Storytelling with Teens: It Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore!

by John McCormick, Our Guest of the Month

This month, my articles have focused on the joys and rewards of family storytelling. In my own home, I create interactive stories with my children, whereby each of us contributes an idea, a character, or a plot twist until we’ve woven together an entire tale. Storytelling, as we’ve discovered, is a great activity for building bonds between parent and child, stimulating a child’s imagination and creativity, and teaching children the power of words.

That’s great for younger kids, but what about teenagers? Does storytelling have to end when your child turns thirteen?   Read more…

Gaming and Storytelling in the Age of Screens

Posted on February 16th, 2012

5 Comments »

by John McCormick, Our Guest of the Month

 

… Please!   Just Five More Minutes!

… We’re almost done.

… We just need to finish this level!

Sound familiar?

Though there are many different parenting styles, many of us seem to share one common, overriding concern: how to limit the addictive influence video games can hold on our children’s lives.

In this month’s series advocating the benefits of family storytelling, one of my most frequently asked question is, how can storytelling possibly compete with video games? 
Read more…

The Great Balancing Act

Posted on February 15th, 2012

1 Comment »

by Our Nourishing Partner, Nourishrds

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)”  ~ Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Not only can we learn so much from listening to the unbiased, unfiltered and innocent thoughts of children, we can also learn a lot from their storybooks.  Thank you, Dr. Seuss.

The Great Balancing Act is something that seems to get more difficult—rather than easier—as the years go on.  For the most part, children have it mastered.  They take time to sleep, eat, play, explore, learn, grow, laugh and cry.  As adults, we tend to lose that concept of balance.  We hardly even take the time to sit down and enjoy a well-balanced meal, let alone play.  Eating in your car doesn’t count. 
Read more…

Ready to Help?

Participate with Parent Network