Menderist shares stories about how people turned difficult moments, days, and situations around. See the menu to choose stories in the categories of Relationships; Health; Work; At Home; and Outside and Around.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
What does an inspiring school library look like? An educator shares favorite memories of children’s reactions to the fun environment she and other librarians created.
“Elementary students dashed into the library and ran to their favorite sections, looking at the new signage and posters….”
A sensitive child struggles in Spanish language class – until her teacher takes a more playful approach.
“The entire class was loving it – except Jenna. It was at this moment I realized Jenna hated loud noises!”
An educator remembers how, as a child, she felt valued by her teacher. She shares how she fosters a sense of belonging in her work with children today.
“These behind-the-scenes moments of showing students …help them understand the ‘why’ behind what teachers do….”
It can be challenging to keep children reading – so when they succeed, it’s time to celebrate. A peek into a middle school’s ‘Fun Friday’.
“If classes had earned positive feedback and accomplished their tasks …they had free time on Friday to take part in special activities.”
Here’s Menderist’s complete list of 19 mental-health themed books, 2024-2025, that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together. We chose these books in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (of 11 to 14).
“Seventh-grader Viv …becomes so preoccupied with her image and social media presence that she ignores her real-life friends.” (from the review of ‘Picture Day’)
What parental guidance has the biggest impact on a child’s future? For author Kern Carter, a large part of success has been his mother’s steady encouragement of, and belief in, his longtime goal of becoming a published author.
Becoming a mother is a huge transition for women, involving physical, psychological, and spiritual shifts. Psychiatrist Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy recounts her early motherhood journey, revealing how conventional approaches failed her. She shares how she and her partner are co-creating a family life that centers on children’s needs and family health.
Advice received long ago from her husband’s mother is still valuable today, explains researcher Amanda Doherty-Kirby. She remembers the practical help her mother-in-law, Jean, provided during key events, like wedding preparations and setting up their family home.
After growing up in a home where her mother encouraged creative play, kindness, and family rituals, author Cheryl Oreglia made an unusual decision. She describes childhood memories and their lasting effects.
The early loss of a parent was a devastating experience. But, explains teacher Mark Winterbottom, steps taken by his pragmatic and compassionate mother helped him through dark days – and into a successful career and family life.
Sign up to be notified when new Menderist content goes live.
Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
