As some of you may know, I’m a woman with a couple of jobs–my part time job as a Marriage and Family Therapist here at the Institute and my full-time job as a Mother. The hardest, best job I’ve ever had. I find that as a mom who works outside of the home, I struggle
Recommendations by Kris Vreeland Head of the Children’s Book Department at Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena, CA Click on a book to find it at VromansBookstore.com! All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon (Ages: 4-Adult) Lyric art and poetry illustrate how we are interconnected and we are all the world and all of the world is all of
More and more research supports the benefits of yoga for adults and children. For children, the benefits include having fun in their bodies, gaining body awareness, and engaging the body for relaxation and calming. If you are wondering about ways to introduce your toddler to the joys of yoga, look for a Mommy and Me
These poems were written by Mattie J. T. Stepanek, a very inspiring boy who wrote poems and advocated for people to treat each other peacefully and with love. You can learn more about him by visiting his website here: Mattie Online. The Smell of a Noise Shhh… I smell something. It smells like a noise. Like
Stimulates awareness of one’s surroundings and concentration Have you ever taken the time to look at the colors nature offers? We often think of green as the color synonymous with nature in regard to trees and grasses. Blues come to mind when we envision the sky, oceans, streams, and lakes. What other colors are out
Stimulates relaxation and exploration It’s springtime! Trees are stretching and yawning. Buds are pecking. Birds are gathering materials and building nests. Seeds are seeking sunshine and sprouting. Awaken a new sense of wonder for your children by discovering the offerings of spring. Select a spot outdoors where you and your child can stretch and observe.
Turning fairy tale characters into strong and confident girls and women: We know that reading stories to our children makes a difference for all kinds of reasons. Try this: When telling stories to your child, create female characters who are self assured, empowered, and who are comfortable asserting themselves. If you are reading a story
Encourage Dress Up and Make Believe Play: Collect dress up clothes and items that represent different types of people and various future careers. Yard sales, thrift shops, friends and your own attic can provide a spectrum of imagination-stimulating items. Tools for doctors, gardeners, auto mechanics, ballerinas and more can all help your daughter enjoy make
This is a fun and helpful game for car trips and walks in the park! Have your daughter (or son) name all the people that love her or him. The list can include family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, religious community friends, and more. This game will help your child build self esteem and a
National Association of School Psychologists: Tips for Parents and Teachers: Helping Children after a Wildfire American Psychological Association Help Center: Recovering From the Wildfires American Psychological Association Help Center: Tips for managing your distress related to the wildfires