Volunteering at the Book Fair is a Win-Win Situation

I just returned from volunteering at my daughter's school bookfair. It was sponsored by Scholastic and offered some of the best and most popular books for young readers. As I walked around to assist students, I found myself looking at books for Lady Clara, Sir Isaac and even me (yes, they had three adult-centered books!). There were so many to choose from that I had a hard time saying "No" to myself. I ended up spending $127 worth of books for my party three. For Lady Clara, I bought "Taste of Home: Kid Approved Cookbook" by Reader's Digest, "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia,"Drawing Horses: A Complete Kit for Beginners" by Walter T. Foster with Michael Maltseff and "Diary of a Whimpy Kid: Cabin Fever" by Jeff Kinney. For Sir Isaac, I purchased "Diary of a Whimpy Kid: The Last Straw", "Diary of a Whimpy Kid: Dog Days", Diary of a Whimpy Kid: Cabin Fever" (all by Jeff Kinney) and the two-in-one book "Ninjago: Way of the Ninja" and Masters of Spinjitzu" Tracey West. I initially got "Steven Jobs: Thinking Different" by Patricia Lankin for myself but decided to get one for my son as well as two others to give away. I also purchased "Hero Dad" by Melinda Hardin to be given away for Father's Day)as well as a bunch of book marks with sayings like "Math Boy and Number Girl" and "Boy Power". My two-hour volunteer time was well spent. I was able to support my daughter and the school with my time and my money. The children were so excited to get their books. They started reading them. As soon as I finish this blog post, I'm going to read up on Steve Jobs. That way, I can be ahead of the game when Sir Isaac and Lady Clara read the biography about the Founder of Apple Computers. I can't wait to write you again. Until then... I'm just living the solo mommy life! Feona Sharhran Huff Publisher & Editorial Director Solo Mommy Magazine Visionary behind Living the Solo Mommy Life P.S. if you're on Facebook, request to become a member of my group, Living the Solo Mommy Life. Follow me on Twitter @solomommy.

Motivational Messages from THIS Man (Message #2)

"Never quit when things are not working as planned. No one was born a loser. You have something within which no one else has. Keep on pressing, do your absolute best, communicate with your creator and He will do the rest." ~Mantse, CEO Rokat Concepts Inc, Accra-Ghana Richard Ohene Twum, also known as Mantse Bixy DeShyne(The Shine), was born and raised in Accra (the capital city of Ghana located in West Africa). He is a musician, graphic designer, editor, events manager and philanthropist. His goal is to touch and change lives as was as to support the less privileged and awaken shuttered dreams to make them a reality. Each week on this site, Mantse will offer a few words of light and hope to the readers of this site. While it is important for women to lift each other up with words of encouragement, Solo Mommy Magazine thought it was equally as important to receive this from men who support a single mom's journey.

Win a Copy of "HELP! I'm Raising My Children Alone"

This evening, while in Walgreens awaiting medicine for Lady Clara and Sir Isaac, I began looking through the Inspirational Book section across from the pharmacy. There were several books that peaked my interest but one in particular more than the others. It was "HELP! I'm Raising My Children Alone: A Practical Guide to Bringing Up Happy, Healthy Kids On Your Own". I know it's going to be an empowering read. I can tell from reviewing the chapter titles and the dedication page for which T.D. Jakes says: "I dedicate this book to all the courageous people who have chosen to raise children rather than abort them. You are already a conqueror regardless of your predicament. As you overcome new challenges you will epitomize the 'more than conquerors' that Paul spoke about. You have chosen to fight the good fight. I admire you, and I greatly respect what you are doing." Want to read the T.D. Jakes' book as well? You have the opportunity to WIN a copy by being the first person to text me the name of the keynote speaker from Solo Mommy's 5th Annual Mother's Day Brunch and "You Go, Mom!" Awards Program. Text your answer to (757) 202-3264 along with your name and contact number. Cheers, Feona Sharhran Huff Publisher & Editorial Director Solo Mommy Magazine www.livingthesolomommylife.com

Learning Shouldn’t Stop Just Because Students Are on Spring Break

Here in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, our students are on Spring Break. They get a whole week free of quizzes, in-class assignments and homework. Yay for them, right?! While it’s true that they have worked hard for the six months that they have been in school thus far and deserve a break, learning shouldn’t cease just because they aren’t reporting to math, English, Social Studies or Science class. Their seven days of vacation – starting today – should still be filled with exploring and embracing knowledge. Does it mean that you should still get them up at 6 am to eat and get dressed then sit at the dining room table for structured learning? NO! However, it should be incorporated into the activities that they do throughout the day – made to be fun, of course.

Here are four suggestions for getting your child to learn that comes off as nothing but fun, fun, fun:

Take a Trip to the Botanic Garden
Now that the warm weather is upon us, it’s a perfect time to visit your local botanic garden to see beautiful flowers, plants and fish (if your garden has a Japanese Duck Pond like the one in Brooklyn, NY). Have your children to read the labels on the plants you see and have a discussion. Take an account of all of the colored flowers. Then, have them to write a report about their experience. This is science and writing core at its best. If you’re anything like me, you’ll videotape them and post their discoveries on YouTube for the world to learn as well. I’m always proud of what Lady Clara and Sir Isaac learn, and I want to share!

Bake a Cake or Cook Up a Yummy Meal in the Kitchen
Our children definitely enjoy eating delicious desserts and home-cooked meal. So, have them be an integral part of making them. For whatever it is they will cook, have them to read the instructions and gather the ingredients they will need. Then, let them get busy in the kitchen (with your supervision and support, of course). Later on, have them to recount their cooking experience from beginning to end and to do so in great detail. If they are taking the state exams next month like my two, this will be a great writing exercise as there is a writing section on the exam in which they are required to explain what they read. Practice is the perfect helper. Being able to read labels, follow directions and explain how you cooked a dish is a great accomplishment and will carry a child a long way in life and help to sharpen their mind in the classroom.

Visit Your Local Library or Bookstore
Lady Clara and Sir Isaac practically live in our local library, The Indian River Public Library. They participate in learning activities, social events, read books and play computer games and challenge me to chess. For them, it’s the place to be. And, equipped with our April 2012 calendar, they have plans to indulge in the events of this week (beginning with Family Movie Night tonight!). Lots of exploring and learning awaits your children at the library and bookstore. Once you enter the door, let them venture off and choose the books they want to check out or sit down and read. If they’re excited about a comic strip book, for instance, sit down with them and let them read it to you. Then, ask them to write a review about it (what it was about, why they liked it and why another student should read it). For the fun of it, can post it on your refrigerator with stars and A+ marks. They will feel great about something that they loved and you will have helped them along their learning track.

Let Them Play Teacher
Reverse the roles for this week. Let your children play as the teacher and you play as the student. To make it more fun, have them to make a sign to wear around their neck that identifies them as the teacher. Then, let them quiz you on things that they are learning in school. What this activity is doing is helping them to recall their knowledge and continue to sharpen their learning skills. Have them to grade you and post your score on the refrigerator. Perhaps you’ll get smiling faces and stars! I’m excited about Sir Isaac quizzing me on explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Christopher Newport (Hold up, let me do some reading before my son starts asking me questions!).

I hope your children enjoy their week-long vacation and incorporate learning into their relaxation schedule. Until the next time I write, I’m just living the solo mommy life.

Love you much!

Feona Sharhran Huff
Publisher & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine

PS: If you’re on Facebook, request to become a member of my group, Living the Solo Mommy Life. You’ll gain strategies for empowered living, encouragement, resources and friendships with fellow solo moms and those at the forefront of empowering our parenting community.