Mishka’s Favorites
My highly curated list of favorite gifts, books, activities, and other fun stuff.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. This helps support my website and is a very important factor in my capacity to offer pro bono help to families in need.
Books That Make a Difference
Dr. Mona Delahooke’s books are incredible.
This is my number one recommended parenting book. An incredible book, by a wonderful clinician and my mentor and friend. Dr. Mona’s book is wonderful for anyone looking for an easy to read primer on how to focus on what is important, what works, and nurture attachment. It is backed by research, and decades of work.
Another wonderful book by Dr. Mona. This one is fantastic for those who want to know more, dig deeper, work in the field, or help educate their child’s school.
When we look Beyond Behaviors, and get curious and compassionate about what children are telling us through their behavior, we get such a deeper and more clear story, and clarity on what to do to help children grow into their best selves.
The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy, MS, CCC-SLP teaches us incredible tools on adapting our language into a style that helps kids (and adults) relate in authentic ways, while reducing conflict and removing pressure.
I use Declarative Language with my kids all the time. It’s so nice to be able to speak in ways that are open and offering support and generosity in our expectations and in our relationships.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for helpful ways to adjust language to be less directive, and more open, allowing others to be intrinsically motivated, which increases cooperation and ease in relationships.
Most Fun Cooperative Games!
Cooperative games are awesome for making memories without the stress of competition, and work well for mixed ages. (I am a solo parent with 3 kids, ages 3, 9, and 14). These are our very favorites, and we have been through dozens.
Definitely my family ‘s favorite game. We have probably gifted it over a dozen times. It is always a crowd pleaser, even for the adults!