Finding Myself Through My Struggles.

Are you struggling with finding your why? What exactly is it that you were put on earth to do that will fulfill your life and make you feel like you made a difference? Do you feel like there is more that you could do to help contribute to the needs of your family? Maybe you have a need to help others.   Do you feel the need for more adult interaction... to make new friends who help build you up and make you a better person? 

These were several things that I may or may not have even known I needed in my life until after I joined Usborne Books & More.  Yes, I knew I needed to find something that would help me and my family financially... but I soon found out there was so much more than just financial help I needed. 

The more I worked my Usborne Books & More business, the more I realized that Usborne Books & More was giving me a whole lot more than just added income and a home library.  Since joining Usborne Books & More, I have come to realized that I AM capable of a lot more than I give myself credit for! You see, I've always been one to criticize myself and everything I do. I always needed reassurance that I was doing something right or that I was doing a good job.   I've been full of self doubt for as long as I can remember. Deep down I "knew" I could do it, I knew I was doing a good job, but my brain struggled with having a bit of faith in myself.

I've recently come to realize that I had made a lot of excuses! Yes, excuses that have stopped me from doing the things I've wanted to do, going places I've wanted to go, and even working toward  bettering my life.  I constantly let my brain convince me that my friends would think "you aren't certified or qualified to be a fitness coach", "you are not outgoing enough", "you aren't fit enough", "your skin isn't perfect  so how can you sell cosmetics",  or whatever other excuse popped into my head. I let fear overtake me. The one excuse that was the worst though "I don't know how to do what it takes to be successful".... I have spent countless hours doing online training events to learn what I needed to do. I have taken pages upon pages of notes, I have attempted putting the training to work, but I still struggled with it.  I struggled with remaining consistent in using the knowledge I was learning.

Since joining Usborne Books & More, I have discovered some of the most amazing team leaders who have PUSHED me, ENCOURAGED me, and TAUGHT me that I CAN DO IT if I just set my mind to it.  They have given me the tools I needed to know exactly what to do and how to do it.  Those tools made a HUGE impact on my attitude about my abilities to work my business.  It gave me the confidence in myself that I was lacking.  Sure, I was already doing most of the things in the #Power20 Team Challenge she provided us. I just couldn't wrap my brain around how to use the activities I was doing to benefit my business... and then there was the whole fear of the word  "NO" from potential customers and/or hostesses which was holding me back from booking parties. 

My Team Director invited me to join her Challenge Group to train and prep us to become team leaders.  BUT... in order to join the group, I had to meet a few requirements! I got down to the last day, had to work all day, and got home and had it in my head that there was "no way I would meet the requirements by the end of the day" so I gave up on myself and my goal yet again! I didn't even try! I was mad at myself, I was frustrated that I didn't put the tools to work for me that they have given me and I let my life and "excuses" take control. 

The next morning I woke up and I had  received a message from my Team Director that the team leaders were NOT ready for the challenge to start so they were giving us ONE MORE DAY to meet the requirements!  It was either my day off work or a day I had an early out, I really don't recall now.  It took me right down to the very last hours to do it, but I met the requirements and made it into the group! Not only that but I had people lined up for the next two months who are interested in hosting parties!

You see, I realized something then... I CAN do it! I just have to quit giving up on myself. I need to direct my focus on my goals and not on my fears.  I had my "Why" but it wasn't enough to push me through and to quit giving up on myself and the goals and dreams I have set for myself and my family.  When I got that fourth "Yes" to host a party during the month of May (one was actually my own) right down near the wire. I mean, seriously, it was dinner time when I got that 4th "Yes" that allowed me into the group. I was sitting in a local Chinese Restaurant eating a quick bite before I went home to start messaging more friends and family.  I literally was almost in tears sitting there while eating my dinner due to the excitement and realization that I CAN DO IT WHEN I PUT MY MIND TO IT.  

It really made me realized that it was ME getting in my own way... it wasn't  that idea I had that I wasn't getting support from my uplines (though some of them gave up on me as much as I did myself) in running my own business nor was it the lack of support from my friends and family.  It was the lack of support from myself! I wasn't allowing myself to reach those goals because I was giving up on myself.  I was letting my fears take control. In all honesty, I still struggle with getting in my own way.... However, I AM doing better at believing in myself. It's a process that I am working on.  I need to remember that feeling I had when I made it into my Team Leader's challenge group.  

It's funny how things work. Shortly after meeting the requirements to join the group, I had a hostess who I think would make an amazing team member. She was soooooo excited about her party which she was hosting for me.  She did everything I asked and suggested her to do to help her earn the most rewards.... I stepped outside my own comfort zone and asked her if she has ever considered doing what I do.  She was excited about the possibility of joining my team. BUT, She too had tried other home businesses and did not succeed, just as I had before.  She constantly asked for my approval before posting or commenting anything during her party. She wanted to make sure what she was saying was "ok" even though it was awesome!  I saw a lot of me in her! The fear of failure, the fear of rejection from her friends and family, the lack of confidence in herself.

I say it's "funny" because, before joining Usborne Books & More, I probably wouldn't have seen myself in her because I hadn't dug deep into my own emotions, fears, etc.   My team leaders, though they may not realize it, have really forced me to take a deep look inside of who I am and what makes me struggle so much with my business.  What I had been learning from my Team Leaders was now helping me not only improve my own self confidence and face my own fears, but it was also helping me to help my hostesses and potential recruits better... because I could RELATE to what she was feeling. I was able to share with my hostess exactly what I'd been through and how I am able to work through it. 

Do you struggle with accepting you as you are? Struggle with believing in yourself? Struggle in pushing toward your goals and dreams?  Are you holding yourself back with the fears you harbor? Do you lack confidence in yourself? Do you create excuses so that you don't have to face your fears?  I know, I've been there... I still am but I'm working on believing in myself more.  I am working on building confidence in myself. I'm working on giving myself and my family the life we deserve.

Are you ready to face your fears, squash your excuses, do
 something that will build up your confidence and belief in 
yourself? Have you ever considered doing what I do? If your answer is yes, join me! Join my team of amazing Team Leaders and Book Ladies and let us help you find the life you want and dream of.      

• Want more literacy tips, news updates about Usborne Books & More promotions, giveaways, activities, and more? Join me at Discover the World in Lisa's Secret Tree House
• Shop my Online Bookstore
• View the Digital Catalog
• Are you in need of a fundraiser for a group or organization? Check out Cards for a Cause
•  Know an organization in need of books? We can work together to do a book drive! Usborne will match 50% of funds raised! Reading Is A Gift
• Need help placing an order? Fill out this FORM and I can help you!

Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.

25 Ways to Excite and Inspire Young Readers

Kids tend to love or hate reading. Some would do almost anything to not have to sit down and read (Maybe even clean their room, which we all know how well they hate that job!)

 Are you a parent who are interested in finding ways to inspire your children to pick up a book, here are some tips that might help you to find creative ways to inspire your child.

1. Visit the library often.  Check with your local library, many times they will have story hours available to younger children. Allow your child to pick out a book or two to take home and read. This is a great way to create a  reading habit. 
2. Read aloud. Reading to a younger child or one that hasn’t quite mastered reading by themselves helps to instill the love of reading.
3. Use Puppets to tell the story. Have a craft day with your child using socks, lunch-sized paper bags, scraps of fabric, ribbons, yarn, buttons, scraps of paper or whatever you can find around the house and create puppets of their favorite characters from their favorite books. Use their puppets to tell the story. Here is a fun idea using paper and a clothespin to make a Strange Monster Magnet (which could easily be made into a puppet using popsicle sticks) to read along with “Tale Of Two Beasts“
4. Read with animation. By bringing each character to life by changing your voice and using body language, you will draw your child into the story and they will love hearing it told.
5. Find books with humor. Children LOVE to laugh so find books that are funny whether it is comic books or silly stories such as “I’m a Dirty Dinosaur” where the kids can act out with the dinosaur as he sniffs and snuffs, shakes about the place, tap on his tummy like  a drum, or maybe just stamp about the street.
6. Audio Books. A great way to encourage children to seek out stories is by listening to audio books while driving or maybe during lunch or dinner.  Usborne Books and More have several books which come with an audio book tucked inside too!
7. Support each child’s individual interests. Allowing your child to pick out books that fit their passions, they are more likely to want to read. For instance, if you child loves cars and trains, but you buy books about bugs and birds, he probably won’t be as interested in the books. But him books about different kinds of cars and trains, and he will love learning more about his passion.
8. Beautiful illustrations. Books with beautiful illustrations help bring the book to life. Illustrated Adventure Stories, Illustrated Classics, or Illustrated Grimm’s Fairy Tales are just a few great examples.
9. Show by example. When children see mom and dad reading books, magazines, or even the morning paper, they are learning that reading is fun.  They will learn by the example you set, so make it a good one!
10. Buy books related to travel. If you have a summer trip planned out, buy a book related to where you are going.  Going to Florida? Give them a book about sharks, alligators, beaches, palm trees, flamingos. Things and places they might see while on their trip.
11. Provide Access. Always have age-appropriate books and magazines around for the kids to read. Books in their bedroom, in the bathroom, in the family room or in the car. If the books are nearby and readily available, they are more likely to pick them up and read.
12. Set a reading routine. Maybe you read the newspaper first thing every morning, or maybe it’s every night after dinner. While you are reading, have your child sit down and read a book with you. Create a routine and they are more likely to make it a habit themselves.
13. Appreciate any reading. If you have a reluctant reader who only likes to read comic books, embrace that. Reading is reading and if your child fights you over reading anything other than what they like, it may discourage them from reading anything at all.
14. Limit the media. A child’s day can easily be consumed by all the technology out there in the world today. Favorite television shows, video games, computer time can all cut into any free time your child could have to spend on reading. Place limits on how much time they can spend on the technological side of life, and encourage reading.
15. Create a special reading place. Designate a special spot in the living room, family room, or even bedroom as a special reading place. Make it comfortable and inviting with plenty of books available.
16. Invite guest readers. Grandma, Grandpa, maybe Aunt Susie or the next door neighbor are coming for a visit. Invite them to share a story with the little ones!
17. Use poetry. Children are pulled into poetry, so take full advantage of this to use poetry as inspiration.
18. Read backward. Select a paragraph from the story and have the child read it backwards starting at the end of the paragraph and reading toward the beginning. By doing so, the child is forced to focus on the words instead of skimming through parts they know my memory.
19. Read aloud no matter what the age. Reading aloud to older children has it’s own benefits too… one being that it can teach them larger words and broaden their vocabulary.
20. Talk about what you are reading. Reading aloud isn’t’ enough. Be sure to talk about what you are reading,  before, during, and after. Maybe the books is trying to give a “moral of the story” but a young child may not realize that. So when a character does something mean, discuss how being mean makes another character feel and maybe what character one could have done differently.
21. Make your own ABC Books. Encourage young readers to draw each letter on a piece of paper then using old magazines to cut out pictures that match the corresponding letter.
22. Create your own story. After reading a book, encourage your child to make up a new ending to the story or give them a prompt for them to write their own story. A Year in My Life is a great book for engaging your child in writing their own story.
23. Make a book log. Have young readers record on paper what books they read, who the author is, and what they liked about the book.
24. Right Writing. Have your child write their story on the right side of a spiral notebook, and create illustrations on the left side. Then, when they read their stories to their friends and family, they will get to see the illustrations about what the child is reading.
25. Find a Pen Pal. Encourage your child to write letters to a friend or maybe even a family member that lives far away and they write back. This encourages a child to want to write to their pal and they will be anxious to get a reply back for them to read.

Want to know how you can easily increase the number of books in your home and ensure you have a large variety of topics to keep your child wanting to read? Message me to schedule an  Usborne Books & More online book party. You can also click on the HOST link here on my shopping link to sign up. This is a GREAT way to earn FREE and discounted books to add to your child’s home library. Message me today!

• Want more literacy tips, news updates about Usborne Books & More promotions, giveaways, activities, and more? Join me at Discover the World in Lisa's Secret Tree House
• Shop my Online Bookstore
• View the Digital Catalog
• Are you in need of a fundraiser for a group or organization? Check out Cards for a Cause
•  Know an organization in need of books? We can work together to do a book drive! Usborne will match 50% of funds raised! Reading Is A Gift
• Need help placing an order? Fill out this FORM and I can help you!

Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.

How to Encourage Your Reluctant Reader to Read

When kids struggle with reading or show no interest in reading, they may be reluctant readers. There is many reasons a child may be reluctant to read. One reason may be that they just need to be coaxed to read.  There is ways that can help your reluctant child learn to love reading.  Here is just a few ways that may help your child learn to love reading.

Listen to Audio Books 

Audio books teach children to learn the attraction of words as well as the rhythm and flow of the written language.   The first step to encourage the love of reading in a reluctant reader is to encourage them to listen to audio books or even books on CD's.

Usborne Books & More has books that come with a CD so that children may listen to the story while following along with the written words on the page of the book.  By following the words spoken on the CD in the pages of the book, children become more confident in their own reading skills and will soon be able to enjoy the pleasure of reading a complete book or story on their own.

Usborne Books & More books with CD:

Bible Stories with CD

This engaging collection of Bible stories has been written, with the help of a language expert, for young children who are just starting to read. Each story is told word for word, with delightful sound effects, on the CD included with this book. By following the words across the page as they hear them, beginner readers will gain confidence and soon be able to achieve the pleasure and satisfaction of reading a whole story by themselves.

The Little Book of Train Stories with CD

This book with CD pack contains a delightful collection of short stories which have been especially written for young children who are just beginning to read. Lively narration with fun sound effects and music make the CD perfect for reading along with or just listening to.

Ted and Friends with CD

Created in consultation with a language expert, the stories have been especially written to help your child learn to read. The stories not only take into account recent research on the most effective ways of teaching reading, but are also great fun.

There's also a listen-along CD that brings the stories to life through charming readings.

This exciting edition contains twelve titles from the popular Phonics Readers series.  
Included titles:  Fat Cat on a Mat, Ted in a Red Bed, Big Pig on a Dig, Hen's Pens, Fox on a Box, Frog on a Log, Ted's Shed, Sam Sheep Can't Sleep, Shark in the Park, Toad Makes a Road, Goose on the Loose, Mouse Moves House 

The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales

A book reading memories are made of. This will be a favorite from 18 months to first grade. Dual level text - read just the top line and the story makes sense. Perfect for wiggly little ones who aren't always in the mood for long stories. Add the bottom line for more detail. Beginning readers can read the top line, and a helper can read the bottom. And there's a little yellow duck hiding on every page! 

This delightful book contains 20 of the popular Farmyard Tales stories. Young children will love Stephen Cartwright's charming illustrations of life on Apple Tree Farm, and the gently amusing stories of Mrs. Boot, the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam, and their animals, Rusty the dog, Curly the pig, and Woolly the sheep.

Assign Short Reading Assignments

When reluctant readers are asked to read 15-20 pages at one time, it can become very intimidating to them. This can cause them to choose a different book or title (one they may find to be "easier") or they will just choose to do something totally different and try to blow off reading.

Keep book reading assignments shorter.  Begin by giving a reluctant reader 5 pages and increase the number of pages as they become more confident in their reading.

Choose Super Easy Books

When a reluctant reader is asked to read a book that is too hard for them, they may become discouraged as they fight their way through a book that seems impossible to read.  By giving them books that are easier to read, they are more likely to keep reading and feel it to be less of a fight.

It is more motivating to a struggling reader when they can lose themselves in the words or enter another world through the words in the story they are reading.

Giving your child a well-written, easy to read books will encourage them to enjoy reading and they are more likely to begin reading for pleasure and pure enjoyment.

Create a Comfortable Place to Read

Create a comfortable reading nook for your child to read.  Fill it with excellent children's literature, audio books, pillows, or a comfy chair.  Ensure it has good lighting.  There is NOTHING better than a comfortable place to curl up and enjoy a good book.






Schedule Periodic Reading Days

There are days when maintaining a daily routine is out of your control. There is also days where it may just be a good idea to break routine to connect with your kids and family.  Snow days were school is cancelled and it's too cold to go outside?  Rainy Day? Home Sick? Maybe life has been busy for mom and dad or the kids have had a lot of activities that keep the family from having family time.  Toss aside the usual daily routine and spend the day reading!

Read TO your children as they sit, snack on their favorite treat and listen to you narrate their favorite stories and bring them to life. Read before naptime, bedtime, or any time!

Have family reading days (nights). Every member of the family can grab their favorite book, magazine, or even newspaper and sit down to read together! When children see you reading, they see it as something "important" and will want to copy you.

Make reading time FUN and SPECIAL.  Curl up together in a blanket on the couch, on the floor with big fluffy pillows and sleeping bags, or maybe build a blanket fort in the living room and just READ.

Encourage Reading

You can encourage a struggling reader by choosing books that are related to their interests.  Do they love Big Trucks, Big Tractors, Princesses, Farm Animals, Sports, or maybe even History or Science? Choose books that relate to those interests.   If the books relates to their interests, they are more apt to want to read it and learn MORE about their particular interest.


Make Reading a Daily Part of Life

Read street signs while out and about, read recipes or recipes books while making their favorite meals or treats, read newspapers and talk about local events, sports, etc.. While grocery shopping, create shopping lists then point out how labels on food containers match what is written down on the signs and your shopping list.




Make Reading Interactive

Ask your child what their opinions are about what they are reading. Ask them how they would handle a situation, what they might do different.  Ask them how it makes them feel.  By doing this, you are engaging them in the story.  Choose books that help them to become a part of the story and understanding more about what they are reading because they will be more focused. Choose Your Own Journey is a great book for allowing your child to choose the direction the story takes him.

Set Goals or Challenges for your Child

Challenge them to read "x" number of books over holiday breaks from school or sign them up for summer reading programs.

Engage them by challenging them to do a Summer Reading Challenge such as this one highlighted.

Have Older Children Help Younger Children

When older children help a younger child with their reading, it boosts the confidence in the older reader while providing important practice for the younger reader.

Spend at Least One Hour Per Week at the Library

Scheduling a weekly trip to the library each week will give a reluctant reader something to look forward to.  There is many options available to him, and he is sure to find a book or two or three... to catch his attention. I still remember how excited I was to go to the local library during the summer time when I was a little girl! The smell of the old building, the books, and everything about it excited me!

Set an Example

When a child sees you reading, it will encourage her to do the same.  She will see that reading is something that you do for pleasure  and that you enjoy... not just as a "homework assignment" or something you are being forced to do.

As time goes on, your reluctant reader will associate reading with being comfortable, special times, and full of wonderful stories.  They may never become an avid reader, but they will no longer be reluctant to read.  

• Want more literacy tips, news updates about Usborne Books & More promotions, giveaways, activities, and more? Join me at Discover the World in Lisa's Secret Tree House
• Shop my Online Bookstore
• View the Digital Catalog
• Are you in need of a fundraiser for a group or organization? Check out Cards for a Cause
•  Know an organization in need of books? We can work together to do a book drive! Usborne will match 50% of funds raised! Reading Is A Gift
• Need help placing an order? Fill out this FORM and I can help you!

Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.