Parenting Thought
Three Reasons Why Grandparents (and others) Are So Special to Children
(and aunts, uncles, special family friends, neighbors, and caretakers as well)
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Children know their parents love them. As they grow-up they come to understand that parents have to love them – that is just how the world works.
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But, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Susie, Uncle Dave, Stepmother, Stepfather, Godparent, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones across the street don’t have to love them.
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So, when those folks are interested in them, excited for their accomplishments, sad about their disappointments, and always encouraging to them – it means something special. “I must be important if someone cares about me who doesn’t have to.
(See “Why Grandparents Are Important” for more about grandparents.)
Autumn’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.
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BECAUSE I’M YOUR DAD by Amet Zappa
A reminder that Dad’s are important with many ideas about how to play with and just be with your child
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LET’S GO, HUGO! by Angela Dominguez
A reminder that fear can be overcome and that being a trusted friend is helpful when your child is afraid
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NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James
A reminder that holiday gifts should show that you know your child really well and that if what your child wants is safe and affordable, it is a good gift – no matter how small or how unusual
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SUKI & MIRABELLA by Carmela and Steven D’Amico
A reminder of the dangers of overindulgence and out-of-control competition.
Read All About It:
“Why Grandparents Are Important”
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:
self-esteem
grandparents
grandparenting
unconditional love
Picture Book Parenting 