See things.
Appreciate them.
photo by Lydia Koltai
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February 29 is Frederic's birthday, in The Pirates of Penzance. That's a musical from 1879, with a 1983 film version—humor and artistry from the past two centuries, current again today.
I never knew how multi-layered most movies and television shows are, until I lived the freedom of no censorship with my kids. I'm excited to watch Shrek again with Hayden... we've not seen it in over a year and I know his sense of humor has drastically changed, he's more aware of innuendo, it will most likely be a whole new movie for him. I will miss his *younger* perspective as much as I look forward to this *older* one.
There was no reason for me to say, "That's wrong." I would have spoiled their fun if I had. I didn't say a word. I knew enough already, because I had this information:
Studies are now popping up suggesting laughter makes our brains work better, reduces stress and helps sick people get well...
I don't think humor will guarantee my kid will have a better life, but I know it won't hurt him. If all it does is leave him with happy memories of his childhood and parents, I'll count it among our most useful tools."
I didn't know, years ago, that unschooling could strengthen a marriage. I did know that a good marriage would strengthen unschooling.
I have been criticized, over the years, for encouraging people to be kind and compassionate to partners or spouses. I have also been thanked by people whose marriages became stronger because of those ideas, or by the use of unschooling principes in general.
Although I am sympathetic to people whose marriages have failed for reasons beyond their control, there are divorces that could have been avoided, and there are relationships still in the future that could benefit by being bathed in sweetness and patience, humor and positivity.
Marty likes humor and history.
Holly's main reading is on the internet, but she likes name books, and other non-fiction and trivia. One thing she doesn't use the internet for is definitions and spellings. She likes my old full-size American Heritage Dictionary, and will sprint upstairs to look something up on the slightest excuse.
They help people who need help. The people who need help ask for it. These are good things. —Deb Lewis |
If you practice finding abundance, if it's not one thing, it will be another.
Be with your children, but don't expect their thoughts and emotions to always be with you.
Flex your make-believe.
If you're not really generous with them, they won't be likely to be really generous with you.That mom responded:
I know this is true, but a lot of times it feels like I'm expected to have an unending supply of generosity, goodwill and good humor.Me/Sandra:
I think that should be your goal. If you're willing to not have help, then any help you have is more likely to be seen as a gift instead of not enough.Joyce Fetteroll:
If our children help, we should treat it as a generous gift. (And the more we treat it as a generous gift, the more often they're likely to give.)