The Importance of Storytelling

 

“There were six,” he said, still watching the fire while the children’s whispers silenced and their squirming stilled in anticipation. “And each had the choice to accept or refuse. For even when worlds are held in your hands, you must choose to face what would destroy them, or to turn away. And with this choice,” he continued, “there are many other choices to be made.”

“They were brave and true,” one of the children called out. “They chose to fight!”

The old man smiled a little.

Valley of Silence

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Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The importance of storytelling for preschool children - why it’s not just about keeping them entertained

LINK

Things Not to do When Your Toddler is Having a Tantrum

As she climbed out to open her trunk, she heard the whine of a cranky toddler and the frustrated muttering of weary parents.

"If you don't stop that right this minute, you won't get anything at all. I mean it, Timothy. We've had just about enough. Now get moving."

The child's response to that command was to go limp, sliding in a boneless heap onto the parking lot as his mother tugged uselessly at his watery arms. Ana bit her lip as it curved, but it was obvious the young parents didn't see the humor of it. Their arms were full of packages, and their faces were thunderous.

Timothy, Ana thought, was about to get a tanning-though it was unlikely to make him more cooperative. Daddy shoved his bags at Mommy and, mouth grim, bent down.

Charmed

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By Chirag Rathod - https://www.flickr.com/photos/chirag/2504941256, CC BY-SA 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31411850

Your reaction to a tantrum will drastically influence your child’s reaction

As parents and adults, we are not perfect. And sometimes when our toddler has a tantrum, we can react inappropriately ourselves.

Speech Blubs

Can people be saved from a terrible childhood?

"But answer this last question.
Do you think that bright, troubled child should be denied a full and
normal life as an adult because he had the bad luck to be conceived by a
heartless, perhaps even evil woman?"
"No." His breath shuddered out. "No, that's not what I think."
"No buts this time? No qualifications? Then I'll tell you that in my
professional opinion, I couldn't agree with you more. He deserves
everything he can grab, everything he can make, and everything we can
give him to show him that he's his own person and not the damaged
product of one vile woman."


Rising Tides

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By Mohamed Haddi [CC BY-SA 3.0  

(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

US researchers have found early intervention can help prevent
negative experiences in infancy turning into long-term health risks

At bottom there is a revolutionary idea. It’s about moving 
from ‘what’s wrong with you?’ to ‘what happened to you?’

The Guardian

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"He knew them—better than I did. When he died, I figured they'd ship me off,
or I'd have to run off.
I never figured they'd keep me around.
They didn't know me, so what did they care? But they kept their promise to Ray. They changed their lives around for him,  and for me. They made a home—
pretty wild one at first with Cam running it."
For the first time since he'd begun, some of the misery lifted.  Humor slid into his voice.
"He was always blowing something up in the microwave or flooding
the kitchen. Guy didn't have a clue. I pushed at them, gave them—Cam mostly—as much grief as I could dish out. And I could dish out plenty. I kept waiting for them to kick me out, or smack me senseless.
But they stuck with me. They stood up for me, and when Gloria tried to hose them like she'd done with Ray,  they fought for me.
Even before we found out I was Ray's grandson, they'd made me one of them."


Chesapeake Blue

How to pick a name for your baby

"Okay, we'll start with something basic. Where'd Shade come from? The name, I mean."

He slowed down, veering off toward a rest stop. "Shadrach."

Her eyes widened in appreciation. "As in Meshach and Abednego in the Book of Daniel?''

"That's right. My mother decided to give each of her offspring a name that would roll

around a bit. I've a sister named Cassiopeia. Why Bryan?"

"My parents wanted to show they weren't sexist."

One Summer

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By jelly - http://pixabay.com/en/baby-hand-dad-200760/, CC0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36474237

Picking a name for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming. In addition to the possibilities you think up, it's likely that friends and relatives will offer suggestions of their own – whether you want them to or not.

There's no right or wrong way to pick a name for your baby. The most important consideration is to choose one you love.

baby center

Lies about Santa? They could be good for your child

“It’s her.” He hissed it to his brother, rapping Zeke hard in the ribs. 

“Who?” 

“It’s the mom.” Zeke stopped playing with the action figure he’d had stuck in his pocket 
and looked up onstage, where Nell was now directing the alto section. 

“Kim’s teacher is the mom?”

“She has to be.” Deadly excited, Zeke kept his voice in a conspiratorial whisper. 

“Santa’s had enough time to get the letter. She was singing a Christmas song, 
and she’s got yellow hair and a nice smile. She likes little boys, too. I can tell.”

“Maybe.” Not quite convinced, Zeke studied Nell. 

She was pretty, he thought. And she laughed  a lot, even when some of the big kids 
made mistakes. But that didn’t mean she liked dogs or baked cookies. 

“We can’t know for sure yet.” 

Zack huffed out an impatient breath. “She knew us. She knew which was which. Magic.” 

His eyes were solemn as he looked at his brother. 

“It’s the mom.” 

“Magic,” Zeke repeated, and stared,  goggle-eyed, at Nell. 

“Do we have to wait till Christmas to get her?” 

“I guess so. Probably.” 

That was a puzzle Zack would have to work on.

All I Want for Christmas

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By kodomo no tomo - kodomo no tomo, Public Domain, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3137790

Developmental psychology suggests that fantastical beliefs in children are associated with positive developmental outcomes. 

And parents need not worry, children will bust the Santa myth themselves, when the time is right.

THE CONVERSATION

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Just the bikes, Dad, they told him. 

Santa’s making them, and he’s taking care of the big present. 

What big present? Mac wondered. 
No interrogation, no tricks, had pulled out that particular answer. 
For once his kids were closed up tight. 

That was an idea that disturbed him. 
He knew that in another year, two if he was lucky, they’d begin to question 
and doubt the existence of Santa and magic. 

The end of innocence. 

Whatever it was they were counting on for Christmas morning, 

he wanted to see that they found it under the tree.

All I Want for Christmas

“Can you show me another trick?”

 Luke tore the paper in two and had the pleasure of seeing Nate’s eyes widen.

 “It disappeared! The pen’s been disappeared.”

 “Absolutely.” Unable to resist the flourish, Luke held up his hands, turning them,

 back to front and back again. His son’s bug-eyed belief made him feel like a king. 

Honest Illusions

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You might think that having the multitalented Neil Patrick Harris as a dad means constant entertainment. He acts! He sings! He does magic!

But Harris revealed Monday in a Build Series NYC interview that he only puts on his magician’s hat — so to speak — for Harper and Gideon, the 7-year-old twins he shares with husband David Burtka, “here and there.” It’s certainly not a constant magic show or anything.

YAHOO!

Raise Successful Kids

"I still say the essay's a raw deal," Seth complained as he walked into the house. "That kind of stuff's crap. And I don't see why—"

"You'll do it." Cam pulled the bag out of Seth's arms. "And I don't want to hear any bitching about it. You can get started right after you clean up the mess your dog just made on the rug."

"My dog? He's not mine."

"He is now, and you better make sure he's housebroken all the way or he stays outside."

He stalked off toward the kitchen, with Phillip, who was trying desperately not to laugh, following.

Seth stood where he was, staring down at Foolish. "Dumb dog," he murmured, and when he crouched down, the puppy launched himself into Seth's arms, where he was welcomed with a fierce hug. "You're my dog now."

Sea Swept

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By Сања Малохоџиќ - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45675159

If there's one thing many parents want more than to lead happy, successful lives, it's to make sure their kids lead happy, successful lives.

Now a former dean of Stanford University freshmen, Julie Lythocott-Haims, says many parents' hearts may be in the right place--but they're screwing things up big-time nonetheless. 

HUFFINGTON POST

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Ethan stepped back from the controls. "We've got to go into the boatyard. You want to take her in?"

Though Seth's eyes were shielded by the dark sunglasses, Ethan imagined that their expression matched

the boy's dropped jaw. It only amused him when Seth jerked a shoulder as if such things were an

everyday occurrence.

"Sure. No problem." With sweaty palms, Seth took the helm.

Ethan stood by, hands casually tucked in his back pockets, eyes alert. There was plenty of water traffic. A pretty weekend afternoon drew the recreational sailors to the Bay. But they didn't have far to go, and the kid had to learn sometime. You couldn't live in St. Chris and not know how to pilot a workboat.

Rising Tides

Romance After Becoming Parents

With his own sandwich, David slid across from him. “It is good you came to me, young student, for I am the master.”

“I know. I thought about just walking over one night, maybe with a bottle of wine, knock on her terrace door. The direct approach.”

“It’s a classic for a reason.”

“But she’s nervous about Amelia, about having any sort of, you know, encounter, in the house. At least that’s my take.”

“Is encounter code for hot sex?”

“Damn you, you’re too clever for my pitiful ruses. Anyway, I could have her and Lily over for dinner, and after the baby was asleep—a little wine, a little music.” He shrugged and felt he was riding around the same circle again.

“There’s also a reason why fine hotels have room service and Do Not Disturb signs.”

“Room service?”

“Work with me, Harp. You take her out to dinner—fancy dinner. Let’s try the Peabody. They have lovely rooms, lovely service, fine food—in-room dining.”

Chewing thoughtfully, Harper played it out in his head. “I take her out to dinner—in a hotel room? Don’t you think that’s a little . . . brilliant,” he decided after a moment.

“Yes, I do. Wine, candles, music, the works, all in the elegant privacy of a hotel suite. You’ll be bringing her breakfast in bed the next morning.”

Red Lily

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"24062012-Son pied entre mes doigts (7438753628)" by WiLPrZ from Rabat, Maroc - 

24062012-Son pied entre mes doigts. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:24062012-

Son_pied_entre_mes_doigts_(7438753628).jpg#/media/File:24062012-

Son_pied_entre_mes_doigts_(7438753628).jpg

A major challenge for parents, especially new parents, is finding the time to be together in ways that foster romance in their relationship. 

HUFFINGTON POST

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He laughed and drew her to face him again. "About that fantasy…"

"I'll meet you at midnight," she whispered. "Right here."

"You bring the wine, I'll bring the wood."

"It's a deal."

Tonight and Always

What It's Like to Be a Single Dad

Their eyes met in the mirror again; he rested his chin on her shoulder. She smelled of the pale green soap she loved because it was shaped like a dinosaur. Her face was so much like his own, yet softer, finer, and to him infinitely beautiful.

"You could, but then tomorrow would be your first day of school. You'd still have butterflies."

"Butterflies?"

"Right here." He patted her tummy. "Doesn't it feel like butterflies dancing in there?''

That made her giggle. "Kind of."

"I've got them, too."

"Really?" Her eyes opened wide.

Taming Natasha

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By nerissa's ring (Flickr: girl, lost) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Parents are constantly shamed for their choices. From how we feed our children to how we educate them, everyone has an opinion. The result? Moms and dads feel endlessly judged for the choices they make — even if they have no other options. This week, families around the country are sharing their inspiring, funny, honest, and heartbreaking stories with Yahoo Parenting in an effort to spark conversations, a little compassion, and change in the way we think about parenting forever. Share your story with us — #NoShameParenting.

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Full-custody single dads are a growing group, with 24 percent of single-parent homes headed up by fathers — a ninefold increase since 1960,according to the Pew Research Center. But living that reality can still feel pretty lonely for the man managing everything for his family solo.

To find out what it’s like to be a single father, Yahoo Parenting sat down with 42-year-old Ian. 

YAHOO! Parenting

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"Dad." She giggled, as she always had, when he scooped her off her feet for a hug. "Oh, it's so good to see you. I've missed you." She blinked back tears she hadn't expected as she reached out for Natasha. "I've

missed you both so much."

"The house isn't the same without you." Natasha rocked in the tight embrace, then eased back. "But look at you! So sleek and polished. Spence, where's our little girl?"

"She's still in there." He bent to kiss Freddie again.

...

"You've accomplished a lot in less than a month," Spence pointed out. There was a little ache, just under his heart. He expected it would always be there when he thought of his baby living away from him. 

But there was pride, as well, and that was what showed in his eyes as he draped an arm around her shoulders.

Waiting for Nick

ground rules for dating a single dad

Freddie played with the edge of her blanket. "Will you come and see me when I'm not sick?"
"I think I might." She leaned over to make a grab and came up with a mewing kitten. "And to see Lucy and Desi."
"And Daddy."
Cautious, Natasha scratched the kitten's ears. "Yes, I suppose."
"You like him, don't you?"
"Yes. He's a very good teacher."
"He likes you, too." Freddie didn't add that she had seen her father kiss Natasha at the foot of her bed just the night before, when they'd thought she was asleep. Watching them had given her a funny feeling in her stomach. But after a minute it had been a good funny feeling. "Will you marry him and come and live with us?"
"Well, is that a proposal?" Natasha managed to smile. "I think it's nice that you'd want me to, but I'm only friends with your daddy. Like I'm friends with you."
"If you came to live with us, we'd still be friends."
The child, Natasha reflected, was as clever as her father.

Taming Natasha

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Great news: You just met a wonderful guy! ... Yes, you’re dating a divorced dad, and he’s a tricky species, indeed. Whatever rules you’ve applied to dating in the past, just throw them out the window. Because when it comes to having a relationship with a man who has kids, you’ll need to follow a whole new set of guidelines.

YAHOO!

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"And you've done everything you can to give him a happy and normal life. Don't you see how much I admire that? How much I respect it?"
Flustered, he stared at her. He'd never thought of parenting as admirable. "It's what I'm supposed to do.
Thinking of him first, that's how it has to be. It's not just you and me, Kate. If it were… but it's not. A change like this—a life-altering one—he has to be in on it."
"And who's saying differently?" she demanded.
"Well, damn it. I can't just go tell him I'm getting married, just like that. I need to talk to him about it, prepare him. So do you. That's the kind of thing you'd be taking on. He needs to be as sure of you as he is of me."
"For heaven's sake, O'Connell, don't you think I've taken all of that into account? You've known me for months now. You ought to be able to give me more credit."
"It's not a matter of—"
"It was Jack who asked me to marry you in the first place."
Brody stared into her flushed and furious face, then held up his hands. "I have to sit down." He backed up, dropped down on a flattened stump. Because the dog was shoving the rope into his lap, Brody tossed it. "What did you just say?"
"Am I speaking English?" she demanded. "Jack proposed to me yesterday. Apparently he doesn't have as much trouble making up his mind as his father. He asked me to marry you, both of you. And I've never had a lovelier offer."

 

Considering Kate

things Parents need to teach Sons about masculinity

It's okay to cry and show a full range of emotions

Girls aren't the worst thing 

There is no need to constantly prove your masculinity 

It's okay to suck at sports

You can talk about your feelings 

 

 

 Your sexual conquests don't define you

Violence is not the answer when conflicts arise

 

 

 

 

SHINE