“No more pets and that’s final,” my husband and I kept telling our children and ourselves.
Five goldfish, a dog, and one rabbit seemed enough for our busy family. Another pet in the house would definitely mean more responsibility, cost and cleanup. And remember who usually ends up caring for a pet? Parents!
But there was something beyond the physical care of animals we had forgotten. It became apparent when the second-grade teacher asked us to provide room and board for the classroom guinea pig one summer. Reluctantly, I approved this temporary guest, as long as our son promised to look after Minoo’s needs.
In a few weeks, the short-eared, short-tailed rodent had brought something important to our home. The children cooperated with its caring and feeding and showered the chubby pet with love. They insisted on having Minoo’s cage nearby when they played. They devised a sunshield for the cage during hot days and constantly checked his water supply.
The guinea pig responded to all this affection with squeals of delight whenever the children appeared. Soon, even I was talking to the little guest.
Just as Minoo returned to school in September, a friend offered the children an eight-week-old kitten. This time we thought twice about saying “No.” We had seen the guinea pig be more than another chore around the house. He provided a laboratory for love – a chance to express kind and tender actions. Minoo was a companion who was much smaller than the children, giving them a glimpse at being in charge in a world where most everything else is bigger than they are.
So the request for a kitten was answered with a warm “yes.” Pussywillow brought out all the fatherly and motherly qualities from the children. More training in pet care was needed, which called for patience, but everyone welcomed the addition. Pussywillow’s antics provided comic humor, and the children’s ingenuity brought forth homemade toys for him.
Sharing is another joy of having a pet. A nearby family with three children, but no animals, was happy to have a resident kitten on the weekends we were away. And the kids loved sharing experiences of their rabbit and kitten during “show and tell” at school and at the local library Pet Show.
The children have proved that they can handle the increased responsibility and rules that accompany a new pet. Each one in the family shared in the work as well as in the pleasure. Although a child’s toy shelf may be filled with stuffed animals, which seem very real to them, toys don’t replace the lessons and enjoyment of owning a special pet.

 

Mothers have been celebrated in verse, prose, and song for thousands of years. Yet deep feelings for a dear mother are often hard to speak or write about.
Thanks to Anna Jarvis of West Virginia, people in countries around the world have this day in May to wrap up tributes, however simple, and deliver them to that special mother. In a desire to fulfill her own mother’s hope that “sometime, somewhere, someone will found a Mother’s Day,” Mrs. Jarvis quit her job, wrote letters, and campaigned for such a celebration.
Ever since May 9, 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation, families have gathered on the second Sunday in May. From Belgium and Denmark to America and Australia, homemade cards and meals, spring bouquets, or special treasures honor mothers.
As we prepare for this Mother’s Day, here are some tributes to mothers from some famous sources to consider:

“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Attributed to Abraham Lincoln

“Men are what their mothers made them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Of my mother I cannot speak as I would, for memory recalls qualities to which the pen can never do justice.” – Mary Baker Eddy

“According to my method of thinking, and that of many others, not woman but the mother is the most precious possession of the nation, so precious that society advances its highest well-being when it protects the functions of the mother.” – Ellen Key

“…what DO girls do who haven’t any mothers to help them through their troubles?” – Louisa May Alcott

“…mothers of the human race, the most important actors in the grand drama of human progress …” -Elizabeth Cady Stanton [Read more…] about “Her children arise up and call her blessed . .”

A streak of color flashed by me, composed of blond hair, red play clothes, navy Snoopy sneakers, and a shiny blue bike. But my attention quickly focused on the beaming 7-year old’s face. It seemed to say, “Learning to ride a two-wheeler opens a new world of movement and fun.” I might not have noted our daughter’s triumphant moment, except it was such a contrast to her expression and attitude a few years earlier when she tried cross-country skiing. Then, with her lower lip protruding, her eyes filled with tears, she stiffly planted herself on a New Hampshire hillside. Beautiful snowy day and all the encouragement in the world would not coax her into trying this new sport. She finally retreated to the lodge’s fireplace for the remainder of the day.
What is the best way to introduce a new sport to a child? Why do some sports come so naturally while others never seem to click? Does success hinge on talent or timing?
We asked ourselves this after Julie’s miserable morning on skis. Since my husband and I are fond of summer and winter sports, we naturally looked forward to many family swims, tennis doubles, bike hikes, and skiing touring. If these goals would be fulfilled, then we had to evaluate how we introduced each new sport or we didn’t ever get to first base. And in a broader sense, good skills and attitudes acquired from the home could enhance the athletic activities at school, camp, and play. Some basic principles have evolved as we continue to share new sports and improve familiar ones. Proper equipment and clothing, especially the initial preparation, should be investigated carefully. Whether you buy, borrow, or rent equipment, make sure it fits properly and is in good condition. What child or adult enjoys periodic adjustments or repairs on their equipment? It spells discouragement from the outset. We have found a local sports shop with expert advice as well as excellent equipment that we can depend upon. Also, it doesn’t seem overly expensive to buy quality equipment for children. When they do outgrow it, many stores offer trade-ins, it may be sold at school or garage sales, or become a “hand-me-down” to another child.
Clothing children properly is not difficult if you consider layers. Winter and wind proof clothing in winter and sweatshirts and hats in summer allow for comfort during temperature changes. Today, children’s fashions include items like down-filled vests and jogging suits which supply warmth but not bulkiness and can be easily removed as exercise warms them.
With each new sport, we decide who “coaches” – Dad takes baseball, Mom takes tennis – because it’s easier for children if just one parent gives directions. The other family members still participate, but in a backup role, retrieving balls, praising accomplishments, etc. After instruction comes practice with the amount needed varying with each child. You can demonstrate the back float a hundred times, but until children make it their own by thinking and practicing, hold off further swimming instructions. They know when mastery comes, making them ready to move forward. Patience, not pushing, motivates a child to keep trying.
Attitude could well be the most important factor in tackling a new sport. And it doesn’t matter how encouraging a parent’s attitude is, if they expect too much, too soon. Let’s invite children to help decide the goals – how long to practice, how far to hike. Let them set the pace by being the leader, instead of always the follower. It’s everyone’s attitude that counts in family sports and some rules help set a standard. For instance, a friend suggests: “Let’s never complain when we’re on the cross-country trail.” Sticking to this rule helped us ski home through a cold rain once without wails of discomfort, Julie included. She’ll be starting her third winter of skiing, and although it’s not her favorite sport, her attitude and skill has steadily improved. Perhaps she has learned a greater lesson: “Don’t give up!”

“The world is so full of a number of things,
I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

Robert Louis Stevenson captures the essence of childhood in this short verse. With a keen awareness of their environment, including an eye for detail, many children take in what adults often tune out. Once struck by the joy, they are self-motivated to discover more.
Now that the winter is bowing out to fairer weather, perhaps we can join in our children’s discoveries in welcoming spring. Here are some activities which promote springtime observation for the little ones in the family.
Bring in early shoots of pussy willow, forsythia, or other flowering fruit trees to open in the house. See if your youngster can discover what makes the shoots open indoors faster than if they stayed outdoors. This can lead on to other questions such as what do plants need besides warm temperatures?
Take frequent walks, whether in the woods, a park, or just around the block, to observe the subtle changes in nature. What plants and trees are among the first to bloom in spring? As the new leaves appear, learn to identify the telltale shape of the maple, oak, willow, sweet gum, etc. (depending on your location). If you find a cut tree stump, your child can discover how many years old the tree was when it was cut down by counting the circular rings on it. [Read more…] about Children’s Springtime of Discovery

“Ann, get your sweater and come along now,” a mother called across the playground. No response. So the statement was repeated in a louder voice, and this time her daughter responded.

“Why do I always have to say things twice?” the mother wondered out loud to a friend.

“Don’t feel bad. I have to say things seven times before my children listen,” the other mother laughed.

We often think of a toddler who follows directions as “obedient,” a student who follows directions as having “good work habits,” and a business person as “dependable.” Intelligence and cooperation are often closely associated with those who can follow directions. Individually and in a group, we all need to have this attribute.

Sometimes children learn to follow directions after receiving school papers with those glaring red marks and comments. Some children never learn and continue through life with “red markings” on their work.

A second-grade teacher recently said, “One of my biggest problems is that students don’t follow the directions even when they’ve read them. And my colleagues teaching the upper grades say the same thing.”

Here are four reasons why children don’t follow directions:

Preoccupation. Have you ever had someone ask you a question when you’re in the middle of a deep thought or gripping book? You probably didn’t hear it. Yet many times we think our children can’t follow directions when they really didn’t hear us. Their “deep thoughts” might be make-believe, and the “gripping book” a game or friend, but they’re just as intense.

A warning that playtime will end or the table must be set in 10 minutes gives children a chance to wind down their activity. Then they may be ready to give you their full attention. Saying “Look at me,” ‘Be still,” and “Listen carefully, please” can help focus attention on the words to follow.

Over-verbalization. If parents are broadcasting directions all day, children soon tune them out. Sift through the daily needs and ask only what must be done. Quality and quantity come into play here. Is the quality of our voice cheerful and encouraging, or cross and demanding? And are we asking more than a child is capable of remembering, understanding, or doing? When one thing is accomplished, then more can gradually be added.

Failure to analyze. Sometimes every question on a school test may be answered correctly, but the paper is marked wrong because, “You didn’t follow directions.” We shouldn’t underline when we’re directed to circle the answer. Sometimes it’s a process of decoding directions that are poorly written, and finding the key words will help. Have children look at a recipe and find out if they should stir, chop, or blend. The key words in any directions zero in on how to proceed.

Laziness. Today’s Internet and multimedia age dazzles and distracts many children. They’re accustomed to being entertained. If they’re passive spectators, it becomes harder to stir them to be active participants. Activities that include following instructions can help. Some of these include board games, cooking, and crafts.

And if you are successful in building a foundation in following directions, you might not have to say things twice anymore!

Do you hear groans coming from some parents about the tasks and responsibilities of parenting today? What can be done when parental joy seems lacking? A complaining attitude and conversation can spoil the fabric of family happiness.

John P. Blessington, former director of education relations for CBS Television, thinks negative attitudes should be examined and smoked out if parents are going to act as contributors, not inhibitors, to family happiness.

At a conference for parents, educators, classroom teachers, and daycare specialists, he addressed this topic and elaborated on “The Joys of Parenting – a Nondrug Approach.”

As an educator and father, Mr. Blessington observed some common obstacles to family harmony. He said, “There’s something very wrong with giving children everything, then complaining how spoiled they are.” What we often are not giving them, though, is the feeling of self-worth. This quality is promoted by teaching children how to care for themselves and their home. These were integral lessons for our fore-fathers, taught at home through wood chopping, butter churning, and other survival skills.

Another complaint from parents, Mr. Blessington pointed out, is that “my children just won’t help at home.” He examined a few reasons this is so. Excessive homework assignments and after-school lessons or clubs often rob children of their free time to do and contribute at home. Joy is restricted if children are enrolled in music lessons, soccer, ballet, etc., because of a parent’s interest or ambition, and not their own. “We should slow down our pace and be a quiet leader for happiness,” he recommended. [Read more…] about Fostering joy within the family