May
12
2010
“Margaret the Magnificent” is a heartwarming story to read at any time, but, especially relevant when children are embarking on new experiences like summer camp, moving to a new house, changing classrooms, teachers, and/or schools. Margaret is an enormous, shaggy, black and white sheepdog who possesses magical powers. She not only barks like a typical dog, but, is also able to speak like you and me. The lovable dog is known as, Margaret the Miracle Maker, because of her ability to travel the globe assisting children and animals; the amazing sheepdog feels when children and animals need extra doses of love, friendship, and guidance.
In this adventure, Margaret travels to visit with a little girl who is frightened about beginning classes at a new school. The lovable sheepdog’s friendship and encouragement enable the child to have the self confidence and sense of adventure necessary for success.
As we adults know, self confidence is a gift that we give ourselves which enables us to move forward even when circumstances are unclear, scary, and/or novel. In order for our children to feel self confident, they must have positive experiences that bolster their self image. Reading “Margaret the Magnificent” as well as other books that enhance self image, will communicate the message that we believe in our children. If we show our children that we have confidence in them, they will feel competent and ready to tackle age-appropriate challenges and new experiences.
Stories written by Donna Mavrides are available thru her web site, www.magicalms.com
- “Margaret the Magnificent”
- “Margaret the Magnificent visits the Everglades”
- “Forever Love”
- “Room for One More”
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Nov
06
2009
Room for One More by Author Donna Mavrides
Illustrated by Ann Pilicer
Room for One More is dedicated to children whose families are expanding by either the birth of a baby, adoption or by adding a foster child into their lives. The story focuses on acknowledging fears of the unknown and assuring children that a parent’s love is forever and ever. Room for One More is a beautiful story that clearly illustrates that the human heart can and should continually grow.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Nov
05
2009
Room for One More by Author Donna Mavrides
Illustrated by Ann Pilicer
Room for One More is a beautiful story to share with children whose families are expecting a new member. The story focuses on a little girl’s reaction to the news that her family is adopting a baby. The child observes her parents as they happily make preparations for the newborn. As she watches their activities, she seems fearful and worries that her mommy and daddy will stop loving her after the baby’s arrival. As soon as the busy parents tune into their daughter’s fears, they assure her that their love is not only for now, but will be hers forever and ever. Room for One More reinforces the belief that children need affirmation of parental love especially when the family dynamics are changing. In order to build strong family bonds, reduce sibling rivalry and create harmonious home environments, parents must maintain open dialogue with their children. The human heart is an amazing organ that has the capacity to grow stronger as it expands. Please read Room for One More with your child/children as your family continues to grow and grow.
From My heart to Yours,
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Sep
23
2009
Opening lines of communication between your children and yourself is a process that requires patience, diligence, acceptance, self awareness, dedication, and perseverance. If our goal is to establish and maintain honesty with our kids, then, we must listen without interrupting, listen without judging, and listen without prejudice. After listening to your child, I feel that it is our parental obligation to restate what was discussed, ask what the child feels about his/her disclosure and then to share personal opinions of the issues at hand. Encouraging and modeling open communication is not the same thing as eliminating consequences. It is admirable for children to admit that they have behaved in an unacceptable manner or broken a rule, but, their admission should not prevent consequences for the infraction. Our civilization is based on adhering to rules and regulations. We must adhere to a set of standards in order to insure safety and peace. We, parents and educator, have the responsibility to dialogue with our children, but, we should not protect them from just and fair consequences for their actions. If we make excuses for our children’s negative behaviors, cover for them, or make things “right” we are reinforcing the behaviors that we are trying to avoid. If we expect adults to be accountable for their actions, then, we must teach our children that they must be ready and willing to accept consequences. Regardless of the severity of the situation, the loyal and true parent will continue to love his/her child. The affective parent will express his/her love for the child while expressing disapproval for particular behaviors.
The goal of open communication is to help children have a voice, discuss feelings, offer options, and discuss strategies. Open communication with our children is not an end all, but rather a tool to be utilized to create a generation of honest, empathetic, diplomatic and fair people.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
Don’t Miss This Magical Moment by Author & Educator Donna Mavrides!
Room for One More
A beautiful story to share with children whose families are expecting a new member. The story focuses on a little girl’s reaction to the news that her family is adopting a baby.
