Expert's Corner: What We're Reading, Buying and Practicing

A fun peek into how our experts learn and do. Learn better. Play smarter. | [View this email in your browser]( Parenting made simpler. Written by experts. Designed for intentional parents. Be a Plinkit Pro Thank you for reading! This newsletter is made possible through Plinkit Pro membership support. Please consider being a [PLINKIT PRO]( if you aren't already, to enjoy access to all our expert guidance and events. No ads. No sponsored content. Just original, time-saving, practical insights written in partnership with the best child development experts. Or, [email us](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com) to find out how your entire school or workplace can benefit from [PLINKIT PRO.]( [BE A PLINKIT PRO]( What We're Reading, Buying and Practicing This bite-sized read is dedicated to a question we often get, "What do your Plinkit experts read? What do you buy for your own kids?" Sure, we spend a lot of time thinking about how children learn, but spoiler alert - we're pretty human! For kicks and in case you're looking for ideas, here’s how it filters into our own personal lives on Team Plinkit. What books are you reading or podcasts are you listening to these days? - "[Dr. Becky Kennedy.]( With two feisty and strong-willed toddlers at home, I'm faced with a lot of behaviors and challenges, big and small, that pop up every day. I appreciate how she empathizes with the stressed out parent who may not always be acting as the best version of themself, while giving advice that preserves the child's self-esteem." -Kim Christensen, Plinkit Contributor - "I'm reading [Brainstorm by Dan Siegel,]( as I have a newly minted teenager. It's actually a great book for everyone, as Siegel does a deep dive into the inner workings of our mind and what adults - and teens - need to thrive. Turns out novelty seeking is good for all of us!" -Paige Abramson Hirsch, Plinkit Contributor - One of my two personal intentions this year is to make risk-taking a habit and I love how [Choose Possibility]( Sukhinder Singh Cassidy]( reframes success as a series of many small choices instead of a single, high stakes bet. It’s similar to what we often say about reasonable risk in child development. This book reminds me to value my inner childish bravado." -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder What’s the last toy or book you bought for a family member? - "We recently purchased [art easels]( and the [IKEA Flisat table]( for our 'messy art shed' that we set up in our backyard for our kids. Half is a 'big kid area' for our pre-teen, half is for our toddlers with their toddler-safe supplies at their level. We wanted to create a dedicated space at home where the kids could do art and be free to be messy any time." -Kim Christensen, Plinkit Contributor - "Our daughter just turned 11, so her birthday gift was 11 books. She reads so quickly that we usually rely on frequent library visits, so new books of her own are a special treat! She received the classic [Are You There God? It's Me Margaret]( along with a few I can't wait to read myself, including [Undercover Latina]( [Last Summer with Maizon]( and [Turning.]( -Paige Abramson Hirsch, Plinkit Contributor - "Hand puppets! We picked up a couple of [these fuzzies]( on our holiday travels and our kids adore them. Part stuffed animal, part BFF to play out their thought bubbles, part Plinkit tool that I use for role playing. A must for any toy box or classroom. They're super for working through big feelings." -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder - "[This fabulous puzzle]( from our Plinkit Holiday Pocket Gift List. I gifted it to so many friends and family and everyone raves about it. An exercise in flexible thinking (the pieces are so uniquely shaped) and the hunt for the lone cat is fun for all ages." -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder Any recent articles that made you go, “Hmm - That's a new insight!” - "I really appreciate Iris' take on the impacts of schooling in [this piece,]( as I actively unschool my children. Numbers 4 and 5 especially resonated for me. I work constantly to ensure my children recognize and listen to their intuition, as I know this is an incredibly important part of becoming an emotionally healthy adult." -Paige Abramson Hirsch, Plinkit Contributor - "This isn’t an early ed article per se, but I loved how [this story]( showcased kindness and community in a way that I could retell it to my children. I love showing my children what perspective-taking looks like in practice with real stories." -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder What have you been reading, buying and practicing lately? We'd love to hear from you. (Just [email us here.](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com)) For all our readers celebrating, happy Lunar New Year! We’re wishing you good health, great fortune and joyful new beginnings. What Plinkit Parents Are Saying "You're like a parent whisperer. Every time you asked a question (in our 1:1), I thought, 'Gosh, how did Charmaine know what I was thinking?'" "Discipline is not punishment. And punishment is not teaching. I had never really learned that. I have been punishing and now I know how to change that." "The masterclass on handling resistance changed my life. I learned how to deal with my own anger first before dealing with my child's." - - - - - Please [email us](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com) if you'd like to bring one of our Plinkit masterclasses to your workplace or school. If you're a Plinkit Pro member, Charmaine has 1:1 Office Hours this month and she's looking forward to seeing you again! READ + SHARE [Good Inside]( "I appreciate how she empathizes with the stressed out parent who may not always be acting as the best version of themself, while giving advice that preserves the child's self-esteem." -Kim Christensen, Plinkit Contributor [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Brainstorm]( "A deep dive into the inner workings of our mind and what adults - and teens - need to thrive. Turns out novelty seeking is good for all of us!" -Paige Abramson Hirsch, Plinkit Contributor [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Choose Possibility]( "Reframes success as a series of many small choices instead of a single, high stakes bet...This book reminds me to value my inner childish bravado. -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder [BUY NOW]( SHOP + PLAY [Art Easel]( A timeless staple in many of our team's homes and classrooms. Expert tip: fine motor skills develop from gross motor skills. Before your child can write or draw small, they must start big. More on [How to Teach Your Child to Write.]( [BUY NOW]( SHOP + PLAY [Monster Hand Puppet]( "Part stuffed animal, part BFF to play out their thought bubbles, part Plinkit tool that I use for role playing. A must for any toy box or classroom." -Charmaine Pattinson, Plinkit Founder [BUY NOW]( SHOP + PLAY [299 Dogs and a Cat Puzzle]( A wonderful any-occasion gift. A grand exercise in flexible thinking and fun for all ages. Cleverly illustrated by French illustrator Léa Maupetit. [BUY NOW]( LEARN + DO [How to Teach Your Child to Fail]( Understand the impact of not failing and how to teach your child to respond to failure. Plus, 5 things to say to your child if they fail. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2019%2F09%2Fhow-to-teach-your-child-to-fail%2F) [Share]( LEARN + DO [If Your Child Has an Imaginary Friend]( Whether invisible, a doll or a stuffed animal, learn why your child may have an imaginary friend and how to support their social and emotional growth. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2022%2F04%2Fimaginary-friend-learn-through-play-child-development%2F) [Share]( LEARN + DO [Anger Management 101 - What's Going On?]( Insight into what's happening to your child physiologically when they're 'angry' and examples of underdeveloped skills. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2021%2F03%2Fanger-management-children-brain-and-body%2F) [Share]( Learn better. Play smarter. [EXPLORE OUR TOPICS]( FOLLOW US: If you liked what you read, FORWARD to a friend! Our content is written in partnership with the best child development experts. No ads. No sponsored recommendations. 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