children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
Bobby and the Monster Crickets
One night many years ago, I went to tuck in my five-year-old son, Bobby, at bedtime. I found him completely covered by his lightweight, security blanket which was much worn after several years of being dragged around and repeatedly laundered. Nothing showed but a lump in the bed.
By Edward Farber5 years ago in Families
Where's the bear
Where’s the bear?! Giggling, as this is a very, very vague memory. In fact, baby vague. I was three years old and I didn’t even know that a three year old could have memories, but this is one of the youngest memories I have. I don’t think it goes back any further than this for me. I couldn’t tell you who wrote the book, I couldn’t tell you much about it, but only my toddler perception of it. The small 1980 vintage six, thick, hard-cover pages had a picture of a little bear hiding in different places of a room, nursery or somewhere in a house and the question asked on every page was, “Where’s the bear?!”
By Natasha Collazo5 years ago in Families
Unique Situations
Bubbling of a cauldron could be heard in the cave, the sound echoed on the walls and the smoke of the fire clung to the moisture. A woman dressed head to toe in black stirred the contents with a wooden spoon. She wore a long dress and cloak, pointy buckled shoes, and a large floppy hat with a pointed top. She chanted something as she stirred in the last of the ingredients. As her brew started to cook she turned towards the remaining things on the table and cackled "this will make the fire perfect" She tossed some twigs and pine cones into the fire to make it burn and snap, then some rotten eggshells to make it crackle and finally skunk hair and crow feathers to make it smell nice and let the sparks fly. Swiftly the old woman snatched off her hat and started to fan the flames, her scraggly black hair blending into her clothes. Then she saw it, a rogue flame on the other side of the cauldron flying higher than the rest. She hobbled over to it and found the end of her broom burning. Quickly she pulled it away from the fire and stompped on it, putting out the flames. The only thing she managed to save was the handle, all the rush had burned away.
By Lyle Alexander Artain5 years ago in Families
JULIE
Today the girl is going with her father to see the man who talks to animals. His name is Gerald Durrell. He lives across the mountains. They get into her father’s green jeep. Her mother isn’t coming. She stands at the door waving to them. Her hair is tied up in a red and yellow scarf. Their house surrounds her as she stands on the balcony under the tin roof. She’s glad her mother isn’t coming with them, since she gets to spend the whole day alone with her father.
By Felicity Harley5 years ago in Families
A Tale At Bedtime
On Vocal we create stories, and I am sure my mum and dad would read me stories, but given that my mum had taught me to read before I was four, I found my bedtime stories in reading books. I have two daughters who have grown up to be independent and self confident. Again I read to them, but taught them to read and also had stories on cassette and CD for them, as well as music, to help them get to sleep.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 5 years ago in Families
Snow White is the Worst Story For Your Children
Imagine walking into your home after a tiring day at work. After hours of fending off the most obnoxious people, nothing is more revitalizing than catching up with the wonderful things your kids have been up to. I am sure that your horror will know no bounds if, during the day someone has force-fed your children the most ridiculous of ideas. Ideas such as beauty equals whiteness or girls need men to save them or that boys are welcome to kiss unconscious women. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. In the 21st century, Snow White and Seven Dwarves offers many problematic messages which are not the best psychological assortment for the children. Which is probably why it is time to rethink this legendary fairytale.
By Shourya Agarwal5 years ago in Families
The Adventures of Pete the Raccoon
Pete the Raccoon liked to eat apples. Or at least that’s how I remember it. When I was a little girl, sharing a bedroom with my younger sister, our father would make up stories involving our stuffed animals and Pete’s adventures were always a favorite. Since he was a nocturnal animal, it was only natural that Pete would go off and do things while we slept. Then, the next night, my dad would tell us where he went.
By Anastasia Karel5 years ago in Families
My Parents Never Read Me Bedtime Stories
I didn’t have a typical childhood. My mom got pregnant with me at 16, and the chaotic energy of my upbringing reflected that. Having young parents meant that were always busy, always working to put food on the table. My nighttime routine comprised my mom tucking me into bed, planting a kiss on my forehead and saying: "I love you, and I'll always love you, forever and ever."
By Laquesha Bailey5 years ago in Families
