Parenting Thought:

Your Child’s Story

Help your child tell you a story.

Notice the types of characters he chooses – children like him, superheroes that can’t be real, or animals that come to life.

Notice what the problem is in the story and what feelings are in the story – is someone mad, scared, happy, sad? About what?

Notice how the story ends – good, not so good, or not at all. If the story doesn’t end at all, you could talk about possible ways it might end and let him choose the way he likes best.

If your child is old enough, you could have him write his story or use a keyboard, if he is old enough to learn this important skill.

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.

• THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN by Tiffany Strelitz Haber

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

The importance of storytelling for children