Author Mary Jo Bell

How the book I Can Feel it In My Heart began…

March 10, 2023

It’s 1987. I am standing in our small New York City, apartment, likely doing “mom-related” things, on behalf of our two very young children.

Out of nowhere, a little voice inside me whispers. You know this voice-it’s the kind one that prompts us to help others, to forgive, and to do a multitude of other good things. It’s the opposite of the voice that accuses and condemns us. We always want to steer clear of that mean voice.

It was the gentle, honest, and loving voice that had my attention. “Would you please help fight pornography?” it whispered.

Huh?

Why me? I had only heard the word pornography maybe a handful of times in my life, and I had never known anyone involved with pornography. I felt like a clueless recruit.

Still, I said “OK” to no on

Let’s Change the World for Good…We’ve Got a New Book that Can Help.

February 1, 2023

When I behold little ones, with their shiny innocence, their unabashed love for their families, their wholesome wonder and laughter., I marvel…you too?

Don’t we feel like we want to protect them from the harmful things of the world? Of course, yes!

But how can we help? One way is to read them the new book “I Can Feel it in my Heart.” It can be pre- ordered here. Use the code safehearts20 for 20% off.

This book is about helping little ones know what to do, should they bump into inappropriate media images, including pornography.

I hope it can be shared widely, to help protect small children in this higher-tech, higher-risk digital age. You may know of someone who

Connect with grandkids by telling them your stories! Here are 6 they need to hear

Photo of Woman Showing Her Cellphone to Her Grandmother

Telling stories from your own life is a great way to connect with grandkids.

The holidays can be a great time for Grandma to really connect with grandkids. One way to do that is by letting them connect with you.

Mary Jo Bell encourages nanas to bond with the kids through stories. She shares the six stories your grandkids need to hear from your own life.

Holiday Hospitality: 2 ways grandmas can make the season magical

Grandmother and Grandfather Holding Child on Their Lap

Make the season special for the grandkids with a little holiday hospitality.

At your family’s holiday parties this year, be the welcoming nana, the generous nana, and the warm nana. To sum it up, simply be the hospitable nana. It will be the thing to make your holiday party not just memorable, but magical.

Have deeper conversations with the grandkids! Here are 3 ways to connect with them

December 9, 2022

Turn surface-level grandkid chats into deeper conversations.

Take advantage of the extra time you may get to spend with your grandkids this Christmas with deeper conversations.

Our leading voice in the Nanahood series, Mary Jo Bell, shares how.

Nanas are needed! 4 reasons grandkids need you now more than ever

September 20, 2022 2 min read

Nanas are needed by their families.

With our Nanahood series in motion, it’s time we introduce our leading voice.

Mary Jo Bell is an author and speaker in pursuit of filling homes with more love and more laughter. She’s a nana to nine and passionate about that role. She will be joining us monthly to help you find your nana spirit and strength because she believes nanas are needed now more than ever.

Now is the best time to be a grandma! Here are 3 ways to make the most of nanahood

September 1, 2021 1 min read

Be a grandma in the best way!

There’s motherhood, there’s fatherhood, and now there’s a new term we are loving – nanahood! Being a grandma can be more than just play time and endless treats. Make time spent with the grandchildren meaningful and something they will remember throughout their life.

Mary Bell shares three ways she makes nanahood special for her grandkids. Women are living thirty years longer than a century ago, and that gives grandmas greater opportunities to be influential in their grandchildren’s lives.

No toys from grandma? Here are 5 ways to gift an experience instead of things

What if grandma gave no toys this Christmas?

We know toys are the big ticket items with kids at Christmas. But as a grandma, what if you took a different approach? Spending time with your grandkids will give them emotional oxygen that will outlast any toy.

Mary Bell shares what emotional oxygen is. She gives five ideas for giving grandkids an experience with their grandparents, whether you live close to them or not. One is a gift in disguise for your daughter or daughter-in-law! While you spend time with the kids, mom can get things done.

Bonding With Grandchildren: These 5 things will help you grow this important relationship

Photo of Woman Embracing Her Grandmother

June 23, 2022 4 min read

Bonding with grandchildren can be done with these five specific things.

Anyone can have a relationship – but not every relationship takes hold of your heart.

Author and speaker Mary Jo Bell believes there is one relationship that should. She is on a quest to strengthen the grandparent connection, and has observed five specific things grandparents can do to become genuinely close with their grandkids.