ARTICLE: Growing up - Decisions

As babies we make all decisions for our children. What to wear, where to go, who to play with. But as they grow older, we need to start letting them decide some things for themselves. This will serve as a lesson in important decision making later in life. How can we start? Toys. As older babies we can place several toys in front of them and let them decide what to play with and for how long before switching to the next toy. Clothes. Of course we won´t let them wear what they want to Sunday church if we don´t want to see a bathing suit, baseball cap and boot ensamble with a very startled preacher! But if we´re planning to spend the day at home we can start letting them pick out their outfit and gradually teach them what attire is proper for what. Don´t worry, it takes time, but as long as you´re not going to school, a birthday party or a visit with grandparents, why can´t they wear clothes that don´t match? Food. We can´t let them decide what to eat every day, and even when we do, this category can´t be all open or we would be serving pizza and ice-cream daily! But what about this? When going to the supermarket, would they prefer spinach or steamed carrots this week? Would they prefer apple or orange juice in their lunches? These may seem like little things but they really can make a difference in our children. First, they start making decisions and learning the consecuences of what they choose; but also, they are being heard and their opinions and choices are being considered by their family.

ACTIVITY: Father´s Day Bookmark

You will need:
Posterboard
Contact Paper
Photos, pictures and old magazines
Glue or glue stick
Markers
Yarn

Talk with your child(children) about Dad. What makes him special? What kinds of things do you do together? What does he like? Then, find photos, images or pictures that show answers to those questions and cut them out. Cut a strip of posterboard about 8 x 3 in (20 x 8 cm). Have your child paste the cut pictures of photos on the strip. Older children can decorate with markers too and write DAD or their names on it. If you have a very young child have him/her scribble with a marker as you hold his/her hand. Dad will love to see the baby´s first doodles! Once it´s dry, cover it with contact paper. Punch out a hole on top and hang some yarn on it. A great homemade present for Dad that he can use when reading!

TIP OF THE DAY

Read a story to your child every night. No matter how old, no matter how young it´s wonderful to hear a story before going to sleep. With babies, any picture book will do, your paced voice will soothe and calm them before drifting away to sleep. Toddlers will enjoy all classics such as Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks. Young children can learn a lot from books. Try reading them ones that show different values like courage and telling the truth. Older children enjoy chapter books. Read a chapter each night and before turning the light off ask them what they think will happen next. In all cases, enjoy your reading time together, because before you know it they´ll be reading their high school texts.

STORYTIME: The Rabbit Circle -- Part 4

... The water bell around the baby rabbit´s neck made the most beautiful sound. The sound Annie had heard before. She sat next to the hole and admired the rabbit, it almost seemed to smile at her. The black rabbit approached Annie and in a deep, calm voice: spoke. "Water rabbits are special. Every time one is born they send rain to a part of the world. Then they send the messengers to a very special person: the one who will give it its name." "I don´t understand", said Annie. The rabbit spoke once more: "We are the messengers, the Rabbit Circle, and this new baby chose you. You must give it its name. Write it with your finger, right here, on the dirt under this tree." The rabbit handed Annie a long twig. Annie did not hesitate at all, took the twig and just as if she had been waiting for this moment all her life quickly scribbled on the ground. The black rabbit nodded. When she put the twig down, the four white rabbits made a circle around her, the black rabbit joined her in the middle and held her hand with his paw again. The rabbits started hopping and the ground started to shake just like before. Annie felt she was falling fast, she closed her eyes... When she opened them she was lying in her bed. It was night time. She went to the window and looked down at her yard, no sign of the rabbits. But just when she was about to step back and crawl into bed she saw something on her window... raindrops. They were moving and forming a pattern. Annie could not take her eyes away from it, the moving raindrops were beautiful. When they stopped Annie gasped. The raindrops had formed a word: COTTON... the name she had scribbled for the baby rabbit. Annie never saw the Rabbit Circle again, but deep in her heart she always saved a special place for them and for Cotton.

So next time it rains remember a water rabbit was born and it will need a name. Who knows? Maybe the Rabbit Circle will come to your yard too.

THE END

(We hope you enjoyed The Rabbit Circle/ Read parts 1,2 and 3 if you just joined us today)

DAILY RECIPE: Mango Marshmallow Pie

4 large mangoes

1/4 cup milk

25 regular size marshmallows

1 cup heavy cream (not sour)

1 graham cracker crust

Peel and cut mangoes into thin slices. Set aside. In a medium sized pot place marshmallows and milk under very low heat. Stir constantly until well melted (this mixture will look creamy). Remove from heat and add the sliced mangoes and the heavy cream. Stir well. Pour into graham cracker crust and refrigerate overnight.