Springtime and New Moms

Spring is a time for all things new. The earth comes back to life after a long cold winter, flowers begin to bloom, trees are leafing out, and many moms (and families) are looking ahead in anticipation of a new little bundle of joy.

At Maren Green we're inspired by this time of year and all the newness it brings. It's a time of optimism, appreciation, renewal—and a reminder of things that matter most.

It's also when our award-winning children's board book You Are Important serves as a good reminder of why we do what we do: because children are important. They are the future, it's an important future, and we want them to know just how important they are.

You can let them know, too. For the expecting mom in your life, we'd like to suggest our award-winning 'You Are Important' Board Book Series (set/5) as the perfect baby shower (or Mother's Day) gift that keeps on giving (and an affordably priced one at only $27.95 online).

Affirming words and illustrations help very young children know they are Beautiful, Brave, Creative, Friendly, and Important. Mom's (and us dad's, too) will enjoy reading these to their baby before they're even born. And you'll know you're contributing to a child's future sense of healthy confidence—and reinforcing that every child is precious and valuable.

We don't think spring gets any better than that.

Uh-oh. Watch out! You're about to sneeze!

Swine flu is spreading. As reported by CNN, 40 new cases here in the U.S. today. While we certainly don't want to add to our children's daily stress, it's difficult to keep wide-spread media stories like this from their attention. Everyone's talking about it. You may think it's not on their radar, but don't be fooled. Just because kids don't say anything doesn't mean they're not thinking about these big news stories—and even worrying about them. Worrying about the implications it might have on them, their loved ones, their school, and more.

As with any important issue, information and education are critical. The prospects of swine flu are frightening for all of us, but we can dispel the mystery and fear by arming ourselves and our children with important information and skills to deal with it.

What can we do? Make this a teachable moment and remind kids about some hygiene basics: covering our noses and mouths when we cough or sneeze, and washing our hands with soap and water. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) these are the top 2 things of What You Can Do To Stay Healthy. And they're covered specifically in our books below.

Please take a few minutes today to remind the kids in your life about these important (and timely) basics. And don't forget to practice them yourself:

From Manners Are Important for You and Me (click on image to enlarge):


From You Are Healthy (click on image to enlarge):