And I would devour them.

When I heard my daughter read for the first time, my face lit up and I said to her, “the entire world just opened up to you. You can now learn about ANYTHING.” Teaching your child to love learning begins by finding books that they get excited about. I put together this list of books that we treasure in our home and that I hope will help your kids to make their summer (and the rest of their lives) a bit more magical.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone  – J.K. Rowling

If your child hasn’t been introduced to the Harry Potter series, summer is a great time to start. Many kids grow a lifelong interest in reading that begins by getting to know one young wizard. If you read a chapter a night, you will have magic in your home for the rest of the summer.

Wonder – R.J. Palacio 

“He’s just a kid. The weirdest-looking kid I’ve ever seen, yes. But just a kid.”

What a beautiful story about the struggles that all kids go through. It’s a story of judgement and kindness, cruelty and friendship. It’s a story about every kid just wanting to be a kid.

Kids are so frequently compared to each other. This book reminds us to accept every person exactly as they are and to understand that underneath every mask, beautiful or not, is a kid…just a kid

Ada Twist, Scientist – Andrea Beaty

If you are a fan of Rosie Revere, Engineer (which is one of my favorite kids books ever), then you will want to get the latest book in the series that encourages kids to grow their interest in STEM. In this book Ada Twist uses science to solve problems and learn about her world. I can’t recommend this series of books strongly enough. I adore them.

Where the Sidewalk Ends – Shel Silverstein

Is it possible that someone you’ve never met can change your life forever? In the case of Shel Silverstein, I would answer with a resounding yes. I was given a copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends when I was a kid and it was the spark that turned me into a writer. I would read and read and read all of his books. If your kids haven’t been introduced to him yet, I encourage you to give him a try.

Hidden Figures, Young Readers Edition – Margot Lee Shetterly

You and your kids may have seen Hidden Figures, the movie. If you did, you know how inspiring the movie is. If you want to keep the discussion going, this book is a great way to keep talking about the important impact that African-American women had on our space program.

The Boxcar Children – Gertrude Chandler Warner

Sometimes it’s great to curl up with a classic during the summer slowdown. The Boxcar Children books are a great way to build a love of reading. Your kids will be learning and growing without even knowing it as they flip through the pages of these wonderful stories.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library – Chris Grabenstein

If your kids like puzzles or books or mysteries, this is a fun read. A group of kids are locked in a library and need to solve puzzles in order to win a contest. It’s a little like a modern day Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with all the fun elements that make kids want to read “just one more chapter.”

The Magic Tree House – Mary Pope Osborne

I’m going to end my list with the greatest selling children’s books of all time. We never get tired of climbing up into the magic tree house to see where we will travel next. There are tons of books in the series, so just pick one and go on a summer vacation without ever leaving your home. These books are treasures.

Image credit:
Mi PHAM

Note: My website may contain affiliate marketing links, which means I may get paid commission on sales of those products or services I write about. My editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. This disclosure is provided in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR § 255.5: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The post 8 Great Summer Reads for Kids – 2017 appeared first on Advice for My Daughter.

The post 8 Great Summer Reads for Kids – 2017 appeared first on Advice for My Daughter.

There is an amazing world out there just waiting to be discovered. there are places to wander and adventures to be had.

In a world where people love quotations and inspirational snippets, I don’t want you to forget that there are many practical skills that every woman needs to have when she sets out on her own.

Learn these skills. Master them. Then go out and take on the world. (tweet this)

1. Use good manners
   Life can be hard, but I believe in the goodness of humans.
   When someone does something for you, say thank you. When you need some help, say please. When someone is pushing a stroller, hold the door for them.  Give up your seat for someone who needs it more than you do. Be kind.
2. Manage your finances well
   Pay your bills on time. Don’t over-extend your credit. Keep a good credit rating as it will allow you to buy a car or a house. Having a poor credit rating can be a huge detriment. Pay cash or use your debit card most of the time. Use credit for emergencies only and pay it off as quickly as possible. Know how much money you have. Don’t buy things that you can’t afford. Give to causes you believe in. Tip well. Avoid “collecting” things. Buy things that you love or that you need. Spend a little more on something that you love and will use regularly rather than “saving” money on something that you will never use. Don’t open a store credit card to save 10%.
   
3. Take care of your health
   You will hear this a million times over the course of your life, but there truly is nothing more valuable than your health. You won’t actually understand this until your health falters. Once you regain your health, you will probably start to forget its value again. Get a physical every year. Walk regularly. Avoid sugars and carbs. Drink water. Get outside. Your body is a gift. Take care of it.
4. Demand answers and know where to find them
   Don’t let other people make decisions for you. Seek out information on your own. Doctors went to medical school – question them anyway. Mechanics know a lot about cars – question them anyway. Teachers are showing you new things – question them anyway. I will give you advice – publicly – on a blog – question that advice. Be your own advocate. Listen to what other people have to say and respect their intelligence and deep knowledge, but do your own research so that you understand exactly what they are saying and ask appropriate questions.
5. Persevere
   Life will knock you down.
   Again.
   And again.
   And again.
   Go ahead and be bummed for a little bit. Then pick yourself up and find a new solution. Don’t get stuck in the world of “poor me” or “life sucks” or “why does this always happen to me.”
   Why you?
   Why NOT you? Bad things happen to everyone…yes…even you. Pick yourself up and move on. When the door shuts, find a new door.

What skills do you want your daughter to have before she leaves home?
What skills did you make sure that she had?
What skills have served you well as an adult?

Image by Michael Ruiz

The post 5 Skills You Need to Have Before You Leave Home appeared first on Advice for My Daughter.

The post 5 Skills You Need to Have Before You Leave Home appeared first on Advice for My Daughter.