivan tries it himself, but is unsuccessful. Super Ivan’s parents understand his curiosity and introduce him to many other children who are similar to the little painter.

Although this is a serious subject – children with disabilities - the illustrations of Ivan attempting to grab household items to use as capes are truly funny. I giggled out loud several times. I’m sure kids will think they‘re hilarious. The author then makes a seamless transition from lighthearted to more serious as the book progresses.

While the vocabulary is a little advanced for young children, it works, since it gives adults the opportunity to explain new concepts to children and children can learn as they progress through the book. The illustrations are detailed, colorful and charming.

I honestly think there are too few children’s books that address disabilities. This is something that deserves a lot more discussion, so kudos for Anya Damiron for sharing this story. She does it in an enlightening and appealing manner.

“SuperKids” would make a wonderfully educational circle time book to share in class, or an engaging and informative book for parents to read to kids at home. I highly recommend this book!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton