Taking a Step Back
Welcome To Nana's set aside our regular post this week to acknowledge our journey through the difficult times that surround us. The pre-planned post can wait.
I am seeking to process and ponder the issues and they are- just. so. big. Social injustice is a real issue and it is important to listen and learn ourselves, as well as teach our children that all people are to be treated kindly and with respect, regardless of their color.
Connecting with Kids in Difficult Times
How are the littles in our lives viewing these big issues? Are they afraid? Do they wonder what they can do?
How do we connect with the grands we love during this time of conflict and challenge?
I would like to offer a couple resources you may use to open or keep open the connection with your littles.
Free Printable Kindness Coloring Page
Firstly is a Free Kindness Coloring Page for them (and for you).
“Be KIND and compassionate to one another” is the message of this free printable coloring sheet at Welcome To Nanas. Click this link to print off the free kindness coloring sheet. Don't forget to print one for yourself too.
It sounds so simplistic, but this coloring sheet is my peaceful protest poster. Please, be kind and compassionate to one another.
Gentle connecting time
I hope that you can have some gentle connecting time while you color with your grands. Be present with them and listen to their concerns.
Who do you know who may enjoy receiving your completed coloring page as a gift along with a visit and perhaps some cookies?
List of Children's Books on Kindness
Secondly, perhaps you would like a good book to read with the grands. It may help you both feel connected and more at peace in the moment as well.
Check out some of these books and enjoy their stories of kindness and compassion for others.
If you live at a distance from your grands perhaps you could read a book to them over Zoom or Messenger.
Here are a few titles with great reviews.
Most People by Michael Leannah
Most People
by Michael Leannah, Jennifer E Morris illustrator. "The world can be a scary place. Anxious adults want children to be aware of dangers. But shouldn’t kids be aware of kindness too?"
Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen
Good People Everywhere 
by Lynea Gillen, Kristina Swarner, illustrator. "its pages contain endearing examples and vibrant illustrations to inspire children to grow into grateful, caring, and giving people. It provides a wonderful way to calm children before sleep, ease their fears, and help them develop an appreciation for good work. Also included are activity pages to help children practice skills. Skills for creating gratitude, compassion, and beauty in daily life."
Worry Says What? by Allison Edwards
Worry Says What?
By Allison Edwards, Ayesha L Rubio illustrator. "Allison Edwards, author of the best-selling book Why Smart Kids Worry, gives a glimpse into the ways worry whispers to young minds. It offers a powerful tool all children can use to silence those fears."
The Barefoot Book of Children by
The Barefoot Book of Children
by Tessa Strickland, Kate Depalma illustrator. "Innovative and inclusive, Barefoot Books Children of the World empowers young readers to learn about children around the globe and ponder their own place in it. Created with the guidance of diversity specialists, this groundbreaking work of narrative nonfiction addresses the need for children's books that depict diversity, while demonstrating the interconnectedness and uniqueness of all people."
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold, Suzanne Kaufman illustrator. "All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school."
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Be Kind
by Pat Zietlow Miller, Jen Hill illustrator. "From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is. And how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend."
I Walk with Vanessa by Keascoet
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
by Keascoet. A picture book. "Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly. It shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help"
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))
by Jacqueline Woodson, E. B. Lewis illustrator. "Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship. She thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya."
Remember-
“No act of kindness -however small- is ever wasted” (Aesop).
Welcome to Nana’s! Where there’s fun things to do with your “grand” kids!
Come join the fun at www.WelcomeToNanas.com
Leave a Reply