What kids are hungry for….

Kids are hungry and not just for food.

I recently met with a group of young people, ages 10 to 17.

Here is their list of things some of them are starving for:

• more support and less criticisms for creative expressions
• adults who know how to listen and help them feel safe
• less conflict, drama, and stress from the adults in their lives
• spiritual nourishment
• better examples from their adult leaders for being honest and trustworthy
• HOPE for their future
• greater focus for better solutions instead of emphasis on all their problems
• parents and teachers with more maturity than their kids and students
• to feel heard
• to feel successful                                                                                             

to be continued

www.keepkidssafebooks.com and grumpypeoplebooks.com
     

money, mistakes, and mothering

I have made wrong choices in my lifetime. Buying things I did not need, to impress people I did not like, with money I needed for more important reasons, are just a few examples.

As for parenting, I heard what my students and children had to say.  I did not learn to listen to what they were feeling until we were all much older.

Like a few people I know, I was too prideful and arrogant to take the time to self-examine.  It wasn’t until I reaped the unfortunate results of my willful ways that I sought the help I needed.  

Self-correction with compassionate honesty is an essential tool for my life today.

Forgiveness from those I hurt is a priceless gift.  Forgiving myself was an act of God.

I am blessed.

(Source: keepkidssafebooks.com and www.grumpypeoplebooks.com )

more about kids and finances

This is a continuation of shared research from kids and friends who used to be a kid.

Its about perceptions and perspectives.  The question asked was, “What would you do with a trillion dollars?”

1. Since I am only five and cannot run away from home, I would a buy a butler to follow my Dad around and not let him drink anymore.

2.  I would take my Grandma to the Dr. to buy her new legs because she says her old ones are wearing out.

3.  I’d give myself an allowance since no one else will.

4.  I will hire my best teacher to stay with me till I graduate.

5.  My mom would have a new car, more makeup, and cuter clothes.  

TBC…enjoy!

(Source: keepkidssafebooks.com and www.grumpypeoplebooks.com )

Guilty…the grumpy grownup confesses

My three roommates under ten were gone for two days.  The house was too quiet.  There were no toys to trip over, bump into, or baby dollies whose diapers needed changing or milk bottles refilled.  I was grateful for the break but the silence was too unfamiliar.  I missed the four year old’s repetitive directions and unrelenting persistence that I participate fully in every tea party.  She would set it up and my job was to provide all the yummy treats.  The seven year old likes to watch Free Willy movies over and over again. She wants to own and run the local aquarium when she grows up.  The oldest is nine.  She will be ten soon and the mood changes that accompany puberty are alive and well.  She is happy one minute and sobbing the next.  Sounds like me.  First I get grumpy because they seem to always be making noise or being underfoot.  As soon as they are away for a day or too, I am grumpy because I miss them.  Chronic discontent is just one symptom for people who are determined to be hard to please.  Maybe I am the one who needs to go on timeout!!!