I was part of a symposium on Mindful Parenting recently, and the room was packed with men and women who had children of all ages, and grandparents too. All of them wanted to give their children a joyful and secure childhood. They were realistic too - they all knew the forces in the popular culture that can rob us of our inner joy and conspire to fill our lives with fear and discontent. We discussed many ways of countering the culture and focusing on what we can control. I was impressed with how loving and creative and determined those parents were, and how many parents I have met just like them. To raise children to be joyful, compassionate, mindful and strong is worth all the effort it takes. It seems to be getting harder to do, but it can be done. Don't give up, and take joy in the opportunities parenting provides - to stretch beyond anything you have ever done before. Check out a quick list of 12 things you can do today to decrease fear and invite more joy into your family life. You'll find more suggestions in Scary News, 12 Ways to Raise Joyful Children When the Headlines are Full of Fear. Read the entire introduction here.

In Joy, 

Lorna

Foreword Magazine's Book-of-the-Year Finalist!

Scary News, 12 Ways to Raise Joyful Children When the Headlines are Full of Fear, by Lorna Knox

        Get Your Copy direct from the publisher!

What is being said about Scary News:

DR LAURA, who recently featured Scary News on her syndicated radio talk show gives Scary News her Great Book! recommendation. 

Michael Medved, Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host and Co-Author of Saving Childhood. says: “Scary News is a thoughtful treatment, featuring commonsense recommendations, of how parents can overcome some of the biggest challenges in child-rearing.”  

Midwest Book Review:  “Scary News is not an escapist guide; it stresses the importance of learning information, but balances that with the key of learning to make life choices out of love, not fear. A reassuring and knowledgeable supplement for answering some of the most difficult questions a child can ask.” 

Dr. Robert Brooks, Faculty, Harvard Medical School, Clinical Psychologist, Author, "The Self-Esteem Teacher"; Co-author, "Raising Resilient Children" and "The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal
Strength in Your Life":    "Our children are constantly confronted with news that can produce anxiety and uncertainty.  This news may be conveyed in the media or children may experience disturbing events first-hand in their neighborhoods.  Lorna Ann
Knox has written a sensible, sensitive book filled with practical suggestions that will assist parents not only to deal realistically with the scary news that pervades our society, but, also help them to nurture optimism, joy, and resilience in their children. Scary News is a valuable resource for parents."

Tom H. Hastings, Author, "Non-Violent Response to Terrorism", Director, Peace and Nonviolence Studies Track, Conflict Resolution MA/MS, Portland State University.  "Scary News is a valuable book that deserves widespread attention from teachers and parents alike. The kind of careful, conscientious processing of the media suggested in Knox's book is essential if we are to raise peaceful children who can transform our world. As a peace educator, I highly recommend this work." 

Rev. Charles W. Hall, Spiritual Director, International Youth and Family Ministries, United Church of Religious Science:  "I like this book – it is practical, nurturing and encouraging. I enjoy the ease with which it is written. It is like hearing from my mother. There is a comfort in it. I will recommend this to parents and youth workers who are looking for guidance, comfort and practical means to create a solid foundation for their children."

Holistic Mom's Network chooses Scary News as Book of the Month

  Listen for Lorna on radio! Lorna is a guest on many stations around the country, click here to see a schedule. 

"Lorna Knox is at the center of a revolution- a movement to reclaim innocence and joy for our nation's children. Her book, Scary News- 12 Ways to Raise Joyful Children When the Headlines are Full of Fear is not only full of practical, down to earth advice on maintaining a sense of perspective when it comes to incoming information- its also a handbook to ensure that children still see the world as a place that includes them and their dreams. Its a must read for every parent and should be shipped to every TV and radio producer in the country to remind them that just because you can do something... doesn't mean you should-when it comes to the news."                 --John St. Augustine, radio personality, speaker and author

Scary News is a valuable resource for parents and teachers!

"...fresh, practical ideas to help guide us."

"As a Child Development Specialist, parents and teachers often ask me how much their children and students should be told about certain tragedies headlining the news. It's a complicated question, but Lorna's book is full of fresh, practical ideas to help guide us. During the Tsunami event, a Kindergarten teacher at my school struggled with how much information to discuss with her class of 5-years olds. I gave her my copy of Scary News, and after reading it she declared it to be "wonderful", and asked that our school purchase more copies for our staff and parents. Scary News is a resource book that should be in every parent's library."  

Kris Knight, Hillsboro, OR             

New! Articles for you to use and share, by Lorna Knox

Looking for a meaningful non-sectarian, spiritual curriculum to use with children? 

I Came From Joy!  Spiritual Affirmations and Activities for Children  offers 26 lessons for teaching universal spiritual values to children of all ages. 

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