March 23, 2024

Quote of the Week

"There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one." - Sue Atkins

This Story Inspired Me To Be A Better Parent

"As a pediatrician and host of a parenting & kids’ health podcast, I come across a lot of parenting stories. Some are cute. Some are funny. Many, especially those I encountered personally when I used to work in a hospital, can be heartbreaking.

But few stories have ever stopped me in my tracks, leaving me both stunned and inspired, promising myself to strive to be better tomorrow.

Until this one.
*
What follows below is a story that struck me the moment I read it because—I’m ashamed to admit—I’ve experienced the same feelings as the writer. I’m willing to bet that you have, too. This is “Father Forgets,” by W. Livingston Larned. It was written in the 1920s and some of the language may seem a bit outdated, but the message is evergreen." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: What Should Darla Do?

By: Adir Levy, Ganit Levy

Ages: 4-7 years

"Darla is a young and spunky astronaut-in-training. She wants to go to Mars one day, just like her favorite doll, Astronautica. But before she does, she will need to learn to navigate through relatable scenarios that so many kids face on a daily basis.

Written in a "Choose Your Own Story" format, your kids can help Darla through her day by making choices for her! There are eight stories in one, so the fun never ends!

The child reads a story or if they are a non-reader you could read the story to them, and then they choose the answer they think is the right decision. You get to go to the page and read about if it’s the right or wrong decision and why. The child also gets to do it again if they want.

There are plenty of stories in this book. It would be great for parents, grandparents and teachers. It’s very engaging. I bought the counterpart to these books a few years ago for for my grandson and I bought this book for my granddaughter although these books can be used for both boys and girls.

There is also a little poster that you could hang up or even frame for a child’s room or a classroom." - Amazon Reviewer

Be the Change

As parents or children, every moment we have a choice we make. Each moment informs what's about to come next. Inspired by the real experience of parents via the article and the realization that we can pause and make the right decisions as inspired by the book - try rewinding or replaying all the ways that you could choose to act differently in a daily mundane situation. Which might, perhaps, alter the story of your life altogether.