I read a blurb that said kids still like to do things kids have done for decades. Like turn a spoon into a spaceship. Or turn a cardboard box into a castle. But now kids do funny things online because…well, because they can. What I read said, “toddlers try to vlog with their parents’ phones. They narrate their snack time like mini influencers.” Where … The rest of the story…
This morning I remembered a mad conversation, between a young couple, I overheard in a burger joint a few years ago. And they were parents of a couple of young kids. I know that because the kids were in the booth with them. So, the sad part is how the kids had to listen. And that’s the sad part because of what those kids … The rest of the story…
“They” used to say, “Man, I’m on such a high right now,” when something made you big-time happy. And some said that when they inhaled certain kinds of smoke. But let’s not go there. The reason I brought it up is to talk about a rainbow high. And the rainbow high comes from an actual rainbow. Not just some bright colors in an arch, … The rest of the story…
This world is getting darker and meaner every day. And there are fewer kids doing wholesome kid stuff with each passing year. But I think you’ll find that the sights and scents of a flower garden can still attract kids almost as much as they attract bees. So, stop what you’re doing and make the most of it. So what if you had an … The rest of the story…
I never met a honey bee I didn’t like. And, maybe it’s just my imagination (because I have a powerful imagination), but I think they like me, too. Because every honey bee I see smiles at me. Now, I gotta tell ya. It takes a special way of squinting your eyes in order to be able to see a honey bee smile. But I’ve … The rest of the story…
X marks the spot where I read what a homeschool mom said about the idea that homeschooled kids don’t get enough social interaction. She said: Homeschooled kids: leave their homes, talk to people, read books, play sports, go to dances, play instruments, debate, create art, work jobs, drive cars, build things, perform science experiments, and grow up to live in the real world. And … The rest of the story…
Where I live it can get pretty windy. In fact, the current Funderburk home town is the fifth windiest city in America. We have an average wind speed of 11.5 mph. And the strongest recorded wind speed is over 101 mph. Wow, that’s a lotta gusto. All that windy talk reminds me of when my dad showed my brother and me how to hook … The rest of the story…
When I was a boy, most parents, across America, actually cared about their kids’ health. And well-being. Yeah, I know it sounds like a fairy tale. But it was true. Most homes had a stay at home mom. And that’s a HUGE advantage over what goes on in America these days. My stay at home mom was better than any superhero. She didn’t just … The rest of the story…
According to research, rhyming books can “help with language development, including phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills.” And apparently rhyming books “make learning fun which is particularly appealing to young children.” Hmm. I guess that might all be true. But I just write ’em for the funny looks. Yeah, kids get funny looks on their faces with the right rhymes. And … The rest of the story…
Be aware. Be very aware. At all times. And in all places. Especially if you’re a female, a child, or a weakened old person. Because you best believe there are scumbags out there who are aware of who’s not aware. So, once again. Be what? Yeah! Be aware. Years ago I wrote a short story about a young boy who wasn’t the least bit … The rest of the story…