Wanda Luthman's Blog, page 35
August 7, 2017
What Stardust Trail Are You Leaving Behind?
It’s been awhile since I have just shared from my heart. I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts of other children’s authors. I love to help promote other people’s works!
As you may know, I’m a High School Guidance Counselor and here in Florida, school starts on Thursday. I’ve been busy meeting with children and their parents getting their schedules all set for the big day.
I love my job! Not everyone can say that and I know I’m fortunate to be able to say it. I’ve been at my job for 20 years and honestly, I don’t know where the time has gone. Now, not every day and every minute of those 20 years have I loved it. I mean, let’s be real. Some days are really hard. Some days people are incredibly unhappy because I can’t do what they want me to do. That’s hard. I don’t like not being able to make people happy. I try to understand where they are coming from and explain why something can’t be done and most of the time people understand.
We had a wonderful motivational speaker during pre-planning! His name is John Perricone. Look him up. He was a teacher for 31 years and won all kinds of awards and is not a consultant and speaker. He reminded us why we all got into this business in the first place and that was to make a difference in children’s lives.
One of the things that makes me love my job is, of course, the children. They are full of energy and hope for the future. But, some need hope right now. I’m glad I can be there for them–to listen, to care, and to encourage them. It makes my heart glad to see them succeed and overcome whatever obstacles are before them. And I love seeing them as adults following their dreams.
Add to that my new job of writing children’s books. I write positive messages woven into magical adventures. I do this to help kids. But, what I didn’t realize was that I might also touch parents, too. Saturday, I was at a book event and I got to talking to a Mom who was of a different ethnicity than I. We grew up in the same city but had very different lives. She explained the fear she had lived in. She brought her children to Florida to get away from that and is very happy where she lives now. She feels safe, she has started her own business, and her children are happy and successful in school. These are things that would not have happened had she stayed where she was. We had a heart to heart talk and I hugged her goodbye.
It was as I was driving home that day that I realized something–it’s not my job title that allows me to touch lives, but it’s me. It’s how I interact with others and care about them. Just like our motivational speaker who not only touched the lives of his students but also everyone he meets now.
I want to encourage each of you reading this to reach out and speak to someone new, find out more about them. Don’t be afraid to ask them their life story. You never know what you might learn and how willing people are to share. We are all just trying to make it on this beautiful planet spinning in the darkness amongst the stars. Let’s be part of helping each other make it in this life. Let’s leave a bright stardust trail in our wake!
August 4, 2017
Top 14 Essential Items For Every New Mom
Hey new Moms–here is a list of your essential needs when having your first baby. Check it out!
Becoming a mama especially for the first time can be overwhelming! A lot of us moms want things to be perfect, and we want to be well-prepared for our little one’s arrival, however, it can be challenging to know exactly what one needs. Despite the market being flooded with items, it’s not every item you see that you NEED. Some are more wants than needs.
The following 14 items are must-haves for any new moms.
Diapers
A Good stash of diapers is a necessity for any new mom. Whether you’re using disposable or reusable, it goes without saying that you’ll use up diapers like they’re going out of fashion especially the first few weeks/months. So it’s always advisable to buy as many as you can.
A good way of ensuring you do so is to keep an eye out for specials and buy them when you’re doing your grocery shopping.
Wipes
Of…
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July 31, 2017
Ready or Not: It’s Back to School
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It’s August and in Florida, that means school is starting in a few weeks. Please welcome our favorite school psychologist, Dr. Valeria Allen with a few tips to help your children be successful in school.
Ready Or Not: It’s Back to School
by
Dr. Valerie Allen
The sound of the pencil sharpener, the smell of book print, and the sight of new clothes gives a clear message: school is in full swing. A new school year can offer the fun and excitement that comes with learning. School provides discovery, new friends, and personal growth for your child. Parents can set the stage for a successful school experience for their youngster by using a few common sense strategies.
Have a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage your child to do well and expect them to do their best. Participate in educational opportunities through the community or at the library. Make a decision to purchase “educational” gifts and books for special occasions. Set a good example, read a book, or take a class.
Support the school. Make a commitment to have one parent-teacher conference every month in person. Write, text, or email your child’s teacher and comment on specific classroom activities. Volunteer your time or resources to help at school. You may have items at home or at work which the school could use for projects, remember one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Enforce the school’s rules and policies at home. Speak highly of the school, the teachers, education, and the joy of learning.
Be prepared. Make it easy for your child to handle all of the “nuts and bolts” of getting ready for school each day. Have adequate school supplies and buy items ahead for future use. Prepay for school lunches whenever possible. Select an outfit for each day at the beginning of the week and keep ‘school clothes’ in a separate place. Establish a drop-off spot at home for books, backpacks, lunch boxes, and so on. Use a large envelope with the child’s name on it to keep correspondence and school notices handy. Promptly respond to requests from the school or teacher for permission slips, field trip money, and similar items.
Have routines. Set up a daily schedule for routines for bathing, eating, dressing, homework, and play time. Keep distractions to a minimum; regulate and put time limits on telephone, television, radio, computer time, and electronic devices. Limit daily use of “electronics” to a total of two hours, in 30-minute increments.
Schedule learning time. Set aside a minimum of 30 minutes each day for educational activities. This may include assigned homework or practice skills, which the teacher has sent home. Use workbooks or learning activities, such as cross word puzzles, card games, or board games which encourage logic, decision making, and problem-solving. During learning time, do not allow phone calls, television, computers, electronics, or visits from friends.
Create a star! Find something that your child likes and does well and let him or her “show off” a bit. Encourage fun and the pleasure of having a good time in a positive way. Give your child the message that it is okay to read a book, draw funny pictures, play an instrument, plant a garden, groom a pet, collect stamps, or learn about motor cycles. Find a way to showcase his or her talents, perhaps at a senior center or with an elderly relative or neighbor. Children need to “sparkle and shine”!
These are just a few things parents can do to help their youngsters benefit in a formal learning environment. The goal is to enjoy and maintain an interest in school related activities and learning in general.
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Dr. Valerie Allen is a school psychologist in private practice in Melbourne, FL. She presents seminars for parents and professionals in the field of child development and has published two children’s books, “Summer School for Smarties” and “Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends.” Oh yes, she has also raised six children!
July 25, 2017
Lifting the Burden of Perfectionism in Children
Excellent article on perfectionism in kids and how to help.
By Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D., author of What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide for Kids
If you are reading this blog post, you’re probably well aware that we live in a society steeped in performance pressures. For our kids, the competition to be at the top of the class in school, to make it into the best colleges, to have the best shot at prestigious careers, and to be outstanding in those careers is intense. Their A game must be brought to every encounter.
The anxiety attendant to all of this pressure is visible everywhere, and it’s one horn of a major dilemma: We worry that our children won’t make the grade, and we worry that the pressure to make the grade is too great. All of this creates a social context in which perfectionism—the desire to be perfect, plus the…
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July 24, 2017
Is There a Place for Character Education in School?
As summer draws to a close and we start shopping for school supplies, our thoughts naturally turn to what our children will be taught in school this year.
I read a provocative article recently about whether there was a place for character education in our public schools. Stephanie Petit, the writer of the article, says that not everyone agrees on what “good” character is, nor exactly how to teach it, and that results are anecdotal, therefore, maybe it shouldn’t be.
According to Petit, there are several ways to teach character education from encouraging good character through posters called the “cheerleading” approach all the way to a strict environment enforcing good character called “forced-formality.”
I would like to encourage dialogue on this topic but will give you some of my thoughts here.
While teaching good character may be difficult, I think teachers influence values and behavior regardless of what they do so it might as well be done in a conscious rather than unconscious way.
I also have read articles that state if the whole school is in on the teaching of good character, this goes further than each individual teacher teaching it. I agree with this because if everyone in the school is on the same page, it creates a culture and that has more impact than the culture in one specific classroom alone.
With my background in psychology, I don’t believe that good character should be forced or punitively instituted. I believe role modeling what character is desired and then reinforcing it with words and in teachable moments has the greatest lifelong impact.
So, what do you think? Yay or nay? Or something in-between?
You can read the full article here http://edu.stemjobs.com/is-there-a-place-for-character-education-in-our-public-schools/
July 17, 2017
Wonderful Children’s Books that Feature Sports
Today, I’d like to introduce you to a special children’s author that I met at a recent book event in beautiful Boca Raton, FL. When I met her, I immediately knew she was going places. I want to share her interview with you and you’ll see for yourself what I’m talking about.
Tell me something about yourself. (Where did you grow up, significant relationships, what do you do for fun besides writing, as little or as much as you want).
I am from the Caribbean but I grew up in the South Florida area, with my mom and brother. Besides writing I enjoy reading, going out with friends, shopping, and trying new things like skydiving.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I have always written journals but after college, I began to write stories in my head. Then about six years ago I decided to put them on paper.
What have you written? Tell me about them.
So far I have self-published five children’s books:
My friends’ daughter Sofia inspires the first two. In Sofie at Bat, she has the dilemma of learning how to hit the ball without using the tee. In Sofie at Dance, she has become friends with Chloe from her dance class, and their friendship is challenged when they both want the top spot in an upcoming recital. My third book is a compilation of poems dedicated to the children that I know and have worked with. The book is called My Heartbeats. Aiden the Soccer Star! Is my fourth book. My cousin’s son who is also named Aiden inspired this book. Aiden has to overcome his fear of a new position on his soccer team. My latest book is Our Military Family. This book tells how a family has to cope when Mom is away serving in the Army.
[image error]Available on Amazon
What is your favorite genre to write?
Currently, I am enjoying writing Children’s Books
Tell me about your writing process.
When I write, I create the stories in my mind first. I will change and rearrange the story multiple times before I actually write it down. Sometimes I write an outline other times, I scribble down the whole thing.
Where do you get the inspiration for your novels?
My inspiration comes from people that I have met, then I ask myself, What if?
What sort of research do you do for your novels?
Depending on the book I may talk to people who play the sports, I have read about players involved.
With my latest book, I combined my ideas of how to help military families with those I found online from public agencies.
Do you have a special place where you write?
I can write anywhere, different locations are better for me.
Do you have any type of music you listen to while you write?
I don’t really listen to music, while I write. But background noise does not affect me.
Do you have any rituals before or while you write?
My writing ritual is to handwrite my outline/story first then I type it up.
How long does it usually take you to complete a book?
The time varies, because I organize the stories in my head, first. The stories are ongoing all the time.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
After my mom passed away, I felt more inclined to do what I had not done before.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I write part-time
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I feel that I constantly moving, and with each book, I become more confident in what I write, that is my evolution.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about education.
Have you written any books that made a transformative effect on you? If so, in what way?
The poetry book had a great effect on me. One of my poems was dedicated to my mother, called Flashback, and I wrote it in one setting from my soul. I did not know I had it in me.
What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect more children’s books, I have another series in mind, and I want to complete the Aiden trilogy.
In the far future, I plan to put my adult books together, for now, I am just rolling the stories around in my head.
If you could jump ahead in time, w, at would be happening for you?
I will be touring my children’s books, doing readings, and projects with the kids. I will also be touring my adult books and doing book signings.
What influenced your decision to self-publish?
I began with self-publishing because I knew two people who went that route. I have considered the traditional way, and I may try that too.
How do you market your book?
I market through, Facebook, Instagram, and my website. I have also joined writing associations to help with networking.
Do you design your own book covers?
I do not.
Suzan Johnson has been the Media Specialist at an elementary school for the past nine years. She is a voracious reader of books of all genres. Growing up, she loved and enjoyed participating in sporting activities such as cheerleading and softball. As a teacher, she encourages her students to read a variety of books and participate in sports. Suzan is a member of Florida Reading Association and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Johnson currently lives in the South Florida area.
Facebook and Instagram: shjstories
All of Suzan’s books are available on Amazon
July 10, 2017
Peace Talks: 101
Do your children like to argue with one another? Are you at your wits ends to stop the fighting and want to scream yourself? Today, we have our favorite child psychologist to help our children learn the art of peace talks.
Dr. Valerie Allen
Licensed School Psychologist ~ Case Manager
Peace Talks : 101
Part of being a child is “testing the waters”, with siblings, peers, parents, and authority figures. Children can quickly hook us into a debate or refereeing to settle their disputes. There are strategies which encourage youngsters to stop and think before they take action. We can use these skills to help children think for themselves and solve their own problems.
State the facts. Avoid the who, what, why response. Questions such as “Who started this? What are you into now?” and “Why did you do a thing like this?” focus on blame and gathering evidence. It also puts you in as “judge and jury” to decide the issue. Stating the facts helps children distinguish between fact and opinion.
Seek solutions. Simply state the problem and invite children to offer ideas to solve it. Don’t be critical of their suggestions, no matter how wild or inappropriate. Talk them through it with responses such as “If we did that, what do you think would happen next?” or “How do you think so-and-so would feel it we did it that way?” or “How do you think that would make things better?” Considering various solutions helps children see things from another perspective and fosters responsibility for their decisions and behavior.
Words as tools. Teach children to use words to express their thoughts, emotions, and needs. Eventually, they will learn to use language to express their point of view, negotiate a compromise, and persuade others. Help them label their emotions beyond “happy” and “sad”. Expanding their emotional vocabulary will enable children to identify and discuss their feelings more accurately.
Stand their ground. Children must learn when to stand their ground. They need to know in some situations it is alright to tell someone to go away or to stop bothering them. It is okay to tell a friend they do not want to play or share their things. They need to be able to say they need time to be alone or their feelings have been hurt. Knowing what they need, how they feel, and verbalizing it helps children become self-confident and self-sufficient.
Zero tolerance. Children must develop a firm belief that it is never alright to hurt others, physically or emotionally. Along with this is the fact it’s never okay for someone to hurt them, call them names, or take or destroy their possessions. Zero tolerance helps children learn that aggressive behavior should not be denied, minimized, or justified.
Calling in the troops. There are circumstances when the wisest thing a child can do is walk away, ( perhaps run!) Youngsters need to learn when the situation is beyond them and the best choice is to get someone else involved. Asking for help teaches children there is a difference between tattle-tales and needing adult intervention.
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Dr. Valerie Allen is a child psychologist in private practice. She has published two childrens’ books, “Summer School for Smarties” and “Bad Hat, Good Hair, New Friends.”for grades 3 -5. Oh yes, she has also has raised six children!
July 3, 2017
Children’s Author Interview & Books with Imaginary Friends
I’d like to introduce you to a new children’s author that I met recently at a book event. Her name is Asia Crandall and she writes wonderful books that are creative, has a sense of humor, and help kids be better kids.
Tell me something about yourself. (Where did you grow up, significant relationships, what do you do for fun besides writing, as little or as much as you want).
Well, I am originally from Brooklyn, NY. I moved to Orlando four years ago with my son Jahlil and daughter Nyasia. Fun for me outside of writing would be Karaoke, shooting pool, amusement parks and I love trying new restaurants I’ve never been to before.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I was in elementary school. I dreamed of becoming a Journalist. I wrote poems and plays in a black and white composition notebook.
What have you written? Tell me about them.
I wrote My first published play in 2008 titled Collect Call. I was part of an adult literacy program in New York and entered a writing contest and actually won. My first self-published children’s book Along Came Maddie: Football Tryouts was released last year 2016 it’s a series about a boy named Josie and his “know it all” sometimes bossy imaginary best friend (a girl) Maddie. their relationship and the many fun adventures they go on. I’ve written six books of the Along Came Maddie series. Other titles I’ve written still in manuscript forms are; Loud, Rhonda and the Great Escape, and several poems.
[image error]A fun children’s book
What is your favorite genre to write?
Fiction! I use to exaggerate the truth a lot as a child. I could make up a story just like that from the top of my head without thinking about it LOL. Once I was old enough to know what fiction meant there was no stopping me. I stuck to writing fiction stories for children.
Tell me about your writing process.
Oh gosh! No music, no people, a pencil, and notebook. I clean before I write which sounds weird, but cleanliness keeps me focused. I ask myself “what should I write about?” the first thing that comes to mind is always what I write about. When I begin to write, I do not stop until my heart says enough. It’s like blowing up a balloon, you know when to stop and tie it up.
Where do you get the inspiration for your novels?
My inspiration comes from family and my childhood. For example; when my three nephews were younger they always pretended to be superheroes. Well, one summer they vacationed in Florida and kept telling my daughter how they would destroy her and turn her into things. I thought it was hilarious so I named one of my books Along Came Maddie: Superheroes in their honor. When I was a child another family member used to wet the bed, I titled this book Along Came Maddie: Queenie Wets the Bed. I have stories for days.
What sort of research do you do for your novels?
I read books in my genre, I attend webinars, conferences, listen to podcasts, and I’m also a member of multiple writing groups. I read blogs and community boards and I always ask questions.
Do you have a special place where you write?
Yes, my dining room table alone during the day, or my bedroom late at night. Home is where I love to write. In my own space.
Do you have any type of music you listen to while you write?
No, I do not.
Do you have any rituals before or while you write?
Yes, I must clean my apartment first.
How long does it usually take you to complete a book?
With the Along Came Maddie series, it took me two hours to complete each book.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
One morning my family and I were talking laughing at one another’s corny jokes when my daughter says “we should write a book.” Later that night when everyone was asleep I did just that. And that was the birth of the Along Came Maddie series.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I write part time lol, I must admit, I procrastinate. Not as much as I use to, but I’m still working on myself.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I love being creative, it’s part of my DNA. I work as a Program Coordinator for afterschool programs. My job allows me to be as creative as I want to be. I work with little humans which also helps with my creative development.
What are you passionate about?
My Faith, family, self-development, and kindness.
Have you written any books that made a transformative effect on you? If so, in what way?
No, not a book, but I wrote a poem titled Note to Self. It’s a letter I wrote to myself that chronicles my life from being bullied in kindergarten to the very moment I conceived my daughter at the young age of nineteen. It’s about one thousand words and pretty deep.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I love writing for children. I’d say plenty of picture books, and maybe a memoir.
If you could jump ahead in time, what would be happening for you?
I would be negotiating a deal with a popular TV network to turn my stories into cartoon series for kids.
What influenced your decision to self-publish?
Honestly, I was an amateur and did not know the difference between traditional and self-publishing at the time.
How do you market your book?
I use social media; I contact schools I offer discounts I attended conferences and sign up for book reviews.
Do you design your own book covers?
Yes, I found an illustrator from fiverr.com her name is Goodaughter. She’s wonderful.
Thank you for joining us today and learning more about Asia and her books. I know your kids are going to LOVE them!!
June 26, 2017
Is Your Child Anxious? Here’s Help Today!
How do you know if you have an anxious child?
Some children show signs of anxiety that are obvious but others show signs that aren’t that obvious.
Natasha Daniels is a Child Therapist and has a blog, website, and YouTube videos to help parents who have children that are anxious. Her website is called appropriately www.anxioustoddler.com
She loves to help parents and kids. So, she created a 5 part video series to help parents “see” the less obvious signs of their anxious child.
Once you know your child has anxiety, you are better equipped to deal with it.
And don’t worry, in case you don’t know what to do to help your child who has anxiety, Natasha will help you help your child.
Here’s a link to the first video in the 5-part series.
You can read more here https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/signs-of-child-anxiety/
[image error]Is your child showing signs of anxiety but you don’t know it?
