Episode 284: Finding The Joy in The Chaos

Meredith Rusu is the author of more than one hundred children’s books, including books for many popular licenses including LEGO, Disney/Pixar, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars. She lives in New Jersey and is a wife and mother to 2 boys.  Her most recent book, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy Rusu encourages kids and parents alike to unleash their inner yetis and embrace the chaotic joy of BIG feelings! There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a rhyming book that follows Matthew, a young boy who can’t help feeling silly in a yeti-sized way! But when Matthew’s yeti comes out to play, he stays all day… What will Matthew’s parents and teachers say? Filled with delightful rhyme and vibrant, fun illustrations, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is perfect for reading aloud and inspires children to channel their BIG emotions in positive and loving ways.  Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Meredith Rusu about how you can help your child (and yourself) manage big emotions, using a little creativity and imagination. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Meredith always knew she wanted to work with children, initially aspiring to be in children's television. Due to geographical constraints, she pursued a career in children's publishing on the East Coast, particularly in licensed publishing. Meredith worked as an editor in licensed publishing for many years, working with authors and editing books based on toys, television, and movies for kids. In 2014, she transitioned to full-time writing and started working on her own original stories. The inspiration for her book There’s a Yeti in My Tummy came from her experiences with her two sons, Matthew and Luke, and their big feelings during the lockdown. There’s a Yeti in My Tummy depicts a little boy dealing with his big feelings through the imaginary presence of a Yeti, allowing children to relate and express their emotions. Meredith emphasizes the importance of finding joy in parenting amidst chaos and challenging situations. She shares stories about her sons' experiences and how teachers played a significant role in helping them navigate their emotions and growth. Meredith encourages parents to embrace their children's big feelings, acknowledging them as a natural part of their development. She highlights the shared experiences of parents and the sense of camaraderie it creates, fostering understanding and compassion among parents.   Connect with Meredith: Website: https://meredithrusu.com/ There’s A Yeti In My Tummy https://a.co/d/7QqhjGj Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meredithrusuwrites/ Follow Rebecca Greene Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices