Book Review: The ADVENTure of Christmas

When I was a little girl, my parents worried that Christmas had become too commercialized. Thirty years later, I find myself with the same concern. How can I teach my two children the true meaning of Christmas? 

If you’re in the same boat, check out Lisa Whelcher’s book, The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions.

Product Description:

The ADVENTure of Christmas is a guide for moms concerned that their children are losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the distractions the holiday season brings. Lisa Whelchel was such a mom, but instead of abandoning the traditions of Christmas she rediscovered their original meanings, which were intended to remind people of God’s unfathomable gift. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree have become opportunities to teach her children about how they relate to Jesus’ birth. With The ADVENTure of Christmas, mothers can redeem what’s been lost from the very symbols that are gentle reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

For each of the twenty-four days preceding Christmas, The ADVENTure of Christmas serves as a fun and handy guide that describes the significance behind your favorite traditions. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree will become opportunities to share how these customs relate to Jesus’ birth. The ADVENTure of Christmas recaptures the true meaning of this beloved season, giving reasons to celebrate for years to come. ~ Amazon.com

Book Review: 1-2-3 Magic

Kids are just kids! In addition to being delightful, charming and affectionate, children can also present their adult caretakers with a steady diet of difficult behavior: whining, arguing, teasing, fighting, yelling, tantrums and pouting. It’s enough to shoot a parent to the moon! 

If your child has begun to rule the roost, check out clinical psychologist Dr. Thomas W. Phelan’s book, 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 (123 Magic). This book gives you practical, easy-to-use discipline techniques for children ages 2 to 12.  

The gist of the plan is to enable parents to discipline children by instituting a system of counting and time-outs, delivered straightforwardly and unemotionally. The method is simple, and though it’s not quite magic, it may feel like it is. 

Book Review: My Body Belongs to Me

Sexual abuse. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. Just the thought of someone hurting my children angers me. Unfortunately, studies show 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested.

As parents, we must teach our kids what to do if someone touches them inappropriately.  But how or when do you approach this difficult topic with your children?  

Here’s a book that will help.

Written by NY Assistant District Attorney Jill Starishevsky, My Body Belongs to Me is geared toward children ages 3 to 10. It tells the story of a child who is touched by an uncle’s friend and tells a parent.

The 22-line rhyme book with its colorful illustrations will help children understand that when it comes to their bodies, there are boundaries. It also assures them that it’s OK to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches their “private parts.”

The book also contains a “Suggestions for the Storyteller” section with valuable tips and discussion topics to help you discuss sexual abuse with your kids. 

Cost: $14.95

Info: For more information or to purchase a copy, click here.

Note: If you are aware of a child in our area who is being abused and needs help, call The Children’s Tree House at 706-327-9612. 

Family Life Organizer & Planner

Here’s an really neat organizer for moms we found Barnes and Noble recently.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your family organized? Check out Pam Socolows Family-Life Organizer & Planner. 

This 3-ring binder will help you keep track of it all. From calendars, school, afterschool activities, medication information, local restaurants, insurance, auto repairs, finances, bills, home maintenance and repair/improvements, and summer camp packing lists – you name it and there is a space for it. With an 18-month calendar, stickers, business card holders and tons of internal folders, you can easily keep everything straight.

Best of all – it’s only $19.95! Buy it online or at your local Barnes and Noble store.