Stop Reacting and Start Responding by Sharon Silver

Stop Reacting and Start Responding
108 Ways to Discipline Consciously and
Become the Parent You Want to Be
by
Sharon Silver, Parent Educator

Imagine . . .

• Cor­rect­ing your child with­out yelling
• Your child lis­ten­ing with­out arguing
• A parent/child rela­tion­ship that enhances self esteem for everyone

What makes this book different?

There are many won­der­ful books out there shar­ing new ways to par­ent. The ques­tion is, “Do you have the emo­tional capac­ity, or time, to read about a new method when you’re in the mid­dle of a whirl­wind of anger or reac­tions?” Stop React­ing and Start Respond­ing™ addresses that issue.

When a par­ent is involved in a whirl­wind of emo­tions, anger or reac­tions, it’s hard to think. Being too emo­tional to think also makes it dif­fi­cult to search for answers to change what’s going on so you can arrive at a calmer out­come.

Stop React­ing and Start Respond­ing™:

• Is a no-nonsense, reality-based book writ­ten in the “blog” style, using short, con­cise tips
• Offers quick reminders of what to do when a par­ent and/or child is react­ing
• Tack­les the emo­tions that are pro­duced dur­ing the every­day sit­u­a­tions that par­ents face
• Explores a dif­fer­ent way to look at sit­u­a­tions, and shares a new per­spec­tive that ignites a parent’s own wis­dom, allow­ing them to resolve sit­u­a­tions calmly, lov­ingly, and firmly
• Allows par­ents to enjoy the read and then use it as a tool to remind and sup­port them when they or their child are reacting

A per­fect exam­ple would be, when a child says, “No!” A lot of par­ent­ing infor­ma­tion only addresses how to stop a child from say­ing “No!” Stop React­ing and Start Respond­ing™ explores why a child might be say­ing “No!” and shows a par­ent how to acknowl­edge those emo­tions, while teach­ing the child what they should be doing instead.  And does it all with­out punishment.

Sharon Silver is a proud mom, an educator and a powerful speaker. Her sense of humor, and teaching style, make her easy to listen to, and creates a trustworthy environment for learning. Her mission has always been to create programs that help parents focus on what else can be done instead of going straight to punishment. Proactive Parenting™ is the result of that mission.

With an education in Parenting and Early Childhood Development, four certifications as a Parent Educator, as a facilitator for The Cline/Fay Institute and Redirecting Children's Behavior, and with practical experience as the mother of two young adults, there’s very little she hasn’t seen.

Sharon has worked in Corporate America, for small and large businesses, as well as owned her own comedy club with her husband of 31 years. As a result, Sharon understands the pressure parents face each day as they try to balance all that’s on their plates.

She has been a radio and TV host, and is currently the host of Stop Reacting-Start Responding on MomTV.com.

Heidi Says . . . As the mother of 3 children, ages 17, 10, and 4, I’ll be the first person to tell you that there is no perfect child.  You know why?  Because there is no perfect parent!  Yes, there it is – right out here on my blog for all the world to see – I’m NOT perfect!  And neither are my kids. But then, you already knew that, didn’t you?

One thing I’ve learned in life, and even more so as an adult and homeschool mom, is that we are never done learning.  So, if you want to strive toward developing perfect kids, then you have to strive toward developing a closer-to-perfect you.  And, in order to do that, sometimes you need to do a little research in order to learn. 

Stop Reacting and Start Responding is a great book for helping with that.  With chapters covering topics on behavior, choices, feelings, frustration, grandparents, learning, out in public, power struggles, reacting, real life, rules, self-esteem, separation anxiety, siblings, and travel, there’s pretty much something in this book for just about any scenario you can think of!  (Notice how the chapters are organized in ABC order – the crazy planner in me really appreciates that!) 

Each chapter is further divided up into subcategories.  Though I’d recommend reading through the book from beginning to end, if you’re having a really frustrating day, you might be able to find just the section you are needing at the time and read the advice quickly.  For example, if my kids are spatting over a toy or game, I can turn in the Table of Contents to the Sibling chapter (#14), look under Sharing, and turn to that section. 

I love that each section is short and simple to read.  And, even better for the busy mom, is the Quick View section at the end of each section that breaks it down into short, but effective, bullet points.  In the instance of Sharing (for younger children), here are the Quick Tips:

• Sharing is a concept that’s barely understood by a young
child, so is it really fair to punish a child for not being able
to do it?
• A better way to handle sharing is to apply a little redirecting
magic, it’s worth trying.

Though a lot of the parenting tips in this book are basic common sense, it’s really nice to have this handy-dandy parenting reference guide.  We parents get burned out, worn out, exhausted, and crazy at times.  It’s nice to know we’re not alone in those feelings, and that there’s a place to go for positive reinforcement. 

I’d recommend Stop Reacting and Start Responding.  Stop “flying off the handle” and learn how to respond in a more effective way. 

You can find out more about Sharon Silver by visiting her on Facebook, Twitter, or her website Proactive Parenting.

NOTE: I am a participant in a Living My MoMent campaign for Proactive Parenting™ and have received the e-book Stop Reacting and Start Responding™ by Sharon Silver as part of my participation.

Homestead Simplicity E-Books by Lisa Barthuly

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working with Lisa Barthuly. When she's not busy selling ads for TOS, she is managing her homestead and her home-based business - Homestead Originals. (Watch my blog in the coming weeks for reviews of some of her products - such as heating pads, candles, etc.)

Today, though, I'd like to tell you about Lisa's wonderful e-books...
First, Homestead Simplicity: A Primer. Here's what Lisa has to say about this one: "[this e-book] shares helps for the Keeper of the Home! We like to keep it simple around here, and while I also want the best for my family, sometimes striking a balance between the two can be difficult at best. Join us as we share some simple hints, tips and recipes along with a little inspiration to add a little "Homestead Simplicity" to your life! Natural Cleaning recipes, Cooking from Scratch (easily!) planning/stocking your pantry, and loving care for your homestead and those in it!"

Homestead Simplicity: Natural Clean is the second e-book in the Homestead Simplicity series. This e-book is a great follow-up for the first in the series. Here's the description: "Learn how to create natural cleaners & goodies that are not only better than their commercial counterparts, but MUCH HEALTHIER (not to mention, more FRUGAL!) for for your homestead and those in it! We share natural recipes, frugal tips, & ideas for you to create & implement at your own homestead! You'll learn how to make your own "Natural Cleaners Starter Kit" and how to create everything from your own laundry soap, to homemade dryer sheets, antibacterial spray cleaners, potpourri blends, fabric softeners, special blends for a relaxing bath...even tips for the outside of the homestead and much more! We've also included a page in the eBook with our own "Natural Clean" recipe card for you to print off and use for recording own creations! A must have for those looking not only to simplify, but to cut that grocery bill down, create a healthier environment for our families & be able to revive the art of making our own!"


I just love these e-books! Lisa shares so many tips for bringing simplicity to your home. There are tips for organizing and simplifying things in your kitchen, including yummy recipes that your family is sure to enjoy (and you will be proud to feed them). I made "The BEST Chocolate Cake!" for my family - and it truly was yummy! I'm anxious to try some of the other recipes, and will be adding them to our menu rotation.

Lisa shares ideas on how to maintain a well-stocked pantry, tips on canning (which I need!), and numerous recipes for homemade cleaners. I never thought that I would find myself making my own laundry soap, but I have been using Lisa's recipe for many months now and we love it! As a matter of fact, after bragging it up to my mom, she has been commissioning me to make laundry soap for her as well. A batch literally lasts for months and costs approximately $1 to make. Amazing!

In addition to the laundry soap recipe, Lisa also includes other tips for doing your laundry. And, there are even recipes for some great "pampering yourself" items - such as bath soaks and herbal/remedy drinks. And ALL OF THIS is in Homestead Simplicity: A Primer!

The second e-book, Homestead Simplicity: Natural Clean contains more of the same - more recipes for natural cleaners (these are so wonderful, especially if you are looking for ways to eliminate chemicals from your household), stain removal and laundry freshening tips, ideas for making your household more "homey" (including potpourri recipes for all the seasons and some medicinal purposes), and ways to make your yard more healthy and beautiful (natural weed killers, ways to get rid of pesty insects, and even tips on how to keep your car clean!)

Ever thought of making your own toothpaste? What about hair conditioner or perfume? There are recipes for all of these, and many more health & beauty treatments, in this e-book. One thing I was excited about was the recipes for ways to pamper my feet (heaven knows I need these!)

The covers on these e-books alone are enough to make you want to pick them up and read them. After you do, you'll be wanting to incorporate all that you've learned into your own home! I know I do!

So, head on over to Homestead Originals and purchase your e-books today. You can also purchase both of these e-books through the Schoolhouse Store.

The Christmas Scarecrow ~ Story Book & Activity Kit

I know that Christmas is over, but I just recently discovered this little gem of a story and wanted to share it with you.....

The Christmas Scarecrow is a sweet story, set to rhyme.  I LOVE rhyming stories - they are always fun to read (if well-written) and there's just something warm and cozy about them.  Right now, we're experiencing a typical PA winter (actually, even colder than typical), so stories like this are most welcome and fun to read in front of the blazing fire! Though there is slight reference to Christmas, this is a tale that can be shared long after Christmas is over - just for fun!

We homeschooling moms are always looking for ways to enhance the reading of a book.  The Christmas Scarecrow was written by Douglas Norrgard and illustrated by Tamara Ann Burgh.  They have created an accompanying activity kit that is above and beyond most that I have seen.  With this kit and your printer, you and your children can create some fantastic, fun projects to make The Christmas Scarecrow even more fun and meaningful.  Along with the 16-page coloring book (which also doubles as a creative writing exercise!), your children will enjoy making the full-color mini-book of The Christmas Scarecrow (which includes full text), the Fandangler bookmark (have you seen these?  they're quite fun!), an oragami crow, full-color Christmas Scarecrow postcards to share with family and friends, a Christmas Scarecrow iron-on transfer (to be used on a shirt of choice, totebag, or whatever else might strike your fancy), and an oatmeal box theater.  Also included are 12 Days of Christmas cards in Spanish (with English translations), along with ideas of fun things to do with them.

I'm looking forward to using this Story Book & Activity Kit with my own children.  I'm sure you and your kids will have fun with it as well.  You can find it (along with more information) at Play Paper Press.

Chizzy's Topsy Tale by Donna Shepherd

Whimsical rhymes speed Chizzy and Dotty into the jungle on a whirlwind search for tempting fruit. Kevin Scott Collier illustrates Chizzy's rollicking escapades with a deft and humorous touch. Solid values, like helping a friend in need and minding Momma, make Chizzy's Topsy Tale a wonderful read-aloud choice.

Children’s and Inspirational Writer and Speaker, Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, and Christian Work at Home Moms, she has hundreds of articles and devotionals to her credit. Her devotionals and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Grandma in the World.

I am always honored when an author approaches me for multiple reviews. That is the case with Donna Shepherd, as I have previously written reviews for Ouch Sunburn & No More Gunk, as well as Maybe We Are Flamingos (see links in my left-hand sidebar).  Chizzy's Topsy Tale is another great team-up by author Donna Shepherd and illustrator Kevin Collier.  This book did not disappoint.  With it's fun rhyming verse and it's vibrant illustrations, this book will be a favorite for many children.  The tale of Chizzy is fun and enjoyable to read.  The illustrations are amazing, as they are outlined in white as opposed to black, a look I haven't seen before and really enjoyed.  I'd definitely recommend this one!

Joy the Jellyfish by Kristen Collier

What if you were a nearly-transparent creature who was almost impossible to see swimming in a vast ocean? Who would be your friend? That is the plight of Joy the Jellyfish, who swims the ocean looking for a friend.

Kristen Collier is a critically acclaimed Christian novelist, a columnist for several newspapers, and a feature writer for magazines.  Kevin Collier is a children's book author and has illustrated over 40 children's books.


I was honored to be asked to review this precious book!  I love children's books anyway, and this one has a very sweet storyline and illustrations that are colorful and fun.  I've come to love any book that is illustrated by Kevin Collier (our Splish artist); but this book, in particular, is fabulous.  It's very obvious that a lot of extra time and effort were put into making this book wonderful.
The storyline is simple, yet profound.  Joy, the seemingly transparent jellyfish, has trouble making friends.  She believes it is because others don't notice her or can't see her. Finally, she comes to realize that in order to have friends, you have to BE a friend.  Of course, the book has a happy ending. 
This book would be excellent for a beginning reader, or especially for a shy child.  If you have a special child on your Christmas list, and you've been looking for a great book, I'd definitely recommend adding Joy the Jellyfish to your gift buying for this year.  The  book can be purchased here, and is also available on Amazon.com, Target,com, and other online book retailers.
If you'd like to have even more fun with Joy, check out the book's website, where you'll find all kinds of great worksheets to expand the learning and fun of the book!

Lady Flatterley by Linda Wagner

This book is about a unique caterpillar named Lady Flatterley.
It was Lady Flatterley's dream to become a butterfly, not knowing all along this was already God's great plan for her.
Unbeknownst to Lady Flatterley, the process required some work on her part and that was to  build a cocoon!
This story follows one of God's little miracles in nature as she transforms into what God has in store for her.

Way up high in the tall oak tree,

Lived a caterpillar named Lady Flatterley.

She hid amongst the leaves all day long,

Hoping she’d be safe from wind that was strong.



Flatterley’s home was made out of leaves,

All snuggled inside, she felt safe as safe could be.

Her coat was soft and beautiful, her friends would say,

Orange and black on her back, so pretty she was made.



One day while hiding in the tall oak tree,

Lady Flatterley felt the flutter of a gentle breeze.

She peeked out through the dark green leaves,

Was only the bumble bee for Flatterley to see…

Linda Wagner is a mother, grandmother, and registed nurse.  She lives in sunny Florida.
Linda has raised two sons and has been blessed with five grandchildren.  As a parent, teaching her children to treat others with love and respect was of utmost importance to her.
Lady Flatterley is Linda's first book.  You can find out more information at http://www.outskirtspress.com/LadyFlatterley or http://www.lindawagnerbooks.com.
Lady Flatterley is a sweet children's book with bright, colorful illustrations and the story of the transformation of caterpillar to butterfly set to rhyming verse.  The tale of Lady Flatterley follows her from her time as an insecure caterpillar who simply wants to hide herself away from the world, to a beautiful butterfly who spreads her wings and flies!  Lady Flatterley is so excited when she catches a glimpse of herself in a window for the first time.  But, rather than get proud and have an attitude, she remembers to raise her hands and give thanks to God. 

Maybe We Are Flamingos

Flora and Fernando are the wrong color for flamingos. They wonder what they could be until they discover becoming pink can take a year, and staying pink is due to their diet. At last relieved, they draw funny pictures of how they might look if they ate broccoli or blueberries.

Safari Sue Thurman started out as a character on a radio show in AZ.  She went on to entertain at the Phoenix Zoo, and moved from there to producing a television show for CBS, Arizona Entertainment Weekly.

Currently, she is busy developing television pilots, writing novels, and the Safari Sue Series of children's books inspired by her life experiences.  As a creative writer, thinker, and visionary, Sue has published a variety of materials. She is a vocalist and loves singing and doing voice-overs. Currently she's energized about developing a television pilot for children to ignite their imaginations through the magic of reading. The program will also showcase excellent children's books with help from some interesting, colorful animal friends.  To learn more about Safari Sue, visit her website.

Heidi Says: I must say that Keven Collier is quickly becoming one of my favorite children's book illustrators.  The illustrations in Maybe We Are Flamingos are bright and colorful, playful and fun.  And Safari Sue has written a precious tale of little flamingos who just aren't sure where they belong in this world because they don't look like the other flamingos, but don't really seem to fit in anywhere else either.  Eventually, they learn to make light of their appearance and discover that what matters most isn't what's on the outside, but what's in the heart.  My 8-year-old thought ths book was very cute and says it's a definite must-read!  So, we would recommend Maybe We Are Flamingos and will definitely be watching for future collaborations of Safari Sue and Kevin Collier.