Don't panic. You aren't the only Mom who wonders: * Why do my kids just want to watch TV all the time? * Why does it make me so crazy some days to be home with my kids? * What should I be doing every day to help my child learn? In this unique book, a teacher and a mom have worked together to develop games and activities that are truly interesting to a child, yet easy for moms to put together. This book is not just about keeping kids busy. It is about providing inexpensive teaching activities and fun games to keep children busy in a productive way so that moms can play an active role in developing their child's intelligence. Happy children exploring and discovering with playful activities will earn you some peace and quiet so that you can relax and mange your household to the greater benefit of the entire family. This book is about saving Mom's sanity, one project at a time. What people are saying about Katie Norris' blog Mommy with Selective Memory: "Love this blog! Helps me to be a better mommy, the kind I always wanted to be, full of life, love, and fun! Making my life count EVERY day. Thanks for your inspiring words." "LOVE this blog! Honesty, humor, uniqueness, and parenting advice all rolled into one!" "I have been so impressed with all of the ideas. This is going to be such a helpful guide for Moms." ~Katie Ernzen, Freelance Editor Susan Case is the author of Kindergarten: Tattle-Tales, Tools, Tactics, Triumphs and Tasty Treats for Teachers and Parents. Her popular blog is Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers. She earned a M.S. in Family and Child Development and taught Kindergarten, Special Education and Early Childhood. What readers are saying about Susan's Kindergarten book and blog: "I have been following Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers and am impressed with how the author shares her expertise and writes educational articles for both parents and teachers." ~Dan Weissbrodt, WhatToExpect.com. "Kindergarten was an excellent read with so much valuable information that I highly recommend it. Her book is filled with lessons, tips, guides and tricks for teaching and raising a kindergartener. There is a plethora of information that a caregiver and parent can also use in the years before children are enrolled in school helping them with school readiness." ~Miranda Sherman, Moms Bookshelf & More.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Happy Mommy Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide on Keeping Your Toddlers and Preschoolers Busy, Out of Trouble and Motivated to Learn by Katie Norris and Susan Case is a brilliant book for moms like me (and you too)! In the introduction the authors state two main goals: "to give you more free time by growing smarter and happier children and to encourage you to make the most of these early years." Part 1 explains how to make the early years fun yet educational. Each chapter starts with Katie's Mommy Dilemma which is common for so many moms and Teacher's Advice from Susan's perspective. There are also many practical examples for moms to engage their preschooler with easy and creative activities. There are ideas for sensory play, fine motor skills, arts & crafts, playing inside and playing outside. There are two chapters to help moms nurture themselves and to help children develop good behavior. Part 2 is getting your preschooler ready for Kindergarten. There are many helpful suggestions for parents to guide children to develop in cognitive, social, emotional, academic and physical areas. The one message throughout the book was "Mom, you are enough for your child."
How many times have I started my day off with good intentions to engage my son and wind up just telling him to run off and play? Katie and Susan's book helped me to see that purposeful play with my son is possible with just a few common items found in my home and a heart willing to take time to play with him in a meaningful way. And in this way, I can accomplish a few things I need to do while my son is engrossed in a fun activity that is helping him to learn.... Read more ›
How many times have I started my day off with good intentions to engage my son and wind up just telling him to run off and play? Katie and Susan's book helped me to see that purposeful play with my son is possible with just a few common items found in my home and a heart willing to take time to play with him in a meaningful way. And in this way, I can accomplish a few things I need to do while my son is engrossed in a fun activity that is helping him to learn.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Katie
Format:Kindle Edition
As a full-time working mom, I want the time I spend with my daughter to be quality time. This book is full of great ideas on how I can engage my 2-year old, and keep her out of trouble while I get things done around the house. It is fascinating to watch her learn and have fun with the simplest of activities from materials we have around the house. Our quality and learning together time has improved! I can't wait to share this book with all of my mom friends -- working or stay-at-home!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By DD
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book seriously saved my sanity. I've read a bunch of parenting books but this is literally the only one that actually gave me real and specific advice and ideas for things to do with my daughter. I'm a stay-at-home mom to a 2-year old and I was at my wits end trying to come up with ideas of fun, easy, creative things to do with her that will keep her busy and occupied and help her learn. I wasn't very good at following through on ideas that I heard about from friends or read in other books or online because they seemed too complicated (aka: messy!) but this book broke it down and made it so simple. I highly recommend it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Binky
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was disappointed by this book. I ordered it after reading the author's blog, thinking there would be more great ideas in the book than what was included in her blog (she does have great ideas). Sadly, the blog contains everything she re-hashes in her book (blog is free of course). Waste of money.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
The authors of this book have a vast amount if practical experience and tips to share with parents who need so much help in today's world.
I have been looking at so many pins for preschool activities on Pinterest, and this book is very helpful in my understanding of WHY those activities should be done. This book helps parents understand why and how to engage their young children in appropriate learning activities (not flashcards, not screen time) and have some peace in the house as children can stay busy for longer periods of time with the play/learning they should be doing. This is so child friendly and and is not a top-down model. Understanding what the children can and should be doing really helps. I think husbands should read this book, also, to understand what is going on in the learning lives of young children and why such play is a basis for academic learning later (even for algebra). Very important book to read. This is an easy read and then a how-to guide book on what and how to create child-centered learning in your home! Also, you can understand Pinterest better if you read this book, and many helpful links are provided. Both authors have very helpful blogs so you can keep learning, too.
I have been looking at so many pins for preschool activities on Pinterest, and this book is very helpful in my understanding of WHY those activities should be done. This book helps parents understand why and how to engage their young children in appropriate learning activities (not flashcards, not screen time) and have some peace in the house as children can stay busy for longer periods of time with the play/learning they should be doing. This is so child friendly and and is not a top-down model. Understanding what the children can and should be doing really helps. I think husbands should read this book, also, to understand what is going on in the learning lives of young children and why such play is a basis for academic learning later (even for algebra). Very important book to read. This is an easy read and then a how-to guide book on what and how to create child-centered learning in your home! Also, you can understand Pinterest better if you read this book, and many helpful links are provided. Both authors have very helpful blogs so you can keep learning, too.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Sara Crape
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
A helpful book for parents to encourage their children to play and learn without the use of television or computers.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love this book because it gives quick and easy solutions to problems that parents face every day. The explanations will help a parent understand the importance of each activity. The book encourages moms to keep it simple and positive...which makes for a happier home for everyone. I even love the size of the book...small enough to slip into a handbag...but chockful of everything a parent needs to know about keeping young children happy and busy. This is a book I wish I'd had when my kids were little! As a former kindergarten teacher, parenting speaker and mom of three, I would recommend "The Happy Mommy Handbook" for any busy mom or grandmom and as a wonderful resource for babysitters, daycare providers and nursery and preschool teachers!
Vivian Kirkfield, BA, MS
Author of Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking
Vivian Kirkfield, BA, MS
Author of Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Love this book! This book has so many great ideas and stories for moms or any parent. This is a must read!
Published 18 days ago by Amber G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Real Help for Mothers of Preschoolers
I really enjoyed this book. It is organized so well. Each chapter covers a subject, like crafts, discipline, etc. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Coppermom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Like the Emails but Better
I read the emails from this site and I love them. My 16-month old is hungry for activity and attention and with a new baby sister on the way, I thought I'd give this book a try! Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. E. Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars
great mommy handbook
This book has a lot of great ideas for kids activities and motherhood in general. I like the mom and teacher perspective.
Published 1 month ago by JC
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
There are so many great fun ideas in this book of things to do with your little one, things that they will love and don't involve you having to be a "crafty" parent. Read more
Published 4 months ago by George
2.0 out of 5 stars
Just wasn't for me
Had really good ideas it just wasn't the book I needed It would be good for someone with 2-4 year olds.
Published 4 months ago by Elizabeth Kruk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great help for toddler parents
I really, really, really love this book. I have a two year old that is always busy getting into something. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Staycee
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful tips for moms (and dads)
I really liked that this book acknowledged that being a SAHM (or dad) is a difficult job and that entertaining kids at home is not always easy. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect Name for the Perfect Book
This is a great and inexpensive book for ideas on how to get your children learning and away from the TV.
Published 8 months ago by kellpaluga
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good
Very helpful ideas and shopping list for keeping child happy and entertained. I have recommended this book to friends with young children too.
Published 8 months ago by Katie Kahl
