Empower, Educate and Inspire with the Book 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids

As a parent I make sure my kids eat well or at the very least eat. I ensure they have clothes to wear and that they’re clean and healthy. I help with their homework and get them off to school and swimming and whatever other activity is planned that week.

365perfectthings It sounds like I have it all covered right? But what about empowering my children with courage and the belief in themselves, educating and guiding them through the changing world around them, inspiring their creativity and inner spirit. These are important aspects in a child’s life that sometimes get pushed out of the way by day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.

I recently had the chance to review Maureen Healy’s book 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids. This book provides busy parents with a tool to raise happy, well-rounded kids.

Broken out into three categories: Empowering, Educating and Inspiring, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids contains just that, 365 sayings to use and talk about with your kids.

Okay, you’re probably thinking ‘I already talk to my kids. I don’t need a book to tell me what to say.’ That was sort of my first thought. But then I started using it.

For example, my seven-year old daughter has been having best friend issues which has caused her to doubt her own self-worth, to some degree. As a mom I’ve had the conversations about how great she is and friends go through rough spots. But using certain sayings from the book 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids has actually helped. It’s helped me find the words or ideas I sometimes have difficulty expressing.

I’ve also used the sayings in the Inspirational section to help my son, who is very rigid and rule following, to see outside the square.

In her book Maureen offers you, the parent, a variety of ways to incorporate the sayings into your everyday routine: go through a new saying each day, have your kids pick a saying randomly and discuss and act on it, pick a saying based on a theme you want to explore.

We’ve been following the latter in our house, picking themes randomly based on what the day brings.

365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids has been a great resource to us, to me. It’s now become pretty much part of our regular routine and the kids have come to expect a new saying. My seven-year-old has really benefited from the sayings, repeating expressions we’ve already covered or just reminding herself about something we’ve learned or shared. And because they’re just sayings, it doesn’t require a whole hour of your time. Some things you can say to your kids as they’re getting ready for school or bed.

You can find out more about Maureen and her book on her website Growing Happy Kids

* A copy of 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids was provided for the purpose of this review

GIVEAWAY!

Maureen knows all parents want to grow happy kids. She is offering one (1) EverythingMom member their own copy of 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids for inspiration. To enter just share with us one of your happy family moments. I'm sure there are many, but all you need to share is one.

This contest is only open to EverythingMom members. Not a member? It’s quick and easy to join. Contest is open to Canadian and US Residents and ends March 25, 2010. One (1) EverythingMom members will be randomly chosen after that.

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About the Author

Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief at one of the best social networking and lifestyle sites for moms, EverythingMom.com. Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 8), while building my business, working at EverythingMom.com and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier?

Posted by Carrie Anne in book reviews on March 10, 2010

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Comments

0 # KittyPride 2010-03-12 01:07

When ever my sisters come to visit it is like Christmas. They bring gifts for everyone in the family and their energy brightens every corner of our home. We love them for how they make us feel, always good

Families rock!

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0 # rockymountainmom 2010-03-12 01:10

Last summer we took a family road trip to California and took our then 2 year old to Yosemite National Park. It was there that my husband and I met, married and where our daughter was born. As a family we hiked up to the top of the waterfall where we got married. Once we were back home Cadence frequently pointed to the magnet on our fridge, which had a picture of the waterfall, and would tell people "that's where I was made". Cute stuff.

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0 # catamo 2010-03-16 19:17

I love watching my kids interact with other children and also animals. There is such an innocence and wonder.

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0 # nej26 2010-03-16 19:50

I love it when my kids smile back at me and it's their smiles that make me want to pursue my goals!:D

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0 # barriemom 2010-03-17 04:19

I love it when I overhear my kids being polite or helpful to someone without my intervention.

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0 # Austerberry 2010-03-17 04:33

The simple things like hugs and kisses but mostly their laughs. While I was swinging with my 4 year old on the swing today he was laughing so hard he was practically screaming. It made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes and it sent my husband running out the door to find out what he could possibly be missing out on that was so much fun

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0 # Lemm 2010-03-17 17:13

This book would be such a great help.

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0 # Debi 2010-03-18 06:33

I may not always have the perfect things to say to my kids, but in the long run, the most important thing I do say, everyday, is "I love you".

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0 # natoma 2010-03-18 18:19

watching my teenage daughter get up in front of an audience for the first time and blow us all away playing the guitar and singing.

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0 # Lemm 2010-03-24 22:33

A family happy moment was when our daughter got married in July.

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0 # Lauren E 2010-03-25 20:36

When we got our first puppy! My Uncle knew the breeder and decided to bring one of the puppies home to us. That little puppy was the best thing that ever happened to us. He passed away in 2008, but I feel that he made me the person I am today.

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