September 1, 2017
Growing Strong Girls
Girls today face an astounding degree of pressure to grow up fast, to be “perfect” in every way, and to be all things to all people. In this book, we learn their challenges and how to help them grow strong.
About Growing Strong Girls
Girls today face an astounding degree of pressure to grow up fast, to be “perfect” in every way, and to be all things to all people. They yearn to connect, but sometimes this yearning turns into negative, even destructive patterns such as passive aggressiveness, gossip, or excessive stress and anxiety. It’s heart-breaking to watch even the most confident little girls disconnect and lose their spark—and their way—when they hit the 9–14 years.
In Growing Strong Girls, educator and girl expert and advocate Lindsay Sealey reveals the tremendous power of connection to activate self-awareness, self-acceptance, and healthy social and emotional development. This wide-ranging and positive book is chock-full of ideas, tips, activities, stories and specific ways to connect with and equip girls to know and trust themselves, to create vibrant friendships and communities, and to step into their tween and teen years with resilience, bravery, confidence, and inner strength.
Lindsay Sealey bridges the gap between girls and the adults who want to understand them and the sometimes chaotic and confusing ways they act and express themselves. She explains the realities of girl drama and social pressure that girls themselves often don’t possess the maturity or communication skills to convey and models a way for parents, teachers, counselors, mentors, and companions on the journey to listen deeply and to start conversations with girls that actually go somewhere.
When the most important thing a girl needs is a secure relationship, an adult’s primary task is simple: spend time with her, listen, and draw out her core qualities so she knows who she is and so she can handle social pressures. Once a girl learns to connect inwardly with her true self, she can connect outwardly in healthy relationships and onward to meet the challenges of school and the wider world. Growing Strong Girls offers hundreds of practical ways to cultivate connection right now. Making a difference in the lives of girls is easier than you might think and powerful beyond measure.
The book explores:
- Why “mean girls” are just girls who aren’t getting what they need in their friendships and why there is no such thing as a “good girl”
- How parents can help girls make sense of their lives
- Why nothing can take the place of that security in her life: not body image, not straight As, not social media.
- The disconnect between self-conception as “sexy” and being ready for sex
- How girls can learn to let go while guarding their boundaries
- The basics of social emotional learning and how you can implement them at homework time
- Conquering test anxiety by focusing on the process, not just the outcome
- Nurturing academic excellence: life-long learning, executive functioning skills and compassionate stress management
- Bravery as an underrated quality in girls and the surprising number of brave role models in the media
My Thoughts
Have you ever read a book that just made you go wow? This is that book! I cried, I laughed but at the end of the day the message hit home. Girls are under such incredible pressure to look, behave and feel a certain way, that sometimes we get lost. If we don’t learn who we are in our youth, these same fears and uncertainties can last into our adulthood. I wish that I had this book in my youth but I am happy that I was able to read it now.
It is hard to even know where to begin to explain how important this book is for parents and caregivers. Our young girls are faced with pressures that can sometimes be difficult to appreciate and understand, sometimes we just don’t know how to connect with them or get them to open up to us. As I was reading this book, I saw my teen years – I saw my own struggles, I saw the struggles of other young girls and it broke my heart.
Each chapter focuses on a new subject that young girls face. Each chapters includes examples, quotes and my favourite part, a section on how to talk to your daughter, niece or granddaughter which also includes activities that you can complete that helps when you have a child who likes to express themselves through writing or art, versus talking. This book addresses everything from body images, to building friendships, boundaries, school, media and more. It addresses all of the most difficult topics that a parent will face with their daughter in an open and honest manner that really gets the conversation moving.
Growing Strong Girls is an excellent tool for all care givers and adults that are a support person for a young girl. The pressures they face are incredible and at times unrealistic. They need to be supported, encouraged and pushed to succeed but this can be difficult to know how to – especially during the teen years when children tend to pull away. This is a definite must have book in your home.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Lindsay Sealey is an Educational and Personal Development Specialist. As the founder of Bold New Girls, she positively influences the lives of young girls through the education and personal growth strategies she uses in her teaching, coaching and mentoring, focusing on helping girls with integrate social and emotional development with academic success, personal growth, and personal best.
Lindsay has more than 14 years of teaching and coaching experience working with kids of all ages and at all skill levels. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young girls through her customized learning programs, curriculum, books, workshops, lectures and presentations, and knows the value in teaching the process of learning and understanding more than the content itself. Lindsay understands the importance of encouragement, patience, time to discuss thoughts and feelings, self-reflection, and the power of presence in the experiential process as she builds trust and safety in her relationships with girls.
When working with girls, she takes a preventative stance based on the core belief that if we can start talking with young girls early, we can facilitate learning and equip young girls with the necessary tools for ongoing growth and development, love and acceptance of themselves, self-compassion, positive risk taking, and optimal health and confidence!
Lindsay has created several inspirational books for young girls as well as empowerment workshops. She founded Bold New Girls as a way of combining her love of learning and education with her passion for and dedication to mental health and personal development for girls. In addition to writing her upcoming book, she is writing curriculum and speaking at various schools throughout BC. Lindsay is committed to extensive, ongoing research in social/emotional development, education and learning, and the executive functioning skills and brain efficiency. Lindsay lives in Vancouver, Canada.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2017
Get Ready for Back to School with Raincoast Books
Back to school is always a nervous time for children. Children heading off to school for the first time are scared of the unknown, children returning are nervous about their new teacher, if their friends will be in their class and what will the new year be like. These fears are completely normal and okay – even as adults we have these feelings too when we start a new job or meet new people. One of the best ways we can prepare our children (besides sitting down with them and discussing their fears) is reading a book that helps bring humour and reassurance that we all go through the same fears, expectations and hopes.
Raincoast Books has several books that help children learn about others thoughts, fears and hopes for school all while giving you an excellent opportunity to get your child talking to you about the upcoming school year. Two of my favourite picks are: Kisses for Kindergarten and Zombelina School Days.
Kisses for Kindergarten
School is about to begin, and Stella Isabella Harden decides that kindergarten just isn’t for her. Instead, she decides to spend the day learning from her puppy named Buster. Together these two adventurers plan a day full of playtime, tea time, nap time, and story time. After every lesson,” Stella gets the best reward: a kiss from her best friend and favorite puppy. But will she change her mind about kindergarten before the first day of school? Join Stella and Buster in this lyrical read-aloud and heartwarming story about growing up.
“Stella Isabella Harden
contemplating kindergarten
declared she didn’t have to go…
because her puppy told her so.” – Kisses for Kindergarten
Kisses for Kindergarten is a 2017 Mom’s Choice Awards, Gold Award Recipient.
This was an adorable book to read to young children. Stella doesn’t want to go to school, she wants to stay at home with her puppy because her puppy really needs her to be there for him. And her puppy can teach her everything she needs to know right?
In a series of adorable and humorous moments, Buster tries to teach Stella but Stella comes to the realization all by herself that going to school may just be the best decision for her and Buster. The best part? It only makes their bond that much stronger!
We fell in love with the easy to read story with gorgeous illustrations. It is a great book for children entering Kindergarten so that they know they are not the only ones scared of the change and why it is important to go to school. Not to mention all of the fun things they will do, see and learn! I loved how the end of the book showcased that although Stella decided to go to school, everything else in her life remained the same. Buster was always there waiting for her to return and still loved her just as much as before she went to school.
You can purchase a copy of Kisses for Kindergarten on Raincoast Books.
Zombelina School Days
The only thing Zombelina loves as much as dancing is going to school! When it’s time for show and tell, her new friend, Morty, experiences a terrible case of stage fright . . . something Zombelina knows all about. Zombelina has an idea to help Morty work through his jitters-a big dance party!
After all, friends who dance together, stay together!
Starring in her third picture book, this adorable zombie ballerina tackles themes of family, friendship, and school day anxiety. The rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and the delightfully spooky illustrations are full of charm and heart.
I really enjoyed this book myself. Zombelina stands out from her classmates with her unique features and of course by being a Zombie in a class full of humans. She shows us that even though we may look different on the outside, we still love the same things, want to be accepted and have the same fears as each other. She shows us that it is important to step outside of our comfort zone, to try new things and to show compassion for others. It helps children to realize we are all the same on the inside and that is what matters the most. I loved that the book did this with adorable illustrations and humour. You can’t help but fall in love with Zombelina. She is a definite big hit in our home!
You can purchase a copy of Zombelina School Days on Raincoast Books.
Have an amazing few last days of summer before your child heads back to school. Happy Reading!
Disclosure: I received the above books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2017
Make Moving Simpler with these 5 Easy Tips
Moving into your first (or second or third) home is an exciting adventure full of anticipation, hopes and dreams. It can also be the busiest and most overwhelming time of your life, especially for first time home owners. There are endless changes that need to be made, items to be purchased, paperwork to be signed and the list can go on and on.
How do we make this time just a little bit easier so we can truly enjoy this special moment?
Here are my five easy tips to help make this time in your life easier:
Create a Spreadsheet
Everyone that I know laughs at me and my Google spreadsheets but honestly they are the biggest lifesaver. You can download the Google drive app onto your smart phone so you can have instant access to your spreadsheets. Use the spreadsheet to track your to do items, mark off items as you complete them (especially when it comes to transferring addresses and booking utility appointments) and use it to jot down reminders as they come to you. I think we have all had those moments when we were at a store and we remember an item that we must complete when we get home, only to forget it by the time we get there. This eliminates the forgotten to do items. It will help you keep your sanity and give you a stronger sense of control during this busy time.
Hire a Mover
While it is nice to try to save money and count on friends and family, this can sometimes back fire on you. Not everyone may come out or the ones that do come out to help may not be physically able to do the required moving. You don’t want to ruin friendships and family relationships over an unsuccessful move. It is worth it to splurge on a mover to help ship the big items and boxes, while having friends and family help sort and unpack at your new home. Your friends and family will thank you! If you do have friends and family to help you, make sure you thank them with a meal and drinks after the work is done.
Ensure You Pack and Have Easy Access to an Essentials Box
Your new home will be full of unopened boxes and clutter for the first week or two, so it is so important you pack not only a box but also a bag with key essentials for the first week. You should include items for the kitchen and bathroom as well as personal toiletries.
Label, Label, Label!
While I can say that I am the Queen of Labels at home, this is so important. Boxes can easily be misplaced and put in the wrong location in your new home. What might have made sense on the outside of the box when you first packed it, may not always be clear two months later when you go to find something. Use a location label first (kitchen, basement, laundry room, etc..) and then a couple of lines indicating what is actually in the box.
Out with the Old and In With the New!
Moving is a great time to go through all of the items that you may have accumulated over time and donate unused items or even have a garage sale.
Inspect your furniture – is it in good shape and will it fit in the new home?
Inspect your mattress – most people forget about their mattress. Yes you might have the best memory foam mattress in the world, but ask yourself…is it worn and definitely time for a new one? Make this a time to upgrade these important household items and treat yourself with a new mattress your body will thank you especially after all of the lifting and moving!
Moving into your new home is a special time in your life and you should enjoy as much of it as possible. When it starts to become too much, remember to step back, take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to re-group. If it still feels like too much, head out for a walk with your partner or even to your favourite restaurant or store for some much-needed down time.
What is your number one tip to help making the moving process simpler?
Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2017
Road Less Traveled DVD and Giveaway
Shout! Factory walks down the Road Less Traveled with country star Lauren Alaina, when her first feature film hits DVD on September 19, 2017, in collaboration with MarVista Entertainment. Alaina shines in the leading role as a country singer dealing with family and career issues as she prepares to get married.
About Road Less Traveled
In Road Less Traveled, country music artist Charlotte comes back home to Tennessee a week before she’s set to get married, hoping to borrow her late mother’s wedding dress from her grandmother. But when she runs into her high school sweetheart, Ray, sparks begin to fly. As emotions with Ray get complicated and her record label continues to pressure her to write a new hit song, Charlotte questions if she ever should have left Tennessee in the first place and if she’s even marrying the right man.
The film is directed by Blair Hayes (Bubble Boy; Great Plains), and produced by Stacia Crawford (Sheltered; Forsaken), the film also stars Charlene Tilton (Dallas; The Love Boat), Jason Burkey (Coffee Shop; October Baby; Chloe), and Donny Boaz (Dallas; My All-American; Forsaken).
About Lauren Alaina
Alaina is fresh off of hitting the #1 spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with her single “Road Less Traveled,” the film’s title track, which she co-wrote with hit makers Meghan Trainor and Jesse Frasure. The track was released on her hit album of the same name in early 2017. An empowering and autobiographical song, “Road Less Traveled” celebrates authenticity and marching to the beat of a different drum. Alaina, an iHeartRadio “On the Verge” artist, who finished as the runner-up to Scotty McCreery on the 2011 season of American Idol, has a second original song in Road Less Traveled, an inspirational love song titled “Holding the Other.”
Our Thoughts
The Road Less Traveled is an amazing movie about the amazing gifts and experiences we find when we force ourselves out of our comfort zones and shoot for the stars. It was a beautiful story of hope, love, faith and perseverance. Not to mention full of humour and some bad (but very funny) choices – including a horse ride with a lit up carriage!
I fell in love with the plot – we have Charlotte, a lovely young woman who wanted nothing more than to be a star. After a bad break up, she moved to the city aiming to be a song writer and singer. Through hard work and sacrifice she broke through and made a huge name for herself. When we meet her, she is about to be married to her new love. She would do anything to be married in her late Mother’s dress but fate (and family) are against her. Charlotte goes on a trip with her girlfriends in an effort to re-claim the dress. This is when it starts getting both serious and funny! We meet Charlotte’s family who range from serious to eccentric, how can you not fall in love with the Aunt who brews her own alcohol at home, that many refer to as poison! The girls start off creating a disaster but end up learning so many important lessons about life and love. I loved that while the movie centres around Charlotte, we also have the backdrop of her friends who are also struggling with relationships and confidence in themselves.
I loved Road Less Traveled. It is just a feel good, happy movie that you can watch with your girlfriends over a glass of wine or cuddled up with your spouse on a Friday night. It is a story of inspiration, hope, love and finding yourself.
The acting and music was fantastic – Alaina has an amazing voice and I loved her music through out the movie, especially the title track, Road Less Traveled.
You can pre-order a copy of this movie on Amazon and ShoutFactory.
Movie Trailer
The Giveaway!
My Canadian and American readers can now enter to win their own DVD copy of Road Less Traveled via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2017
P. King Duckling: Seize the Day DVD Giveaway
The adorable P. King Duckling is coming to DVD in a new title called Seize the Day! Get ready to explore, learn and challenge yourself when the DVD hit stores on September 12th, 2017 in the US and Canada.
About P. King Duckling: Seize the Day
P. King is a duck with a dream. Actually, he’s got a lot of dreams and his dreams change every day. One day he might see himself as an astronaut, a magician or a super hero! P. King encourages children to keep dreaming, imagining, and doing. From home-made race cars, to building robots, to re-designing the Eiffel Tower: P. King Duckling is all about arts, crafts, creativity and construction (something all young children love and can relate to!).
P. King is a slightly hapless young duck, and stars in the DVD with his two best friends, Chumpkins (a sarcastic pig) and Wombat (who helps P. King with his schemes even though she knows better)! Together, they work to “seize the day” – which always leads them to wild adventures and hilarious consequences!
Created by the award-winning Josh Selig (Sesame Street, Wonder Pets!) in collaboration with James Chen Gu, General Manager of UYoung Animation, P. King Duckling is a family experience that engages children in problem-solving and creative thinking.
The new preschool comedy series has a learning-focused curriculum created by media specialist, Dr. Christine Ricci (Dora the Explorer), that centers on overcoming challenges.
P. King Duckling: Seize the Day features seven episodes from Season One as well as an activity book. You can pre-order the DVD on Amazon and Shout Factory.
P. King Duckling is more than just an adorable animated show. This special duck teaches children to follow their dream, to never give up and to use their imagination. Creativity, self-expression and overcoming challenges are important yet sometimes difficult skills for children to learn. By using animal characters, humour and adventures, your child will be learning while having fun.
Ready to win a copy of P. King Duckling: Seize the Day!
My Canadian and American readers can now enter to win their own copy via the Rafflecopter form below – good luck!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD, all opinions expressed are my own.