Every Thursday, we will write about “purpose” — this can include things such as how to find your purpose; spiritual issues; or just anything we think relates to the search for “purpose” for our Happiness Project.

As we have noted, many of us are looking for our “life’s purpose” or just trying to do something that seems meaningful.  I think this is a journey rather than a destination, but I do believe that we should encourage our children in areas which may help them feel like they are reaching this purpose.  

The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness discusses the importance of encouraging children in areas to which they seem partcularly drawn. If your child has an interest in art, even if you don’t, try to find ways to help foster this interest.  Even if this area of interest doesn’t become their “calling” or life purpose, the more things they have to fall back on that they enjoy, the happier they will be as adults.      

My son’s current interest is making books. He loves to write stories, draw pictures with the stories and then read them aloud.   Recently when we discussed what kind of “extra” class he might want to take after school next semester, he said he wanted a class where he could learn more about writing books and making up stories.  He really has a love for words and is very creative.  I feel an obligation to help him pursue this interest; even if it never becomes more than the joy he has this year with books, that’s ok.  This could be something he does for many years and I want him to have the chance to pursue it.

I haven’t been able to find any after school classes that are for little writers though.  We will keep looking. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you Scribble Press.  I have mentioned it previously, but they have recently added many things to their website and I am in Love. As their website says:  ” Scribble Press was created by two moms, Darcy Pollack and Anna Barber, as a place for kids and families to write, illustrate and publish their own books.” For those in the LA area, they offer writing and book making classes.  Someone please create this here!

There are so many fun story-making options at Scribble Press.  You must check it out for great gift options for your budding artist or author ! It may not be their life’s purpose, but it can sure provide joy!

Posted under Happiness Project, Purpose, Storytelling

Every Tuesday, we will write about “play” and how adults and children alike can have this in their lives.

A favorite game of ours is The Storybook Game by Fundex.  I believe that the ability to tell stories is a very important skill for children and adults to have in today’s creative world.  ”Narrative imagining — story — is the fundamental instrument of thought.” Mark Turner, Literary Mind.  

This is a great game to practice your own “narrative imaginings.” 

It is a game in which funny characters, such as a monster or an alien, and everyday items, such as a bus or a carrot, are depicted on cards with the word below the picture.  The rules included with the game are that each person takes a turn drawing a card and adding to a “once upon a time” story without looking at the previous cards.  If you forget part of the story, you are out.  We bought this when my son was three and he had difficulty doing it this way, so we adapted it. 

The way we play is that each person gets 5 cards and has to turn them face down.  The player begins by saying ”once upon a time. . . ” and turning over the first card to begin the story.  The player then turns over each card one by one and tries to add it to the story.  It is a non-competitive version which creates many laughs and silly stories.  It allows kids to practice talking in front of others, practice their story-telling skills, and is a great way to play one-on-one with Mom or Dad.  And, it’s fun!  We have played this game many times with kids ages 4, 6, 8, 10 and 17, and they all had a blast.   

It also comes in a great lunch box style tin which makes it so easy to take on trips.   This would make a great gift for kids or for a whole family — the gift of stories, what could be better?    

Posted under Happiness Project, Kid Gifts, Play, Storytelling

We love WordGirl!  WordGirl is a superhero on PBS.  She is from the planet Lexicon and fights evil-doers such as Two-Brains, Chuck the Evil Sandwich Making Guy, and Granny May.  

She loves and understands words, she’s strong and she’s funny. I want to be WordGirl.  I love that my son loves this show as well and gets the silly “word humor” (or if he doesn’t, we talk about it).   So much better than Spiderman and Dr. Octopus !

Word up, it’s WordGirl !  (that’s the theme song)

Posted under Random Thoughts, Storytelling

Today is Fun is a, dare I say it, “fun” website with great ideas to entertain your kids and “keep your sanity” .

I promise you’ll find a good idea — like the “characteristics” game — for those days you are simply out of ideas (even if that’s every day).

Posted under Home, Storytelling

I told you he was a Hero!

Posted under Storytelling, Tech

One of my new favorite gifts to give are the “Make Your Own Books”  from Scribble Press.   Scribble Press is a “place to write, illustrate and publish original books.”   Each book prompts you with cues and blanks on each page to create your story. They are very simple, but they give the child a real sense of pride in making their own book.  

My son makes his own books with regular paper stapled together all the time, but he LOVES making these books even more! We purchased one for Father’s Day and my son created a wonderful book for his Dad.  And, of course we had to purchase the “if i were a superhero” book.   

I also love the idea of the “when i was your age” book.  It will be my turn to have a little fun.  

Posted under Books, Dad Gifts, Friend Gifts, Mom Gifts, Storytelling

My son is a huge fan of super heroes.  He has been drawing his own collection — sort of like the Justice League, but he calls them the League of Hard Workers. He hopes to someday get them trademarked (or “get a TM” as he calls it — which he sees on all his toys).   These are some of the League of Hardworkers (click to see full picture):   

I love his creativity and enjoyment of telling stories with his pictures.   Challenge yourself to draw a super hero today — who would you be?

Posted under Random Thoughts, Storytelling