Parenting Thought:
Hunt Some Treasure
Have an outdoor treasure hunt. Hide one or more treasures (candy or trinkets). Use different colors of chalk to write clues on the sidewalk. Make it very simple or more difficult depending on what your child can handle. You can use pictures for non-readers.
If you invite neighbors to your hunt, have different colored treasures and clues – one color for each child so they each have the fun of finding their own treasure and they are not rushing to be the first to find a single treasure.
If a child is having difficulty, let him ask someone for help.
Summer’s Picture Books
We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of. For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.
What’s in it for you, the reader?
A reminder that preschool-aged children test out what it means to be mean, but you can help them learn that there are good reasons to give up being mean to be nice.
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OLIVER AND HIS ALLIGATOR by Paul Schmid
What’s in it for you, the reader?
A reminder that the first days of school can be scary for your children at any age and that you can help them get over those fears.
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KATIE AND THE PUPPY NEXT DOOR by John Himmelman
What’s in it for you, the reader?
A reminder that all children have trouble sharing, but you can help them learn that it also can be fun to share.
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I WILL LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT by Jay Rutland
What’s in it for you, the reader?
A reminder that your children need to know you love them no matter what – “On fun days and sad days and happy days and mad days….”
Read All About It:
SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke
GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson
Surf the Internet:
Scavenger hunts for kids
Picture Book Parenting 