Be there. Even for a moment. That "Hi" from Mom or Dad is sometimes enough.
Say yes as often as possible. “Yes” is a positive word, and explain why, if you can't say yes.
Let them bang on pots and pans; they like them better than expensive toys.
If they are crabby, put them in water; bathtub or a swimming pool.
If they're unlovable, love yourself and you will both get over it.
Realize how important it is to be a child. You were one once.
Go to a movie theatre in your pajamas. Share a movie or watch a show on TV, or play a game together with your children.
Read books out loud with joy. Act out the parts, or change your voice for the different characters.
Invent pleasures together. Ask what they would like to do, share with them things that you used to do when you were growing up.
Remember how really small they are. They won't stay that small forever, so it is best to love them now.
Giggle a lot. Tell funny stories, and have them tell you funny jokes.
Surprise them; play "peek-a-boo" and do little unexpected things, or share small gifts.
Say no when necessary, but not too often.
Teach feelings. Kids most often read feelings better than adults.
Heal your own "inner child." Admit to have childish feelings when you need someone to parent you.
Learn about parenting. Read books, but mostly, play it by ear, and use common sense.
Hug trees together. See if your arms will go around the trees (children), examine the bark, the leaves and the sticky sap. And talk.
Make loving safe. It is O.K. to blow kisses and wave good-bye.
Bake a cake with their special recipe.
Walk like an elephant, jump like a kangaroo, swim like a fish.
Plan to build a rocket ship, and pretend that you are going to the moon.
Imagine yourself with magic. Touch your children with your magic wand, and say, “Abra-kadabra!”
Make lots of play houses with blankets and tablecloths over card tables or clotheslines.
Let your angel fly and dance and sing and enjoy being a child.
Reveal your own dreams and ask your child about theirs.
Search out the positive; it makes for happy experiences.
Keep the gleam in your eye and the sparkle in theirs.
Mail letters to God. Let your child know that you can say prayers any time, anywhere, because God is always there.
Encourage silly. Life should not always be serious; have fun and do dumb things once in awhile.
Plant licorice in your garden or anything else just as silly, but sometimes plant for real and see it grow.
Open up. Don't keep secrets unless you have to.
Stop yelling when you are inside the house.
Express your love. A lot.
Speak kindly and quietly and they will listen.
Paint their tennis shoes, or their toe nails, fingernails, or anything fun.
Handle with care and love. Snuggle, touch a shoulder as you go by, and give compliments.
Children are miraculous! There is nothing in this world that even comes close to them. Really love a child!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements.
In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. If you have news, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, December 6th: Sharon Johnson, Rodger Hill, Katie Marlin, Tony Jackovitch, John Lerum, John Kaplan, Sue Klemmensen, Chris & Marie Wallace, Emily & Jeffrey O'Brien, their second.
• Friday, December 7th: Katie Olson, Tracy Holland, Sam Peterson, Angela Hensrud, Wanda Schwartz, Helen Schmidt, Kara & Eric Grant, Ron & Theresa Langlie, Dawn & Eric Degan.
• Saturday, December 8th: Kathy Glynn, Teri McDonald, Jeff Schei, Tracy Haddy, James Olsen, Mike Flugum, Meghan Baumann.
• Sunday, December 9th: Carrisa Christensen, Paitan Janis Glynn, Al Paulson, Robert Robertson, Rusty Besco, Mark Ribbe, Tony Phillips, Courtney Thompson, Brian Strand, Chuck & Cynthia Crabtree, Steve & Terri Engel.
• Monday, December 10th: Cody Dobberstein, Steve Lee, Valarie Otterson, Karla Osmundson, Art DeNeui, Philip Olsen, Scott & Melonie Crabtree.
• Tuesday, December 11th: Jane Nordhorn Allen, Justin Hove, Geoffrey Ramaker, Marty Shultz, Rick Johnson, Janice Paulsen, Beth Scripture Klucksen, Jake Thompson, Theresa Van Ravenhorst, Larry & Emily Otto.
• Wednesday, December 12th: Warren Sorenson, Torie Richards, Jean Groth, Addison Gayle Lyman, Bernard Falksen, Allen Paulson, Matthew Butler, Barbara Lageson, Judith Johnson Tetzloff, Kim Seath, Christopher Nelson, Mark & Cheryl Johnson.
May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day.
