A seasonal suggestion

I don't think this needs any explanation!

I'm gearing up for a longer post, maybe next week, but meantime I have to be busy with promotion for my novel 'Cape Town'.

http://www.tinyurl.com/9dacpez

Change of season

The equinox has passed and we're now officially in the fall.

For a change, here's a letter from Cheryl (actually an email) that I wanted to share with you:

I have to tell you (the Blue-eyed Boy) was so sweet on our walk on Saturday. He was collecting leaves for nature crafts and he says that Autumn is his favourite season because it reminds him of Nana and he misses that time with you. 

How touching is that?

Now, to my shame, I have to confess my efforts in the direction of honouring the season through arranging a nature table and collecting leaves, pine cones and so on, were pretty minimal. However, what does Cheryl's note tell us? That even this small nod to the season was incredibly important for a small grandson.

To experience the cycle of the year as fully as possible is a help to us all, but specially for the children who are still learning how to be on the earth. Nurturing their natural connection with nature will lead to a strengthening for their whole lives.

The importance of pre-views

I've written before about soul shocks, and how it's important to avoid these. Unfortunately, that's becoming more and more difficult in the times we live in.

The other day I took up a new book to read to Curly-Locks, who's now four years old. My husband bought it, and the publisher is a trusted one. So I didn't think to flip through it beforehand. And so we arrived at a page which brought a shock. The illustration was of Jack Frost, but the white stick figure had a frightening aspect. I felt Curly-Locks's shock go right through me. We moved on as quickly as possible. Too late to avoid the shock, sadly.

My mother told of an illustrated Red Riding Hood that she used to read to me, and how I could never get past the picture of the wolf. Although I don't remember the image, I still remember one of the nightmares it engendered. The story itself didn't bother me.

Then there are birthday parties. They can be a minefield. When my children were small I always checked with the parents to find out what, exactly, would be happening. Better to be cautious beforehand than regretful afterwards.

Movies are the other things I strongly suggest you look at before your children do. The most innocent of titles can be problematic. I remember back in South Africa going to see 'The Gods Must be Crazy', a very amusing film that seemed to hold no danger. But somewhere along the way terrorists with guns broke onto the screen. Not what you'd want your children to witness.

It's good to be vigilant, even though this may mean spending extra time. That time spent will be worthwhile, and your children's development made healthier for it.