Yes, like just about everyone else these days, it seems, I’m on Facebook. Most of my Facebook “friends” are either family, parents of my kids’ friends, or fellow writers from the parenting world. It’s a good way to keep in touch and share ideas, news, and information with them. Sometimes, however, it becomes a source of revelation and insight as well. Such was the case last evening as I was catching up on the day’s posts at bedtime.
Posts Tagged ‘books’
The Shallowness of Parenthood
Sunday, September 4th, 2011Mark Twain Gets Cleaned Up
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
Some years ago, my mother-in-law, a theatre director, staged a production of South Pacific at a high school whose students were about 80% Asian, including many of Japanese heritage. Because it made no difference to the plot, she changed or eliminated the derogative term “Jap” from the script. Now, a new edition of Mark Twain’s classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is about to get the same treatment.
What’s A Book?
Monday, December 13th, 2010
Most kids today have no clue what a typewriter is. Most have never seen a rotary telephone. Some may have seen examples of that ancient technology known as the VCR, but probably only in their grandparent’s attic or garage. Our kids may read more printed books than electronic ones, but that very well could change in the future. Perhaps it is worthwhile to make sure that our children know that there is value in books that can’t be found online.
Teaching Children The Reason For The Season
Friday, December 10th, 2010
As we gather with friends, exchanging gifts and good tidings, sharing a communal meal, and basking in the warm comfort of holiday lights and decorations, it’s important to make sure that kids understand the “reason for the season.” If you’re not sure how to best explain it to your kids, there is help available.
The Odious Ogre
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
When I was growing up, one of my favorite books was The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer. I loved the exploration of the dual meanings of words — jumping to the Island of Conclusions, for example — as well as the idea that there is so much to do and to explore in the world that one need never be bored. Sadly, though, there was only the one book; Harry Potter got 7 volumes but Milo only one. While that hasn’t exactly changed, there is good news for Tollbooth fans.
My Princess Boy — Lessons In Acceptance
Saturday, October 16th, 2010
When my oldest was in preschool, he used to run around singing “I Love Being A Princess,” a song from the Backyardigans TV show. At school, he put on dresses and pranced about in heels. In his case, however, it was simply a matter of a catchy tune and a lack of more traditionally male dress up items in the school’s dress up corner. While he’s since moved on to other songs and other clothes, he sees nothing wrong with his younger brother repeating lines from a show about wishing to be a princess. Thankfully, that sort of acceptance is no longer limited to San Francisco.
If Disney Did The Bible
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
The Bible — be it the King James, the New International, or any of the more than 80 other English versions — is not an easy read. There’s a lot that is difficult, confusing, or just downright boring (lists of who begat whom, anyone?). Is it any wonder that most six-year-old girls are more interested in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty than Matthew and Mark? Well have no fear, theist parents, now there’s a solution to this dilemma!
Things Parents Say
Sunday, September 26th, 2010
“I found yer anus!”
Parent searching for books in a series about the planets in the solar system.
Have you heard yourself saying something crazy to your spouse or to your kids? Has someone said something to you that, in retrospect, seems completely off-the-wall? Let us know!
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