Mama Lisa's World
International Music & Culture
A place for poems, songs, rhymes and traditions from around the world for both kids and grown-ups to enjoy!
French Kid Songs & Rhymes
A Mama Lisa Book...
Over 50 French children's songs and rhymes, with translations and commentary. An iPhone/iPad App or Book starting at just $1.99! More...
Articles about 'Parenting'
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My family and I took a trip to Washington DC last weekend.  It’s the first time we’d been there in many years and there have been a lot of changes.  Several new major monuments have opened. One of the most impressive is the FDR Monument.  It’s a particularly great destination if anyone in your party...
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To increase your family’s intake of fruit and veggies in school or at work, here’s a simple trick… Cut an apple or orange and place a rubber band around it. Then place it in a baggy or container. It keeps the fruit fresh and juicy on the inside, yet it’s easy to eat. Enjoy! –Mama Lisa
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Here’s a great list of 100 Ways to Be Kind to Your Child.  Because kindness starts at home! Love, Mama Lisa
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When my son was born, my husband’s grandmother asked if she could tie a red ribbon to the bottom of his crib.  This was to ward off the "evil eye" and keep away bad luck. Some people wear a red string or bracelet on their left hand to ward off the "evil eye" too.  The red...
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All kids should watch this video below for inspiration… it’s a good answer the question, "Why should I do well in school?"
Andrea Garrido shared with us an early childhood memory of the Spanish lullaby called "La loba".  She’s from Montevideo, Uruguay. Here’s what she wrote: Since I was young, I heard "The She-Wolf" as a lullaby sung in my family. My grandmother sang it to me at night when I stayed at her home overnight. She would...
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The poem, Perseverance or Try Again by William Hickson appeared as a song in his book "The Singing Master" in 1836.  It’s believed he coined the proverb "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again": ‘Tis a lesson you should heed– Try, try, try again; ...
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Cinnamon Ornaments smell great!  They’re very easy to make and are a nice early Christmas gift to give.  I made ours in somewhat neutral shapes so people could keep them hanging around the house for the yummy smell after Christmas.  We made stars, crescent moons, hearts and trees.  Below you can find the recipe for...
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We’ve been without electricity, and have had only intermittent internet connections, since last Monday due to Hurricane Sandy.  There are many people in similar situations (or worse) in the areas affected by the hurricane.  This is the most we’ve been without electronical devices and computers since they became widespread in the 1990’s.  I’ve found we’re...
What is Success? is a poem written by Bessie A. Stanley.  It’s a poem that explores what it means to live a full, fruitful, compassionate life.  These are topics that are important to speak with children about.  You can listen to the poem and read along below… MP3 of What is Success? What is Success? He has achieved...
Here’s a 3 minute video for kids about the 8 secrets to success.  Psst… here’s what they are… Passion (do it for love, not money) Hard Work Get Good at It Push (through self doubt, etc.) Serve Others Something of Value ...
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It can be difficult to roll your R’s when speaking in Spanish.  This video gives some great tips to get those R’s a-rolling! Enjoy! Mama Lisa
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Here’s the poem “Only a Dad” by Edgar Albert Guest.  I’m posting this now in time for Father’s Day for my dad who brought up four kids just like the father in the poem. MP3 Recording of Only a Dad Only A Dad Only a dad, with a tired face, Coming home from the daily race, Bringing little...
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Remember this… Boy times have changed!
Florence wrote asking for help finding a childhood story.  Here’s her letter: Hello Lisa, My Grandpa was Swedish and when I was growing up he and my Dad would tell us a story about Uncle Bobby and his two monkeys; Jim & Jockle (sp?). They were naughty little monkeys. That’s about all I can recall. I’ve have...
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Most kids in the US have to learn where all the 50 states are at some point in elementary school.  My daughter had to learn them for a test this week. We tried apps for the iPad and Android to help her learn them.  None of the ones we found were very helpful.  So we went...
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I’ve posted the song My Pigeon House twice already (click the link for one popular version) and see more versions of Pigeon House on my blog.  I know many people are interested in this song, so when I found a version from 1917 in "Primary Education" (Vol. 25), I became very curious.  But before getting...
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My daughter’s class had a multicultural celebration recently where each kid interviewed a relative about a recipe that’s been handed down in the family.  My daughter interviewed my Mom about her manicotti recipe. Here’s part of what she learned: "Manicotti is from Italy, and it’s been in my family since 1810.  It was passed down from...
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My daughter’s 5th grade class had a Multicultural Feast this week.  The feast was about both writing and exploring one’s cultural heritage.  The students had to ask a relative for a recipe that’s been handed down within the family and then to interview that person about the history of the recipe.  All of the recipes...
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My daughter had her ears pierced last year.  She had problems with different earrings causing reactions to her skin.  We tried nickel free earrings, 14 karat gold, sterling silver, hypoallergenic, titanium and on and on.  Finally, after a long search we found earrings that didn’t cause a reaction!  They’re made of 304 surgical steel with...
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