 If you ask kids what their favorite food is, more often than not you’ll hear a happy shout of “Pizza!” And I have to admit—I feel the same way. Pizza is colorful, delicious, and endlessly fun. That’s why I decided to create a children’s book all about it, called I LOVE PIZZA! When I began writing this story, I wanted to capture the sheer excitement children feel when they think about pizza. The gooey cheese, the bright red tomatoes, the smell of it baking in the oven—it’s a feast for the senses. And it’s something children everywhere can relate to. Capturing Joy in a Slice The book begins with the simple declaration: “I love pizza in the morning… Pizza at lunch. Pizza for dinner, and also if there’s brunch.” From there, the narrator’s love for pizza grows bigger and sillier with every page. He imagines being crowned the “Pizza King,” delights in pizza at the pool, and even dreams about eating three pizzas in a single day! Writing those lines made me laugh, and I knew children would laugh right along with me. Humor is such a powerful way to engage young readers, and pizza gave me the perfect subject to play with.  The Deeper Layers (Like Toppings!) Of course, as with many of my books, I didn’t want the story to be just about food. I tucked a few life lessons into the fun as well. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the narrator admits that sharing pizza can be difficult—after all, who wants to give up a slice? But then he discovers something wonderful: “Yes, I find sharing my pizza is somewhat of a shame. But then, I end up with more friends than I can name.” That simple truth—sharing leads to friendship—is one I believe children can understand deeply. It’s a lesson wrapped inside laughter, which makes it both memorable and meaningful.  A Gentle Lesson on Balance Another important message in I LOVE PIZZA! is moderation. While the book begins with an over-the-top love of pizza, it ends with a thoughtful reminder: too much of a good thing isn’t always best. “Maybe a little is better than a lot. In this way I won’t have to stop! Yes, there is a measure in all things… Just one slice of pizza and my heart sings!” For me, this ending was important. I wanted children to enjoy the silliness of loving pizza while also learning about balance and healthy choices. Life is full of wonderful things—pizza included!—but joy often comes from appreciating them in just the right amount.  Celebrating Diversity with Pizza Since pizza is loved all over the world, it felt natural to create a multicultural version of I LOVE PIZZA! as well. Food is such a universal connector, and pizza especially is enjoyed in countless ways across different cultures. By offering this version, my hope was to celebrate diversity while showing children that joy, food, and friendship belong to everyone, everywhere. Why I Love Sharing This Book
When I share I LOVE PIZZA! with children, their eyes light up. They giggle at the silly rhymes, shout out their favorite toppings, and sometimes even sing along with the repetition. And when they hear the lessons about sharing and balance, they nod knowingly—as if they’ve discovered something important for themselves. That’s what I love about writing for children. Every story is an opportunity to bring joy, spark imagination, and leave behind a little wisdom. So the next time you’re enjoying a slice with your family, I hope you’ll also enjoy a few giggles from I LOVE PIZZA! Because just like pizza, a good story is meant to be shared. I Love Pizza! may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.
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 When most of us think of holiday classics, our minds jump straight to Christmas — and who doesn’t know the beloved cadence of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? But what if Halloween had its own playful, rhyming story to capture its tricks, treats, and surprises? That’s exactly what inspired The Witch’s Big Night, a Halloween book for children written in sing-song rhyme and brought to life with cheerful illustrations.  A Halloween Tale Begins… It all starts on Halloween night when a little boy and his sister go trick-or-treating. They bravely knock on a witch’s door: “Trick or treat, what does that mean If I have nothing for you? Do you think you can trick me Or scare me, you two?” Of course, this witch is ready for a frightful night — and she has plenty of spookiness in store. One by one, costumed children appear at her door, only to be scared away by her tricks. After all, Halloween is her big night, the one time she can be her most wicked, witchy self. But then something unexpected happens…  Enter the Skunk Among the superheroes, princesses, and goblins stands one unusual trick-or-treater: a child dressed as a skunk. The witch can hardly believe it. She’s been frightening children all evening long, but this little skunk won’t budge. “No one has tricked me,” said the witch. “I live for Halloween. It’s my one night to shine. All I’ve been getting are smiling faces At the door all the time!” The skunk isn’t fazed. Instead, he outsmarts the witch with cleverness and kindness — showing her that sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them. In fact, the witch discovers that even she can have a little fun, and a little friendship, on Halloween night.  A Message Wrapped in Magic While The Witch’s Big Night is first and foremost a joyful holiday story, it also gently carries an important message: Halloween is about more than costumes and candy. It’s about imagination, fun, and finding joy in surprises. Even a scary witch can find a friend. Even a smelly skunk can be the hero. And every child can see Halloween as a time to celebrate creativity and delight. Why Children Love This Story
 A Tradition Worth Starting Just as families revisit The Night Before Christmas every holiday season, The Witch’s Big Night has the charm and cadence to become a Halloween tradition. Imagine gathering kids together before trick-or-treating or ending the evening with a cozy read-aloud. The rhymes make it memorable, the humor makes it fun, and the message makes it meaningful. Final Thought Halloween is full of masks, costumes, tricks, and treats — but sometimes, the best part of the night is the surprise you never saw coming. In The Witch’s Big Night, that surprise is a friendship between a witch and a skunk. It’s a reminder to children (and adults!) that joy and connection can be found in the unlikeliest places. This Halloween, may your nights be filled with laughter, delight, and maybe even a witch or two. The Witch’s Big Night may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.  Looking to meet new friends in a new neighborhood, I wandered over to our little community park one day. What I found was a group of middle-aged women having the time of their lives poking and pushing and smashing and slashing a small whiffle ball around. The old tennis court had been transformed into a makeshift pickleball court with hand-painted lines, a sagging net, and cracks where grass grew. Dogs ran through the play, kids whizzed by on bikes and skates, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains loomed in the distance. I stood on the sidelines watching patiently, trying to figure out the scoring system and the point of the game—other than pure fun. I figured if I hung out long enough, someone would notice my eagerness and invite me in. And they did. When that moment came, I jumped right in, knowing I could probably manage this game. After all, I had once been the top junior tennis player in the country and even a Wimbledon semi-finalist. Surely pickleball couldn’t be too difficult—even at my age, 81. That was the beginning of my love affair with pickleball.  Finding Friends and Building Skills Those four women soon became my closest friends. Together we laughed, stumbled through the rules, and reinterpreted the scoring system every time someone new showed up with advice. Around the same time, I started teaching my unusual form of tennis—“Zennis,” a dance-like, happy way of swinging the racket—at The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. Before long, I added pickleball to my teaching. The funny thing? I could barely keep score myself! But that didn’t stop me. Teaching kept me one step ahead of my students. It also sparked the idea for my book, DARE TO DINK: Pickleball for Seniors and Anyone Else Who Wants to Have Fun. The Head Rackets Pro was shocked.“You’ve only been playing six months!” he said. I smiled. Nothing was going to stop me. After all, I’d already written and illustrated over 100 children’s books. Why not pickleball? What Pickleball Means to Others While gathering stories for my book, I asked fellow players—most of them seniors—why they loved pickleball. Their answers warmed my heart.
 Lessons Pickleball Has Taught Me Over time, I’ve made some observations about the game:
I see the same excitement in my students. One woman with two hip replacements can no longer ride horses, but pickleball gave her a new passion. Another had never hit a ball before, yet she beams every week as she grows more confident.  A New Kind of Happiness Some of my happiest moments now are in the summers here in Colorado Springs. I sling my pickleball bag over my shoulder, grab my visor and water jug, and head to Monument Valley Park. Walking through the trees toward the courts, I can already hear the laughter, the pop-pop of the ball, and then the greetings begin: “Hi, Sally.” “Good to see you, Sally.” “Want to play in?” It makes my heart sing. Pickleball may look like just a simple game, but for me—and for so many others—it’s a source of joy, friendship, fitness, and lifelong learning. Want to Learn More?If you’re curious about trying pickleball, or if you’re already playing and want to dive deeper into the fun, my book Dare to Dink, click here.
For pickleball gifts and art by Sally Huss, click here. (Inspired by the children's book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS by Sally Huss)  Helping Kids Say No to Peer Pressure Every child, at some point, will face a moment of decision. A friend may whisper, “Come on, just try it.” A group might laugh and say, “Don’t be a baby.” This is peer pressure — the invisible tug that makes kids want to fit in, even if it means doing something they know is wrong. For parents and teachers, the big question is: How can we prepare children to stand strong in those moments? One effective way is through stories that let children “practice” difficult choices in the safety of their imagination. Sally Huss’s book No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs — also available in a multicultural version — gives children just that chance. By following Billy and his guide, Mr. Consequences, young readers see what it looks like to resist peer pressure and choose wisely. Peer Pressure: Why It’s So Powerful Children naturally want to belong. Being accepted by friends feels good, while being excluded feels scary. This is why peer pressure is so powerful. Even confident, happy children can feel torn when friends encourage them to make poor choices. The challenge is that peer pressure often happens in the moment — on the playground, after school, or at a party — and kids don’t have time to stop and think. That’s why preparation is key. By talking through scenarios in advance, and by letting children “see” examples in stories, we give them the tools to respond with confidence.  Billy’s Story: A Choice at the Crossroads In No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, young Billy walks home from school and stumbles upon a group of boys smoking and drinking. “Hey kid, take a puff,” they urge. For a split second, Billy is caught in the pressure of the group. Enter Mr. Consequences — a small mouse with big wisdom. He pulls Billy aside and shows him what’s really at stake. Through lively illustrations and powerful images — chimneys with smoke, Swiss cheese with holes, sick and unhappy people, and even glimpses of a wasted or bright future — Billy learns to see beyond the moment. By the end of the story, Billy has practiced saying no. He has learned that his health and happiness are worth protecting, and that good choices lead to a brighter future.  Practical Lessons for Saying No What makes this book so effective is that it doesn’t just say “Don’t do drugs” or “Don’t smoke.” Instead, it gives children reasons to say no — and even more importantly, it gives them words to use. Here are some strategies parents and teachers can draw from the story:
 Why the Multicultural Version Matters Children come from many different families, cultures, and communities. In the multicultural version of No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, the message is clear: making good choices is universal. No matter who you are or where you come from, health and happiness depend on saying no to harmful habits. This inclusivity helps children see themselves in the story. When kids recognize characters who look like them, the lessons feel personal and powerful. It also opens the door for classrooms and families with diverse backgrounds to share the book together and know the message applies to everyone.  Conversations Parents and Teachers Can Have Stories are just the starting point. The real magic happens in the conversations that follow. Here are a few questions and discussion prompts to use after reading:
Giving Kids the Tools to Choose Wisely One of the most powerful lines from Mr. Consequences is: “Everyone has the right to make their own choices — good or bad. Now you understand the importance of making good choices. Your happiness depends on it.” This shifts the focus from rules and restrictions to empowerment. Children don’t feel like they’re just following what adults say — they realize they have control over their own futures. They see that their happiness is in their hands, shaped by the choices they make every day.  Why Stories Work Better Than Lectures Let’s be honest: children don’t usually respond well to lectures. “Don’t do this” and “Don’t do that” often go in one ear and out the other. Stories, on the other hand, spark the imagination. They let kids step into the shoes of characters like Billy and ask, “What would I do?” By experiencing the tug of peer pressure alongside Billy and then feeling the relief of making the right choice, children internalize the lesson in a way that sticks. It becomes their own story — not just something adults told them. A Universal Message of Health and Happiness At its heart, No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs is about more than just avoiding harmful substances. It’s about protecting health, nurturing happiness, and building a future full of possibility. It’s about giving children the confidence to stand tall, even when the crowd is pulling in another direction. Whether read at home with a parent, in a classroom with a teacher, or in a community program that celebrates diversity, the book delivers a message every child needs to hear: You have the power to say no. You have the right to choose health. Your future matters.  Final Thoughts
Peer pressure will always be part of growing up, but with preparation, guidance, and strong stories, children can face it with courage. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs provides both the warnings and the hope, reminding children that their choices today shape their happiness tomorrow. With Mr. Consequences as their guide, kids learn that it’s not about being “cool” or “fitting in.” It’s about being true to themselves, protecting their health, and creating a future filled with joy and success. And that’s a lesson worth sharing with every child, in every culture. If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Click here to visit my Children’s Books page (Inspired by the children's book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS by Sally Huss)  Whether it’s touching a hot stove, skipping homework, or following the wrong crowd, the results may not always be immediate — but they are real. As parents, grandparents, and teachers, we try to explain this in words, but sometimes words alone don’t sink in. That’s where stories come in. Stories make the abstract real. They take big ideas like “choices” and “consequences” and turn them into characters, images, and feelings that children can understand. One such story is No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs by Sally Huss, where a little boy named Billy meets an unusual guide — a mouse named Mr. Consequences. Why Consequences Are Hard for Kids to Understand Young children live in the present moment. They’re more focused on what feels fun, exciting, or comforting right now. Long-term effects don’t register easily. Telling a six- or seven-year-old that smoking could lead to lung cancer decades later won’t mean much to them. But showing them a mouse with a piece of Swiss cheese filled with holes — and explaining that bad choices can eat away at health and happiness — makes the idea memorable. In No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, Mr. Consequences gently teaches Billy (and the reader) about how harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use can damage the body and steal away happiness. The lessons are told with humor, imagination, and visuals kids can grasp.  Mr. Consequences and the Power of Storytelling The story begins with Billy walking home from school and encountering a group of boys experimenting with smoking and drinking. They urge him to try, and for a moment, Billy is caught in the pull of peer pressure. Just then, a tiny but mighty guide appears: Mr. Consequences, a wise mouse who steps in to help. Mr. Consequences uses powerful images to explain his lessons:
 Health and Happiness Go Hand in Hand One of the most powerful messages in the book is that health and happiness are deeply connected. When Mr. Consequences shows Billy sick and unhappy people who have lost their health, he explains: “When you lose your health, you lose your happiness too.” For children, this connection is important. They may not fully understand what it means to “damage your lungs” or “hurt your brain,” but they do understand happiness. Linking health habits directly to happiness gives them a clear reason to say no when temptations arise. Drugs, Doctors, and the Danger of Misuse The story also clears up confusion about drugs. Mr. Consequences explains that drugs have a place when used by doctors to help sick or injured people heal. But drugs found on the street are different. They damage health, hurt the brain, and rob young people of their potential. This is a vital distinction for children, who may hear the word “drugs” in different contexts. The story helps them see that while medicine can heal, street drugs harm.  Everyone Has the Ability to Become Great Another uplifting message in the book is that every child has the ability to become great at something. Whether it’s sports, music, art, science, or kindness, every child has gifts and talents. But harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use can block those gifts from shining. By showing Billy kids who look lazy, hopeless, and stuck, Mr. Consequences highlights the danger of wasted potential. Then, by showing Billy his own bright future, he reminds children that their happiness and success depend on the choices they make today. Practical Lessons for Parents and Teachers While No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs tells its story through charming characters and illustrations, it also provides a springboard for important conversations at home or in the classroom. Here are a few ways parents and teachers can use the book:
 Why This Story Matters Today Children are facing pressures younger than ever before. Vaping, alcohol, and drugs are often portrayed as “cool” or “normal” in media. Peer influence can be strong, and children may not yet have the tools to resist. That’s why stories like No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs are so important. They give children not just information, but imagination — a way to picture both the dangers of bad choices and the rewards of good ones. A Message of Hope and Empowerment At the end of the story, Mr. Consequences reminds Billy: “Everyone has the right to make their own choices — good or bad. Now you understand the importance of making good choices. Your happiness depends on it.” Billy thanks him, now confident in his ability to choose wisely. He sees a future where he is healthy, happy, and successful. That’s the kind of vision every child deserves to hold onto.  Final Thoughts
Consequences may seem like a heavy topic for children, but when explained through stories, they become clear and meaningful. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs offers children not just warnings, but hope — showing that their choices matter, their health matters, and their happiness matters. When children learn early that good choices lead to bright futures, they are far better equipped to resist pressures and live joyfully. Mr. Consequences is a delightful guide who reminds us all — young and old — that happiness is built one good choice at a time. The book, No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more. (Inspired by the children's book One Green Omelet, Please! by Sally Huss)  Why Kids Should Know Their Food’s Story Children today are surrounded by food, but very few actually know how it gets to their plates. Eggs come neatly packaged in cartons. Fruits and vegetables appear in bins at the grocery store. Bread comes pre-sliced in plastic bags. To many kids, it can feel as if food just magically “shows up.” That’s where One Green Omelet, Please! comes in—a delightful children’s book that not only entertains but also teaches one of life’s most important lessons: where our food comes from and why it matters.  A Girl, an Omelet, and a Big Question The story begins on a Sunday morning outing to a local restaurant with a hungry little girl who decides she wants one thing for breakfast: a green omelet. A funny request, perhaps, but kids will instantly recognize the curiosity and whimsy behind it. “Green?” asks the reader in their mind. Yes, green! The girl imagines the delicious dish, but she doesn’t stop there—she wonders what goes into it and how it is made. Where do the eggs come from? What about the spinach? What else goes inside? And so begins a playful journey of discovery, one that takes young readers from the chicken coop to the garden, and beyond.  The Egg Came First One of the first stops in our heroine's imagination is the chicken coop, where the girl discovers that eggs don’t simply appear in cartons—they are laid by hens. She can imagine the straw, hears the clucking, and watches the miracle of fresh eggs being gathered. For children who have never visited a farm, this is eye-opening. The humble egg becomes something special when kids understand the living, breathing animal that provided it.  The Garden Gives Its Greens Next, the girl learns where the “green” in her omelet comes from. String beans! They had grown with the help of the sun, their vines wound around sticks until done. Broccoli and diced zucchini, spinach, avocado, green onions, and peas color her omelet with bits of green. This part of the story is especially powerful for children because it’s so easy to replicate. Even a small pot of soil on a windowsill can show a child how seeds sprout, how plants grow, and how food is nurtured from the ground up. When kids see spinach (or herbs, or tomatoes) grow before their eyes, they begin to connect food to patience, care, and nature’s rhythms.  The Source of the Cheese She discovers a little shredded, melted cheese here and there that the chef has sprinkled with care. Where did it come from? She can almost smell the grassy fields where the cows graze and then the farmer milking a cow. The milk is then curdled and with a squeeze, it is turned into cheddar cheese.  The Magic of Cooking Once the ingredients are gathered, the story shifts to the kitchen where the chef performs his magic. Eggs are cracked, spinach is chopped, and the skillet sizzles. Children can understand that cooking is its own adventure—one that blends creativity, responsibility, and joy. By the end, the little girl doesn’t just eat a green omelet. She images that it fills her whole being. She understands it. She knows its story—from chicken, to garden, to pan. And that makes the meal taste all the more delicious.  Why This Lesson Matters One Green Omelet, Please! may be whimsical, but its message is deeply practical. When kids learn where food comes from, a few powerful things happen:
 A Recipe for More Than Breakfast
The green omelet in the story is more than a quirky dish—it’s a recipe for awareness. Just as the girl learns to connect the dots between egg, spinach, and skillet, children learn to connect the dots between effort and reward, patience and growth, gratitude and joy. When parents share stories like this, they aren’t just teaching nutrition. They’re planting seeds of responsibility, mindfulness, and appreciation. Final Thought: Omelets and Understanding One Green Omelet, Please! may seem like a playful tale about breakfast, but it’s really a gentle invitation for children to look deeper. Food doesn’t come from stores—it comes from the earth, from animals, from farmers, and from families who prepare it with care. When children understand that story, every bite feels richer. A simple omelet becomes a lesson in gratitude, curiosity, and joy. So the next time your child asks, “What’s for breakfast?” you might just smile and say, “One green omelet, please!” If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find One Green Omelet, Please! and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page.  A Little Boy with a Big Lesson Every once in a while, a children’s story comes along that feels like it was written not just for kids, but for all of us. POSITIVE PETE is one of those stories. Pete isn’t the tallest boy in the class. He’s small. He’s got freckles, big ears, and glasses that keep slipping down his nose. But he also has something that makes him stand taller than anyone else around him—his attitude. Every morning, Pete starts his day the same way. He looks in the mirror and says: "I’m as perfect as I can be. Nothing can upset me, no, no, not me!" It’s a little chant, a happy mantra, and a promise to himself that no matter what happens, he will see the good in it. And Pete keeps that promise. When Spilled Milk Doesn’t Ruin Your Day The story begins at breakfast. Pete’s sister waves her hand, and—splat!—her glass of milk spills all over his eggs and ham. Most kids (and let’s be honest, most adults too) would pout, grumble, or push the soggy food away. But not Pete. "Delicious," he says with a grin, as he wipes the plate clean. Right away, young readers (and their parents) see the magic in Pete. He doesn’t let little accidents spoil his fun. Instead, he finds a way to smile through them.  From Traffic Jams to Tumbles Pete carries this cheerful spirit with him everywhere. A traffic jam on the way to school? No problem. A tough grade in class? He’ll do better next time. A tumble on the playground that leaves his knee scraped and sore? He calls it just another chance to get back up. Pete’s optimism isn’t loud or boastful. It’s quiet, steady, and contagious. Children reading his story can’t help but wonder: If Pete can stay happy through all that, maybe I can too.  A Heart Bigger Than His Size One of the most touching moments in POSITIVE PETE comes when a classmate teases him for being so small. "Why are you so small? You seem to be the smallest of us all." Instead of shrinking back, Pete smiles. He explains that size doesn’t measure greatness—heart does. His words carry a wisdom that shines far beyond the playground: "It’s the heart that has a special task-- That is to overcome any difficulty that comes my way By seeing it in a different way." What a powerful lesson for children! Pete teaches that confidence doesn’t come from how you look, but from how you think.  Moving Day with No Tears As the story continues, Pete faces one of the hardest challenges of all—his family has to move because his father lost his job. For most kids, moving means tears, fear, and goodbyes that sting. But Pete? He doesn’t shed a tear. Instead, he leans on his morning promise: "Yep, life is perfect as it can be. Nothing can upset me, no, no, not me!" What might have been a sad ending becomes a celebration of resilience. Pete reminds us that every change is a new adventure waiting to happen. Why Kids Need Pete’s Example POSITIVE PETE is more than a charming rhyming tale—it’s a toolkit for kids. Here’s what children (and parents) can take away:
Bringing Pete into Everyday Life Children don’t just learn from books—they learn from practice. Here are a few ways families can bring Pete’s positive spirit into daily life:
 eWhy Stories Like This Matter
The world can be a confusing, sometimes overwhelming place for children. They face pressures at school, social comparisons, and unexpected changes at home. Books like POSITIVE PETE remind them that they have the power to control their outlook, even when they can’t control their circumstances. Pete isn’t a superhero. He doesn’t fly, fight dragons, or wield magic spells. Instead, his superpower is one every child already has within them—the ability to think differently. That makes his story not only relatable but also deeply empowering. Final Thought: Pete’s Promise At the heart of POSITIVE PETE is a simple truth: happiness doesn’t come from having perfect days. It comes from deciding to see the good, no matter what happens. When children repeat Pete’s chant-- "I’m as perfect as I can be. Nothing can upset me, no, no, not me!" —they aren’t just reciting words. They’re planting seeds of resilience, optimism, and joy. Seeds that can grow into a lifetime of strength and positivity. And that’s the beauty of Pete’s story. He may be small, but his lesson is larger than life. This book, Positive Pete, may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more. (Inspired by the children's book Helpful Henry by Sally Huss.)  Many parents struggle with chores. Should children do them? At what age? And how do we avoid turning chores into daily battles? The truth is, chores are more than household tasks—they are opportunities for children to learn responsibility, teamwork, and even joy. Why Chores Matter Research shows that children who regularly do chores from an early age grow up to be more responsible, independent, and capable adults. When kids contribute at home, they learn that they are part of a team and that their actions matter. This sense of belonging boosts self-esteem and creates a foundation for lifelong responsibility. Turning Chores Into Opportunities The trick is reframing chores as contributions rather than punishments. When children see chores as “helping” rather than “work,” they are far more likely to approach them with enthusiasm. For example:
When matched to their age and abilities, chores feel like accomplishments rather than burdens.  Celebrate Effort, Not Perfection The bed may not be perfectly made, but the effort matters more than the outcome. Praise your child’s willingness to help, and resist the urge to “fix” their work in front of them. Over time, their skills will improve naturally, but their attitude toward helping will remain positive. Link Chores to Joy and Love Children are more motivated when they see the direct impact of their help. For instance, when your child sets the table, point out how nice it looks and how it makes dinnertime feel special. When they feed the family dog, emphasize how happy and healthy the pet is thanks to them. These connections transform chores into meaningful acts of love. A Lesson From Helpful Henry In my book Helpful Henry, Henry discovers that simple acts of helping—tidying up, lending a hand, or completing small tasks—bring happiness to everyone around him. And, most importantly, they bring happiness to Henry himself! Children who read Henry’s story begin to see chores not as something boring, but as chances to make a difference.  Practical Tips for Parents
 Final Thought Chores are small things, but they carry big lessons. They teach children that they are capable, needed, and valued. They show that helping at home is not drudgery, but an expression of care and teamwork. With a cheerful role model like Helpful Henry, kids can see for themselves that helping isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about bringing joy, pride, and kindness into everyday life. This book may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.
(Inspired by the children's book HELPFUL HENRY by Sally Huss)  Kindness is one of the most important qualities we can nurture in our children. It is a value that not only benefits others but also strengthens a child’s own sense of happiness, self-worth, and belonging. In fact, studies show that children who engage in kind and compassionate behaviors are more likely to feel connected, confident, and less anxious. But how do we actually encourage kindness in children, especially in a world where distractions are everywhere? The good news is that kindness can be taught—and it often begins with small steps. 1. Model Kindness Daily Children are always watching. If they see you holding the door for someone, greeting a neighbor with warmth, or offering a helping hand, they learn that kindness is part of everyday life. Even small actions, such as thanking the grocery clerk or sending a quick note of encouragement to a friend, become living lessons for your child.  2. Catch Kindness in Action When your child does something thoughtful—shares a toy, offers to help, or comforts a friend—acknowledge it. A simple, “That was kind of you” reinforces the behavior. Over time, kindness becomes part of their identity: I am someone who helps and cares for others. 3. Create Opportunities for Kindness Kindness grows when it has room to blossom. Provide opportunities: let your child draw a cheerful picture for a grandparent, help bake cookies for a neighbor, or donate gently used toys to children in need. These acts not only help others but also allow children to feel the joy of giving.  4. Teach Empathy Through Stories Stories have the power to shape hearts. Reading books that highlight kindness, compassion, and helping behaviors gives children role models to look up to. In my children’s book Helpful Henry, Henry discovers how lending a hand can make a difference—not just for others, but for himself. He finds that helping fills his heart with joy. Children quickly connect with Henry’s cheerful spirit and begin to see kindness as fun and rewarding. 5. Practice Gratitude Together Kindness and gratitude go hand in hand. At bedtime, try sharing one kind thing you each did during the day. This gentle reflection helps children recognize the importance of their actions and encourages them to repeat them.  6. Make Kindness a Family Value
Talk about kindness openly. Create a family “kindness jar,” where each member writes down kind things they notice about one another. At the end of the week, read them together. This practice creates a culture of positivity at home, where kindness is both noticed and celebrated. Final Thought Encouraging kindness doesn’t require big gestures. It’s the small, consistent acts—smiles, words of encouragement, little helps—that shape a child’s character. And when children see that kindness brings happiness, they will carry that lesson throughout their lives. Helpful Henry is a reminder that helping others is not a chore but a joy. With stories, examples, and encouragement, we can all raise children who make the world a kinder place—one small act at a time. If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find Helpful Henry, and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page. (Inspired by the books Self-Confident Sandy and The Trick to Being Fearless by Sally Huss)  The Power of Positive Mantras for Kids Words have magic. The things we say to ourselves can lift us up—or pull us down. For children, learning to use words as tools for encouragement is one of the best ways to build self-esteem. That’s where positive mantras come in! In my story Self-Confident Sandy, Sandy has a mantra she repeats with joy: “Sandy, Sandy, Self-Confident Sandy… Always keeps her mantra handy!” It’s catchy, it’s fun, and most importantly—it helps Sandy believe in herself. But Sandy isn’t the only one who learns the power of words. In another story, The Trick to Being Fearless, a young boy discovers that his own thoughts can chase away fear. Instead of letting worries overwhelm him, he learns to use brave, strong thoughts that calm his heart and lift his courage. Together, these two stories show children how their words and thoughts can shape the way they see themselves and the world.  What Is a Mantra? A mantra is a short, powerful phrase we say over and over. It’s like planting seeds in the mind. Over time, these words grow into beliefs, and beliefs shape actions. For children, mantras can become inner cheerleaders that whisper: “You are brave.” “You are kind.” “You can do this.” Why Do Kids Need Mantras?Children face many challenges—making friends, trying new activities, or speaking up in class. Having a mantra gives them an anchor when they feel nervous or uncertain. It helps them pause, breathe, and remember their inner strength. In The Trick to Being Fearless, the little boy faces fear head-on by learning to choose thoughts that give him courage. Whether it’s Sandy’s cheerful rhyme or the boy’s fearless thinking, the message is the same: children can guide their emotions through the words they repeat inside.  How to Teach Your Child a Mantra
Examples of Mantras for Kids
 Words and Thoughts Work Together
Mantras are one way to strengthen confidence. The Trick to Being Fearless shows another: teaching children how to shift their thoughts when fear creeps in. When kids learn that they can guide both their words (through mantras) and their thoughts (through fearless thinking), they gain a powerful toolkit for facing life with courage. Sandy chants her mantra, and the boy in The Trick to Being Fearless shifts his thoughts. Both stories reveal the same truth: children have the power to guide their feelings through the words and ideas they carry inside. By teaching our children this “inner language,” we give them tools not just for today, but for a lifetime of confidence and courage. If you’d like to share these stories with a child you love, you’ll find Self-Confident Sandy and The Trick to Being Fearless, and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page. |
Sally Huss
I'm an author/illustrator of many children's books, over 100. I've also had 26 of my own licensed art galleries across the country and filled them with my art and happy thoughts. Those thoughts became the basis of my King Features syndicated newspaper panel -- Happy Musings. In this blog, you will find themes on health and happiness, tennis and pickleball, love and life -- all to inform you and brighten your day. Archives
November 2025
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