The Pencil Maker’s 3rd Lesson: What Is Important Is Inside Of You

Posted on January 10, 2011 by viviankirkfield

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Look in the mirror. What do you see? A man or a woman, someone who is heavy or thin, tall or short, with hair that is curly or wavy or straight or a head with no hair at all. When someonelooks at you, can they know if you are courageous, or shy, or smart or compassionate?

The pencil maker’s third lesson to the pencil is: WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

How true this is! A person’s character is not displayed on his face. We cannot tell by looking at someone what kind of person they are. But how often do many people judge others by what they see on the surface.

There’s an old saying…you can’t tell a book by its cover. And the uniqueness of each individual is often hidden within.

1. In order to accept and love others as they are, we need to accept and love ourselves as we are. Never stop trying to be the best person you can be…but don’t berate yourself for your failings or weaknesses. If you need help overcoming or dealing with a problem, ask for it…join a support group, talk to a friend…don’t give up.

2. We can help our children become accepting and loving people by encouraging them to accept and love who they are and by loving them unconditionally. Celebrate your child’s unique qualities and strengths.

3. Sometimes it is difficult when a child displays different interests or talents from those of the rest of the family. But life shouldn’t be a paint-by-number existence. This is a parent’s opportunity to encourage these special gifts.

My passion for children’s picture books evolved into a program for preschoolers utilizing picture books and their messages to help children deal with many of the issues they encounter in their early years. The main characters in the following books express their individuality and, even though they are not always accepted or understood, they stay true to their inner self and persevere. Look for them in your local library or bookstore. Why not plan to read one with your child? Just by spending time participating positively with your children tells them they have value…one of the basic components of a positive self-image.

BRAVO MAURICE written and illustrated by Rebecca Bond

SHY CHARLES written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells

CROW BOY written and illustrated by Taro Yashima

OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola

Tune in tomorrow for Lesson #4: In Life, You Will Undergo Painful Sharpening Which Will Only Make You Better.

By the way, there are so many valuable blogsites out there for parents…and giveaways galore…from time to time I’ll provide a link to a blog hop which can introduce you to many great bloggers at one time..check this one out: <script src=”http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=67827” type=”text/javascript” ></script>

We’re All Afraid of Something Sometime

Posted on January 7, 2011 by viviankirkfield

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“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
-Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill, prime minister of England during World War II, wanted to inspire his countrymen and motivate them to continue their fight against a formidable enemy. To learn more about this courageous man, go to

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill

What he said applies to our young children who often are beset with many different fears: fear of the dark and going to sleep, fear of monsters, fear of separation and getting lost, fear of new experiences and new places and fear of illness and death.Do you have a young child who is afraid of something? Is that fear keeping him or her from joining activities or socializing? Sitting down and talking to your child is a good step to take to try to help your child overcome that fear. But sometimes it’s hard to start a conversation about difficult topics. That’s why picture books are so valuable because they set the stage for a relaxed discussion about almost anything. For this situation,

a wonderful choice would be Frizzy The Fearful by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. This little tiger is afraid of EVERYTHING, but with the help of his friends and mother, he learns that he can cope with those fears.

THE STORY: FRIZZY THE FEARFUL
Written by Majorie Weinman Sharmat
Illustrated by John Wollner Poor Little Frizzy Tiger! He is afraid of everything…high places and low places, the dark, loud noises, and pits in pit-less fruit. He avoids going places with his friends and he misses out on many fun-filled activities because he doesn’t want anyone to know how frightened he is. When he climbs a tree to help a friend, even though he is terrified, Frizzy realizes that everyone has fears and he begins to feel a little better about his own situation.

As you read the story with your child, you will have an opportunity to talk about it. When you are finished, ask your child to relay to you what happens in the story. You can share with your child about times that you were afraid of something and how you overcome your fear.

Participating with your child in a simple craft project is another great way to open a discussion. The following easy instructions

will produce a badge of courage that your child can wear with pride.Perhaps your child has just been to the dentist for a cleaning and went without making a fuss. Maybe he has finished his first week of nursery school and, even though he was anxious about being separated from you, he managed to enjoy his time there. Here is a badge of courage you can pin on your child that affirms his willingness to overcome his fears and accept life’s challenges.

THE CRAFT: A BADGE OF COURAGE

You will need: 2 pieces of construction paper (1 light and 1 dark), aluminum foil, ribbon, paste and a pair of scissors.1. Cut a 3-inch circle from dark paper and a 2-inch circle from aluminum foil and help your child paste the aluminum foil circle on the dark circle.
2. Cut a 1-inch circle from the light paper, write your child’s name on it and help him paste it in the middle of the aluminum foil circle.
3. Paste the ribbon at the back of the badge so it hangs down a few inches.
4. Pin the badge to your child’s shirt with a small safety pin.

Never Too Busy For Your Child

Posted on January 5, 2011 by viviankirkfield

Sometimes it’s really hard to juggle all we have to do as parents…home, family, work, social and/or athletic pursuits. Yesterday I offered a few simple suggestions that will save time.

So what should you do with that extra time? If you have a young child, why not read a story with him or her and do a little eco-friendly craft project and a child-friendly healthful cooking activity? The time we spend participating positively with a child leave a lasting impression on him and help build self-esteem and a life-long parent-child bond.

THE BOOK: The Very Busy Day written by Diana Hendry and illustrated by Jane Chapman

Big Mouse is busy working hard in the garden and constantly grumbles that Little Mouse should help him instead of continuing his seemingly useless daydreaming. Little Mouse, however, has not been wasting his time, and has actually prepared a picnic for Big Mouse.

The story stresses the importance of spending time with your loved ones. Perhaps you and your child can tackle the task of simplifying and organizing together.

THE CRAFT: HOMEMADE STORAGE BOXES

You will need: Shoeboxes and/or boot boxes (with lids) or other size cardboard boxes, self-adhesive shelf paper (or gift wrap…you will have to glue this on), labels made from a blank piece of paper.

1. Decide what toys or supplies will go in each box.

2. Cut the shelf paper to wrap around the outside of the box and lid and press in place.

3. Write the name on the label (and draw a picture) of the toys or supplies that will be stored in the box and attach to the box.

THE RECIPE: NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

You will need: 1 cup peanut butter (health food stores often grind various nuts fresh daily and the cost is comparable to the leading brand peanut butters…for a little more money you could request cashew or almond butter for a different taste sensation), 1 cup honey, 2 cups non-fat dry milk powder, 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or shredded coconut for rolling the balls in, 1 large bowl, 1 cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

1. Mix the nut butter, honey and 2 cups of non-fat dry milk powder in a large bowl till well blended.

2. Roll mixture into small balls…about the size of a walnut.

3. Roll the balls in the crushed cornflakes or shredded coconut.

4. Place on waxed-papered cookie sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

5. ENJOY!!!!!

6. Place uneaten balls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week.

7. This recipe makes about 18-24 pieces, 150-175 calories each…the more you make per batch, the smaller they will be and fewer calories each, of course.