Happy December! Last year, we ran a popular post on creating a book advent calendar. You can revisit that post here. We described how to curate books and read together in the days leading up to Christmas. Today, we share more ideas for Advent adventures. Advent is the season of preparation before Christmas. It lasts […]
Today, we jump in the way back machine and review Night Buddies author Sands Hetherington’s tips for becoming a master bedtime storyteller. So you’ve decided you want to tell a story to your child every night before they go to bed, but you’ve read every book in your house over and over, and the only […]
Last week we talked about all the feels that come with starting a new year. Some feelings last a long time and require more attention and care. Today, we share five books with stories about emotions and mental health. They can be discussion starters or remind middle-grade readers they are not alone. Grades […]
Preparing for a new school year provides an opportunity to do more than get new backpacks, shoes, and notebooks. It’s an excellent time to help your child explore and talk about emotions and mental health. Many of us experience anxiety when we encounter change, and returning to school can mean significant changes—new routines, new teachers, […]
Once upon a time, an emerging reader stumbled over words. She hated reading aloud in class, and when she tried to read to her family, they constantly interrupted the story to correct her mistakes. She decided she hated reading until one day, her kitten, Theo, asked her to read him a book. He really did. […]
Summer is an ideal time to introduce your children to volunteering. Children (really people of all ages) who volunteer: Learn empathy for others Discover new interests and develop new skills Learn teamwork Discover the value of community Learn to notice and respond to needs. Volunteering means freely offering to do something. Look for opportunities for […]
Let’s go camping! Yeah, right, you think as you imagine rainy hours stuck in a leaky tent with the family. But if you’re feeling adventurous, consider a summer camping expedition (hint: an expedition can be hours, not days) with the kids. To help you get started, we offer these tips we’ve gleaned from experts far […]
In 2016, Night Buddies Author Sands Hetherington wrote an article about traveling with his son for the Good Man Project. As we celebrate the official start of summer, this might inspire you to take a road trip with kids! Excerpt: I don’t know if this is the best piece of parenting advice out there, but […]
Summer’s nearly here, which means it’s time to play in the dirt! Gardening is an excellent activity that can add fun and structure to summer. Gardening offers the opportunity to research, plan, take outings to garden centers and community gardens, plant and care for plants, and learn about nature. In addition, daily gardening chores can […]
It’s Mother’s Day which means that many moms will be receiving handmade gifts from their littles. We’ve scoured Pinterest, Etsy, and mommy bloggers for creative ways to display, wear, and enjoy these creations. Display it! You can create a gallery wall of children’s art with simple frames or picture rails. Hang pictures with Command Strips […]
Many of John and Crosley’s favorite readers are fifth graders. When this school year comes to a close in a few short weeks, they will be saying goodbye to elementary school. This is an exciting transition; emotions may run from happy to nervous to happy again and even a little sad. To help your student […]
Perhaps you’ve heard the lore about how the Night Buddies’ adventures started as bedtime stories made up by Sands Hetherington and his John. Five years ago, we investigated what it takes to become a master at crafting nighttime tales. So grab a pillow and blanket and settle in as we review that conversation with Sands. […]