“My dad always used to say that our story isn’t a story of trauma. We have trauma in our history, in our lives, in our family. But really our story is a story of resiliency and a story of cultural reconnection and a story of love. I feel like that will help people understand what... Continue Reading →
Parenting Advice You Never Asked For
“I was a wonderful parent before I had children.” ~ Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, & Listen So Kids Will Talk, pg. 1 April showers bring May flowers ... not to mention Mother’s Day on May 9th and Father’s Day on June 20th! Becoming a parent is life-altering... Continue Reading →
Earth Day: Resources to Foster Environmental Literacy
"Climate change makes all of our social ills worse. It speeds up or strengthens the bad effects of wars, racism, inequality, domestic violence, and lack of health care. What if, instead, it sped up or strengthened the forces that are working for peace, economic fairness, and social justice?" ~~ Naomi Klein, 2021, How To Change... Continue Reading →
Choose To Challenge: Books About Strong Women Making A Difference
"So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard ... We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back ... The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The... Continue Reading →
Be My Valentine: Love, Friendship and Boundaries in Children’s Books
"This is MY hair. It's great that you love it. I love it too. But please, just look and don't touch without my permission." ~~ Aria, in Sharee Miller's Don't Touch My Hair! (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, February, 2021.) Ah, Valentine’s Day: roses and romance, cards and candlelight,... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Resources for Youth
70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.In 2016, suicide accounted for 19% of deaths among youth aged 10 to 14, 29% among youth aged 15 to 19, and 23%... Continue Reading →
Parenting Books, Wine Mom Memes, Unrelenting Standards and You: Parenting in the 21st Century
"When I'm upset or hurting, the last think I want to hear is advice, philosophy, psychology, or the other fellow's point of view. That kind of talk makes me only feel worse than before. Pity leaves me feeling pitiful; questions put me on the defensive; and most infuriating of all is to hear that I... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #2: Books To Build STEM Skills
“Your brilliant first flop was a raging success! Come on, let's get busy and on to the next!" She handed a notebook to Rosie Revere, who smiled at her aunt as it all became clear. Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit.”~~ Andrea... Continue Reading →
Be an Anti-Virus Hero!
"Some people wear masks,in public you might see.It’s to stop the virus,from jumping to you and me. When the virus is about,listen to what the doctors say.They might say to social distance,to keep the virus away." ~~ Vicki Schofield, Anti-Virus Heroes We are living in extraordinary times. COVID-19 has utterly disrupted every aspect of our... Continue Reading →
7 Tips To Help Reluctant Readers
"If we teach a child to read but fail to develop a desire to read, we will have created a skilled non-reader, a literate illiterate. And no high test score will ever undo that damage.” ~Kylene Beers, Literacy Specialist (First published in Kingston Neighbours magazines, September 2020) Back-to-school time is finally here. And while many... Continue Reading →
