Home Maid Simple

Tag: parenting

  • Good Music Brighter Children Blog Tour

    Good Music Brighter Children Blog Tour

      

    Good Music Brighter Children 
    Good Music Brighter Children is written for parents, educators or anyone who wants to build a bigger, better brain using music. Scientific studies indicate that children introduced to classical music at a young age read earlier and perform better on achievement tests. Adults can also revive tired brain cells using music. This book gives you a step-by-step program that any parent or individual can follow. You’ll discover how introducing your children to good music can accelerate language development, improve math and science skills, enhance physical coordination, strengthen memory and reading retention, and benefit children with learning disabilities. Discover how to choose an instrument and music teacher for your child; how to get your kids to practice and how character traits such as confidence, responsibility, creativity and teamwork are taught when learning a musical instrument. Learn how to introduce your child to the music community and how to appreciate all kinds of music. Last, if you want to advocate for music in your schools, this book gives the ammunition and data to do so. Also includes a 35-page Resource Section on the best music, books, and DVDs for kids.

    Sharlene   Author Sharlene Habermeyer:

    Sharlene Habermeyer, MA has spent over twenty-five years researching the effects of music in the brain development of children. She is passionate about how people of all ages learn and how music is a catalyst for learning. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Art from Utah State University and a Masters degree in Education from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California.

     

    In 1999, she started the Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra (now the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra). It currently boasts over one-hundred members.

     

    Sharlene’s initial inspiration for Good Music Brighter Children came from the extensive work she did with her severely learning disabled son, and finding that music was his strongest catalyst for learning she began passionately researching the effects music had on the developing and mature brain.

    A college instructor, a popular speaker, and a consultant, she is the mother of five boys and lives with her husband in Torrance, California. She has spoken at parent conferences around the United States including the Parents as Teachers Conference (PAT) and the Crucial Years Conference in Missouri. In August 2014, she will be speaking at BYU Education Week.

    Connect with Sharlene
     

    Praise for the Book

    Largest Independent Book Reviewer in the U.S.: Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media, LLC 
     “With a scientist’s eye and an artist’s voice, Habermeyer examines everything from the benefits of music for the developing brain to music’s ability to improve cultural awareness. This is an encyclopedic, invaluable resource for anyone who believes in music education. A magnum opus, fact-filled and inspiring on the benefits of music.”

    -Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media, LLC

      

    National Music Organization: Music and the Brain 
     “A great resource for both parents and teachers. Anyone interested in music or the overall well-being of children will not be able to put this book down.”

    -Lisha Papert Lercari, Director, Music and the Brain    

    University Professor: Dr. James Catterall 
     “Sharlene Habermeyer outlines why music is important to learning, and provides parents with excellent suggestions for launching and sustaining a musical influence in the lives of their children.”

    -James S. Catterall, professor of education and co-director of Imagination Project at UCLA 

    Mother/Lawyer/Ballet Teacher: Shauna Bird Dunn
    “Carefully researched and highly readable, Good Music, Brighter Children is written for musicians and non musicians alike. It is filled with wisdom, insight and helpful tips to bring music into the home for all ages and stages of childhood.”

    –Shauna Bird Dunn, JD, MPA

    Utah Young Mother of the Year, 2010

     

     

      

     
    Blog Tour Giveaway 

     $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

    Ends 10/15/14

    Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  • What saved my sanity? and a Giveaway to save yours!

    What saved my sanity? and a Giveaway to save yours!

    *The Del Monte products, information, gift pack, and gift card have been provided by Del Monte*

    Del Monte fruit cups and Fruit Burst Squeezers saved my sanity. 
    If you have a child that eats non stop….like seriously NON.STOP.  The kind that isn’t quite 2 years old and yet knows how to get the cheese out of the fridge and a knife out of the knife block to cut the cheese…non stop eater. You know what I’m talking about. 
    Prince L is that kind of eater. If I’m not playing trains with him – and let’s face it, there’s not much variety to saying chugachugachoochoo – then I can almost guarantee he’s in the kitchen trying to find something to eat. 
    I love giving him fresh fruit, and he’ll eat carrots too, but he will not wait for me to prep food. If it takes longer than me picking it up and handing it to him there is usually screams, tears, or self preservation by getting whatever he wants out of the fridge…like maple syrup (don’t ask). 
    So to save my sanity, and his sanity and growing little body, I try to have quick snacks on hand. Unfortunately there isn’t much out there that is quick and also healthy. But Del Monte has us covered. 
    Now when Prince L is in his eating mood, I can quickly grab one of the squeezers from the cupboard or fridge if we decide to make them cold, and away he goes. He loves taking the lid with him too, and twisting it back on when he’s not currently eating the goodness.
    I still feel like he’s getting great nutrition but we get to avoid the meltdowns and little boy knife antics (yes I should probably put the blog up even higher). We are becoming much more conscious of what’s in our food, especially packaged products like Del Monte. When I read through the ingredients though, I know we’re good. 
    Just check out what’s in the Peach-Mango Fruit Burst Fruit+Veggie Squeezer:
    • Peach-Mango: Pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, peach puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, carrot juice concentrate, carrot puree, mango puree concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.
    We use the fruit cups in Princess V’s lunchbox. Since they are sealed I don’t have to worry about leaking fruit in a tupperware. Have you ever had to clean applesauce out of a lunchbox, or strawberry juice? Not.Fun. 
    Since she is my picky eater, and rarely eats anything, I know the Del Monte is providing her a healthy side to her lunch that she also enjoys. Saving my sanity on both her health and from sticky messes. 

    Keep up with Del Monte on Social Media
    Pinterest  *  Twitter  *  Facebook
    Giveaway!
    Del Monte wants to send one of you 2 free product coupons so you can try the Fruit Burst Squeezers and Fruit Cups as well. Plus they’re throwing in a $25 Walmart gift card!!
    Giveaway is open to residents of the US only. It is in no way affiliate with facebook, twitter, or any other social media outlets. Giveaway is shipped by sponsor. Must be 18+ to enter. All entries will be verified. 

  • Rethinking Bath Time

    Rethinking Bath Time

    *I received free product to review. All thoughts are 100% my own.*

    We are all making new years resolutions. We want to lose weight. Eat more healthy. Organize our home. Be more kind. Be a better Parent.

    The last one, be a better parent, is always on my new years resolution it seems. I always want and need to be better with my kids. During the year I tend to lose sight of what’s really important. Oh I have my core parenting values and ideas, but sometimes it’s the simplest of things that get lost in the hustle and bustle.

    For a long time now I’ve viewed bath time for the kids as a chore. It’s something that has to be done, but can take a lot of time out from anything else I need or just plain want to do.  I started scheduling baths out like a chore – everyone bathes on Saturday to be clean for church on Sunday, then we’ll switch out days during the week, but if someone is especially dirty it will be their night to bathe, and we’ll reschedule the week.

    The problem with that scheduling and thinking, was it never worked like I wanted. I still didn’t look forward to getting the kids bathed.  It really hit me when Tickle Toes sent me a soft hooded bath towel to review and sounded so pumped in their emails – I was thinking about bath time all wrong. When did I forget that this was time to reconnect with my kids each day? The dirty kitchen could wait, but my kids were growing every day. At the end of this year I will have an 8 year old – I can’t hardly believe she’s even 7 right now. It’s true what they say – you blink and suddenly your kids are all grown.

    I have spent the last month rethinking our bath time routine. How could I use this time to relax and just spend some time with my kids, as kids?  
     I was hoping I’d have this awesome list of ideas for you to retake bath time, but I don’t. It’s as simple as 
    • Putting down the phone or book
    • Ignoring the clock
    • Grabbing a toy
    • and making believe. 
    Instead of rushing through soap, shampoo, rinse, get out. I let them enjoy having fun in the water again. Instead of sitting idly by, lost on my phone in facebook and begging them not to splash water, I grabbed some toys myself. 
    When you spend time interacting with kids on their level, following their lead – you may just find your inner child again. 

    After bath time is fun too, especially with the Tickle Toes hooded towel. It is a nice soft towel, with bright colors, and a plush hood. After having so much fun together in the tub, she loved getting wrapped up in her new towel and refused to get dressed. Instead of becoming impatient, I let her still be a kid, and just relax in the comfort of a warm soft towel.

    Princess R loves it so much, she has started wearing it all the time including wrapping up in it in her bed for a little extra warmth every night.

    Discount for Home Maid Simple readers
    Tickle Toes is offering my readers 10% off their order through the end of January.
    use code SIMPLE at  checkout

  • Kids and Chores: It doesn’t have to be a battle

    Kids and Chores: It doesn’t have to be a battle

    I’ve touched on the topic before, but as the kids get older, and we keep moving around, we never seem to find a system for doing chores that really sticks with the kids. I believe a lot of it is keeping a routine, which has been lacking with our most recent move. 
    I came across this info-graphic from Terry’s Fabrics, and thought it was worth sharing. I hope I can be a bit better getting back into routine, and making chores FUN for the kids – or at least worthwhile. (2 hours wasted trying to get them to clean up the mess they made yesterday, blah!). 
    How to Get Children to Help With the Chores by Terrys Fabrics

    How to Get Children to Help With the Chores by Terrys Fabrics.

  • The 6 B’s Lesson 2: Be True #FamilyHomeEvening

    The 6 B’s Lesson 2: Be True #FamilyHomeEvening

     
    Young kids don’t often know right from wrong. They are still learning, and as parents, we need to kindly and gently guide them to make good choices as they grow to be adults. One way we do that is through Family Home Evening – a night we set aside each week to teach our children principles and gospel lessons from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I hope you’ll join me in these lessons, and add any insight in the comments. 
     
    We are on the 2nd Be from President Hinkley’s 2001 address to the youth – Be True.  But to be perfectly honest with you, I’ve got ours a little out of order. Be True was actually number 4 on his list, but it all works out in the end.
     
    Opening Song: Choose the Right 
    Prayer
     
    Lesson:  Mark took over the lesson this night. He began by telling a fictional story of the girls. 
    “You were outside playing one day, and V thought it was a good idea to throw some rocks.  One hit the car window and broke it.  V didn’t tell mommy or daddy what happened. 
    When I found the broken window, I asked C if she knew what happened.”
     
    At this point, we turned to C and asked her, do you know how the window got broken?
    To which she answered “I think L did it”
     
    This was the perfect lead up into telling the truth. We told Princess C that if we ask her something, and she doesn’t know, she shouldn’t guess at what happened. Unless she saw it happen she can tell us “I don’t know”.  
     
    Once we finished the story, and talking to each kid about their different answers, Grandma P (who was in town for a visit), shared a personal story of how telling lies left her unable to play at a friends house once. 
     
    Finally we led up to being true to ourselves, as a Child Of God, we should always behave well. When someone does something wrong, or something we don’t feel comfortable with, we don’t have to go along with it.  
     
    This not so simple concept was a great lead into watching a family movie – Wreck It Ralph. Just don’t make the blunder I did and tell your kids 

    Ralph is being true to him. He’s a bad guy, and it’s ok to be ba…. (insert a raised eyebrow from Mark here) it’s ok to be you, and not let others change you. Pushing for something we want is good, as long as we stay true to ourselves.

    Closing Song: Stand for the Right 
    Closing prayer

    *Side note – Because I mentioned Wreck It Ralph I also wanted to share my friends blog with you – Fun Filled Flicks.  She created a fun Wreck It Ralph game for her kids one day, that I know my kids would love!

  • The 6 B’s Lesson 1: Be Grateful #FamilyHomeEvening

    The 6 B’s Lesson 1: Be Grateful #FamilyHomeEvening

    Be Grateful
     
    As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, one thing we do is set aside Monday nights for what we call Family Home Evening. It’s a night we try not to have any activities planned outside the home with friends, or work. We come home together, and spend the time as a family.  Some night it means watching a new (or old) movie or playing a game, while others we try to have a gospel-centered lesson. 
     
    So a few Mondays ago, I asked Mark to put together a lesson. He did great! He pulled his lesson from President Gordon B Hinkley’s address in November 2000 where he gave us what quickly became known as the 6 B’s
    • Be Grateful
    • Be Smart
    • Be Clean
    • Be True
    • Be Humble
    • Be Prayerful
    After Mark’s lesson that night, I got to thinking, and decided I wanted to cover more in depth each Be. So the following Monday I took my turn with the lesson, and covered Be Grateful.  It was one of the best lessons we have ever had!  So get ready to teach your kids about gratitude!
     
    Opening Song: Thank Thee for Everything (Primary Song Book pg 10)  This was a new song to the kids and one I’ve sung very rarely. So we attempted to learn it as a family. If you follow the link, you’ll find the lyrics and music.
    Opening Prayer.
     

    Lesson Time!

    I began the lesson asking if anyone remembered the 6 B’s. Princess V and C both did a pretty good job remembering most of them. I was impressed, and so very happy that they actually remembered some. It told me they really do pay attention sometimes. After we recited the B’s a few times, I told the girls that I wanted to talk about just the first B – Be Grateful. 
     
    We had a quick, child-friendly discussion on what the word Grateful means. Just like being Thankful, and saying thanks to people when they are kind to us, or help us, we are grateful for the things we have. 
     
    At this point, we then grabbed some blankets and headed outside to lay under our big tree. After we laid mostly quietly for some time contemplating the things we could see, hear and smell, I started one by one, asking the kids, and Mark what the were grateful for. As the talked, I compiled a list in my notebook.  Once again, my children impressed me with how well they understood and grasped the concept. Instead of saying things like their toys and material objects, the first few “I am thankful for” included – Family, Friends, Teachers, Sisters, and Brother. As I encouraged everyone to keep thinking and listening and looking around them at our beautiful earth – the answers branched out to things like Butterflies, Sticks and Flowers. 
     
    We ended the lesson by remembering who we need to thank for our beautiful earth – Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. We packed the blankets back inside, and closed the evening.
     
    Closing Song: Children All Over the World (Primary Song Book pg 16) 
    Closing Prayer.
     
    Refreshments! A good FHE always ends with a yummy treat.  You can try and tie it into the lesson, or just enjoy some Ice Cream Sundaes like we did – which by the way, is just another thing we should be grateful for.
     
    Of course after a few days, and some playing around, I created a little reminder for our home to Be Grateful all the time.  And, I even took the time to find the best way for you to be able to download this and use in your own home. Not only is it a great reminder year round, it would also make great Thanksgiving Decor. 
     
    Be Grateful Printable
     
    Download this FREE Printable
     
    Keep an eye out for the next 5 lessons in this 6 part series. 
  • Little Monster Behavior Chart

    Little Monster Behavior Chart

    Part of being a parent is disciplining your children when they make wrong choices, or have bad behavior. It is also setting an example so they know how to behave and can easily choose right from wrong.

    We have been struggling with getting our kids to behave kindly, and well, just in general behave. I hope it’s not just me that struggles with kids pushing their boundaries, but I know in public I see much better behaved kids than my own. Last week as I lost control of my own behavior and acted shamefully in front of my kids I knew I was failing. I was failing as a mother and example to my kids.  I cried to Mark that night, and even though I know I’ve succeeded in some areas, this one was becoming too much for me.

    Mark, as always had a brilliant plan. So I sucked up my tears, and set to work creating a behavior chart for little miss Princess R. At 3 years old and in the middle of the pack, she seems to push boundaries the most. I crossed my fingers and just hoped that this chart was going to do the trick.

    The basic idea was to have a chart with an item that could move up and down according to her behavior. Good behavior moves up the chart, bad moves down. I wasn’t sure how I was going to create it at first, but it soon came all together. I started on picmonkey to get my basic design (right click to print your own)

    behavior chart
    I printed our chart on card stock to have a nice solid background for the movable piece on the side. Next I made a slit with an exacto knife down the right side of the chart. Finally we attached a paper flower from My Memories Suite with a decorative brad. 
    Stm-2
    If you do not currently have My Memories Suite, you can use code for STMMMS37783 $10 Off the program download.
    Once the flower was attached we used some Zots to stick the chart up on the wall. 
    It’s been a few days since we have implemented this chart for Princess R, and the effects have been stunning! Not just for her either – but for me as well. Instead of losing my cool, and raising my voice, I calmly ask Princess R if we should move her to the Little Monster or up to the Ribbon. Princess R is just that – a Princess. She is not a Little Monster. 
    We still have our days of tantrums and Doing it Her Way, but they are calmer, we listen to each other better, and our overall behavior has stuck between the Happy Face and The Ribbon. Once we stay at the Ribbon Princess R will be allowed to pull a treat from our very coveted Treasure Box. Today looks like it will be a Treasure Box kind of day.

  • Today I was Mom

    Today I was Mom

    As I sat in church this past Sunday, and listened to talks about Mothers, my 3 year old Princess used my in much need of a shave, legs as a racetrack for the car we brought. As I watched her happily run the car up to my knee, and back down to my foot, these thoughts ran through my head. I came home, and put them to paper, but spent a little time tweaking it. 
    These are my thoughts on motherhood.  Enjoy.

    Today I was Mom

    Today I was a Racetrack
    and my lap your favorite cushion
     
    Yesterday I made 3 meals
    And Cleaned 3 dirty rooms
     
    Tomorrow I will play chauffeur
    And nurse, and Biggest Fan
     
    There was a time I was just me
    But then you came along
     
    Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
    I’ll always be Your Mom.
     

     

  • Motherhood Matters {Book Review}

    Motherhood Matters {Book Review}

     
    About the Book

    Motherhood is a divine calling—but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful and heartwarming volume of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it’s a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

    In these hectic days where life’s demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.

     

    BUY THE BOOK





     

    About the Author

    Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

     
    CONNECT
    Website * Facebook
     
    My Thoughts

    Mothers Day is coming!  Are you ready for it? Have you found that perfect gift to tell Mom how much you truly appreciate her?
     
    I received an e-copy of Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol in order to share my review here.  True to any good small inspirational book, Motherhood Matters is full of inspiring tales and words of wisdom.  I was expecting to feel a nice little uplifting as I read this book, but I got so much more. I was reminded that what I do as a Mom does matter, and it matters so much more than I often give myself credit for. Connie helped show how even on those not so good days, we can still find joy and hope in the journey. 
     
     
  • Motherhood: Keeping it Real

    Motherhood: Keeping it Real

    *This post is an entry into Mompact’s REAL Moms Giveaway*


    When I saw Mompact talking about Real Moms, I though to myself – Every Mom is a Real Mom. We’re just all different in how we approach things. What do they mean REAL Moms?  So I started giving it some thought, and came up with this fun little picture. 
    I think MOST Mom’s can relate to the above experience. Kids find something they shouldn’t, get into it, make a mess in 2 seconds flat. How in the world did we as Mom let this happen?! Weren’t we watching them? Don’t we spend every waking moment right next to them, playing, teaching, crafting, and having fun?  
    The truth is we don’t. That’s not to say I go off and eat bonbons while my kids run a muck  No. No. This flour (yes friends, that is about 5 lbs of flour!) incident happened when I took 5 minutes to go put clothes on. I wasn’t getting a shower that morning (don’t be offended, but I don’t get a shower most days), I wasn’t playing on facebook. I wasn’t even blogging on this particular morning. 
    What did happen? Let me recount.  I had gotten up that morning, ready to tackle the day. I fed the kids, and got them dressed.  One even made it all the way to dress up clothes! While they were harmlessly playing with their toys, I ran down to our room to wake up Mark and get myself dressed. As most mornings go, I skipped a shower, waiting for a time when Mark could watch the kids, and I didn’t have things that needed doing. So I’m dressed and headed back up for a fun filled day, when I walk into this. 
    My first reaction was wanting to cry. Something must have gone right that morning though, and I took the moment to capture the utter joy on my kids faces. This – this is where mothering will show it’s true colors.  I could have been angry and yelled. I could have thrown our couch out instead of cleaning it.  
    Instead – I laughed. I took some photos to remember. It’s surprising actually how often I find myself searching for this photo – just to laugh. I then shook off the kids clothes, pulled out the vacuum  and did some major cleaning of floor and couch. 
    A few weeks (maybe even just days), my kids showed up in the kitchen like this
    I don’t even remember what I was doing this time.  Probably eating bon bons while cooking something like Macaroni and Cheese for lunch.
    I try to be honest with you. My life is not perfect, my house is not clean all the time, but I do the best I can. Right now, in this crazy ride called Motherhood, I find it to be most real when my kids are smiling and laughing. I can ignore the messes, forget the burnt dinner from the night before, and just enjoy the moments. 
    Clean or messy, pinterest perfect or FAIL funny, if the kids are feeling loved – that is what matters

    This is REAL Motherhood.