Journal prompts to help kids know themselves, gain self-awareness and self-acceptance. Parents and teachers can help children build self-understanding.

Don't forget to say your please and thank yous. How many times do we hear that in a lifetime? What does it mean to give thanks? Saying thank you says good manners for sure but teaching children to truly be thankful is an art. We've been trying hard to perfect that art in our house. Gratitude, showing up for people when they are in need and kindness are not easy to pass along to some children. Our twins are polar opposites in this department. One is a natural. The other, well, let's just say…

A calm down plan to help children of all ages learn to manage big emotions in socially acceptable ways.

As parents, we want to train our children to be lifelong givers. Not only will it impact many lives, but it will give them so much blessing and fulfillment in return. Here are five ways we're seeking to teach our children to be givers: 1. Model It More is caught than taught when we're raising children. We can tell our kids how important giving is. We can read them stories of people who give generously. We can stress how much of a difference we can make in the world. But our actions will…

{this post has been re-written and updated , so please check it out HERE , for a brand new printable design of the '21 questions to ask you...

American parents like to tell their kids they're smart. But that kind of praise works against kids. Make your child a better student with this magic phrase.

We all want our children to grow up to be caring and compassionate people. But do we have to wait for them to grow up or can children be caring and compassionate, too? Yes, absolutely. Does this happen naturally? No. Showing empathy and concern for others is an act of unselfishness. I believe feeling concern […]

Playing nicely together is a skill that kids need to learn {and a few adults}. Not only does it make the home happier, but in the end being nice is more fun. Kids Activities Blog

Image Credit: © Suzette Normand | 07.17.10 191 & 192 | CC by 2.0 The weather is warming up and summer is feeling like it's just around the corner. Wouldn't it be amazing if this summer was free of whining on the kids' part and yelling on your end? It's possible! I'm once again teaming up with my friend and personal parenting guru, Amy McCready of Positive Parenting Solutions, as affiliate and host of: A FREE Positive Parenting Webinar: Get Kids to Listen Without Nagging, Reminding, or…

Kaley is back today with a post that fits so nicely with our recent book club discussion on becoming a more mindful parent. The sentiment behind this poem is such a great reminder of the parent I'm striving to be... How do you love a child? We read books on how to feed your child, how to discipline them, how to talk to them, and how to get them to sleep. But doesn't loving a child just come naturally? Do we really need direction when it comes to loving our children? We all love our children…

Image Credit: © Suzette Pauwels (text & graphic added) | 01.01.11 | CC by 2.0 Are you a positive discipline disciple? If so, you’re going to love today’s post! Another of my blogging buddies, Amanda from Not Just Cute, is stepping in while I continue on maternity leave and she’s sharing a wonderful method for dealing with problem …

Happy 'Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work' Day! I don't know about you guys, but I have vivid memories of participating in this as a kid - back when it was just 'Take Your Daughter to Work' Day. It always got the wheels in my brain turning - asking myself who did I look up to, who and what did I eventually want to be? So I thought today would be the perfect day to share with you an article I wrote for eHow on finding positive female role models for our girls. I'd love it if you'd check

I am excited today as this Literacy Spot includes my first ever free printable, a set of routine picture cards. Read on to find out more...

All About Me: Annual Interview Questions for Kids - free printable | simplykierste.com

Hear form real moms how they teach their kids about diversity and foster cultural acceptance in their kids!

Kids are messy, we all know that. But the great thing about kids is that they're teachable. Teaching kids to clean & be organized is an important life skill.