Connect 5
Have players of different abilities play by different rules
It’s time to introduce Kubla to some thinking games. Chess, checkers, Connect Four. I teach him the rules. We play a few games. I warn him what I’ll do next if he makes this move
Duck, duck, goose
Is it right to ask kids to play a game they can never win?
My nephew is four years old. His preschool class is playing duck, duck, goose. He’s younger and smaller than the other kids. Try as he might, he can’t run around the circle fast enough to
This shirt is already sandy and wet
Why resist the inevitable?
There’s an old Samurai saying—Die before going into battle—the idea is to accept death so you can fight without fear. Kubla and I go to the beach. In less than 30 seconds he’s wet and
Not learning to swim
Teaching Kubla to swim in 2 years and 15 minutes
I had been teaching Kubla to swim for 2 years. We spent lots of time at the pool and beach, but he just wouldn’t put his face in the water. He did get very adept
I command you to do exactly what you are doing right now
Learn to give up control and accept things as they are
Kubla’s friend is being difficult. The playdate isn’t going well. I pull Kubla off to the side. “He’s ruining the game.” he whines to me. “What did you do about it?” “I told him to
Kidorable Parenting Interview
With Writer Chris Illuminati
Reading Chris Illuminati always makes me laugh. Today Chris shares his wit and wisdom with Kidorable Parenting. 1. Tell me a little about who you are, what you do, and what you’re passionate about. I’m
I think that little kid wants to talk to you
What does it take to stop a fight before it starts? (9th of a 9 part series)
Kubla and I are playing in the park. The big kids, 4th graders, are in the basketball court. We smell trouble in the air. Kubla edges closer so he can overhear their conversation. “When I
Use your powers
Use their powerful imaginations to crowd out their fears (8th of a 9 part series)
Kubla is afraid to enter the dark room. He wants me to go in first. “Kubla, just use your powers to light up the room.” He looks at me, not sure what to do. I
That’s not how we do things around here
In the face of evil, will you stand by or stand up? (7th of a 9 part series)
Kubla had been training to be a hero for weeks. He was ready to unleash his powers on the playground. His friends, a brother and sister, are on the slide. Kubla joins their play. After
Sure glad it wasn’t me
Stick up for your friends (6th of a 9 part series)
I pick up Kubla and his friend from preschool. His friend is a little sad. Something happened at school. Turns out another boy was excluding him. “Kubla, what did you do when your friend was