Bravery: Winter/Spring 2020: Class 1

Dear Wonder-ers,

Welcome to Wonder Studio 2020, Winter/Spring session. Our goal is for this not to just be a “session” but instead a community. Amy, Jamilee, and I (Shannon), are on this journey with you. In this email, you will find some practical information, but you will also find opportunities for inspiration. Let’s start with inspiration and end with practicality.

Homework...yep...right away we are giving you homework ;)

#thewonderstudiobravery

Each week, this semester, we will explore a “guiding word, mantra, thought, inspiration” (whatever you choose to call it).

In class, we will consider this word through the guidance of your teacher. By email (as we know many of you are working parents), we will explore ideas for home.

We offer: A children’s book that explores the topic, a podcast for you to listen to, and sometimes, a parenting book or just a chapter, and some “try this at home” tips.

You can enjoy as much or as little of these ideas as you like.

If you would like to participate in this part of our community, please hashtag #thewonderstudiobravery and any thoughts or pictures that illustrate this for you. We are on Facebook at : @thewonderstudio


Instagram: thewonderstudio


Our first Wonder Word is: Bravery.


A friend was at a craft fair out west and she stopped by an area with some children who were selling a handmade craft they had made. She asked one of the boys, “How did you make that?” He matter of factly replied, “With courage and bravery.”


Next week, when you come into Wonder Studio...many (not all ;) of the children will hide behind your legs or feel worried to come, or be hesitant to put their hand in shaving cream. And, I also know that many of the caregivers will feel the same.

We underestimate and judge ourselves harshly for how hard it is to go outside of our comfort zone. For many, the arts and sciences accomplish that goal.


We tend to think of bravery as climbing to the top of a mountain or competing in a marathon...and those acts are certainly brave...but, I am talking about the everyday bravery. Bravery to ask a high energy child to sit with you and read a book, bravery in asking the lower energy child to go outside and play chase, etc…

This week’s podcast recommendation is:

Mindful Mama: Brave not Perfect with Reshma Saujani

Episode: 177

I really enjoyed this podcast...now it does reference being a girl parent quite often, but if you are a boy parent(I am both ;) or a parent of a transgender child, there is so much here to explore. One of the main aspects is letting go of perfectionism and how perfectionism can be passed on to our children and why it prevents all of us from taking risks and ultimately experiencing happiness. And, yes, this podcast is for Dads too (regardless of the name!). Annnd, there are references to the importance of MESS making...this went straight to my heart as this is what we tell you at Wonder Studio all the time.

Children’s Book:

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

I LOVE this book. Lauren Castillo is one of my favorite artists and there is so much bravery in this book with the little help from a superhero cape.

I hope your family will enjoy it as ours did.

Try this at Home:

#thewonderstudiobravery

Let go of perfectionism. Can you take note of letting go of perfectionism and perhaps how it might lead you outside of your comfort zone? What does that look like for you? How does it challenge you?


Can you let your child see you make a mistake? Have a conversation about making mistakes with someone you trust.

Share with us (if you’re feeling brave ;) #thewonderstudiobravery