Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my blog, I am an artist turned illustrator/author of childrens educational coloring books.Because I believe we live in the best country in the world, I want children to learn about our country in a way they will enjoy. I think all kids like to color (even in our electronic world). While doing research for the books I learned that many parents don't know a lot about our country themselves, Some said to me " I should get the books for myself ". So I decided to do this blog, featuring each state as I research and illustrate it for the books. It is a fun way for young and old to learn about different states. Check the Visit the U.S.A. page.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

New Years Resolution

Most of us have started out the new year with our " New Years Resolutions" and I hope we can keep at least most of them.

On behalf of the children in our country and every country I ask you to add one more resolution, and that is to spend some or more time with a small child.

Our children, perhaps unknowingly crave the same things we do, attention, recognition, praise and love. And yet we "adults" are so busy seeking what we feel we need that we sometimes forget that the little ones need those things too.

It is a proven fact that young children learn quicker and better from birth to age 6 or 8 years of age than any other age. They develop " life habits" during those formative years and it's up to us to teach them "good" life habits, like the desire to want to read and learn helpful and beneficial things, and to treat others the way they want to be treated.

Some say "oh, they are too young to learn". Well I'm here to tell you that is just not true. If you don't believe it just watch how fast a little one learns that if they throw their toy on the floor while sitting on your lap you will pick it up, and they have learned a new game.

I recently saw a You Tube of several small Asian children playing guitars in concert, they were so small the guitars looked enormous in their little laps. And the music and harmony that came from those little ones was astounding ! Someone may say how did they do that ? I'll tell you how, someone took the time to teach them. And they were incredible.

Unfortunately we give children electronic and mechanical games and toys and they learn perhaps more from them (and not always good things) than from us.I'm not opposed to those kind of toys, I just think the children need more human relationship.

So please resolve to spend some time with a little one, playing a game or reading to them orperhaps teaching them art or music or just taking a walk and enjoying nature.

Our little ones truly are gifts, so lets show our appreciation for them by giving them a bit of ourselves and letting them know we care.

Next time I will give you a couple of hints on how to teach a child while spending time with them.

Keep in mind, I am just an old grandma who loves children and what I give you is what I call " horse sense" or just old fashioned common sense. I do not claim to be an educator.

Until next time show kindness,
Grandma Joy