How video games taught Kubla to read
Add a spoonful of sugar to unpleasant activities
Like many boys, Kubla hated learning to read. He would walk on hot coals to get out of reading practice. Like many boys, Kubla loves video games. He would eat hot coals to get time
WE SEND OUR KIDS TO BE COACHED IN SOCCER
BUT WHO COACHES US TO BE BETTER PARENTS?
Most of us receive training and coaching to be better in our careers. For sports and hobbies, too. But apart from reading the occasional book, or unsolicited advice from our own parents, who among us
Become a creator of culture, not just a consumer
Kids are natural creators—keep them that way
When Kubla was 4, he loved watching YouTube videos. And his favorite type of video was Toy Reviews—grown men explaining what was so great about their classic toy collections. I don’t understand the appeal. I
We’re watching birds fly. They look so free and beautiful. “Why can’t you fly, Kubla? You’d be so much better if you could fly.” “I don’t have wings. Of course I can’t fly!”he protests. “Not
Does your baby use email?
Have your little ones send their own thank you notes and holiday greetings
When Kubla was a baby I set up an email address in his name so I could send messages on his behalf to friends and family. Here are some samples. Mama, I want to tell
When I was your age I thought it was delicious
Why tell them something they love is wrong?
Kubla pops another marshmallow into his mouth. It’s his third. “Kubla, stop. That’s disgusting.” His face falls a little. “But can I tell you a secret? When I was your age, I thought marshmallows were
What Kind of a Beautiful Day Is It?
All weather is good weather
Every morning since Kubla was two, we open the window shade together as I ask “I wonder what kind of a beautiful day it is today?” Sometimes it’s a beautiful sunny day. Sometimes a beautiful
You can’t tickle an adult!
Don’t respect dumb rules
In our family we try to avoid dumb rules. Drools, we call them. I love making up silly rules. Kubla loves breaking them. I tickle Kubla. He dissolves into giggles. He starts to tickle me
The problem with screens
And the smaller the screen, the bigger the problem
Kubla usually doesn’t have trouble turning off the TV. It’s a challenge to peel him away from YouTube videos. God help the poor soul who tries to take a smartphone out of his hands. With
Play Video Games Together
Connect with a human, not with a screen
It was vacation. We were staying with Kubla’s cousins for the week. All the big kids wanted to do was play video games on the computer. It was the first time he had seen computer