Stories About Kids

Irreverent Manipulation

Little Benjamin sat down at the desk to write a letter to God asking for a little baby sister. He started the letter like this: Dear God, I have been a very good boy… He stopped, thinking no God won’t believe that. He wadded up the piece of paper, threw it away, and started again: Dear God, most of the time I’ve been a good boy… He stopped in the middle of the line again, thinking God won’t be moved by this. So he wadded up the letter and into the trash can it went. Benjamin then went into the bathroom and grabbed a big terry cloth towel off the towel rack. He carried it into the living room and carefully laid it out on the couch. He smoothed out all the wrinkles. Then he went over to the fireplace mantle, reached up, and very carefully lifted down a statue of the Madonna. He had often seen his mother carefully dust the statue, and he had eyed it many times. On several occasions, his parents had told him that he could look but was not to touch the statue. Now, with all the care he could muster, he had it in his possession. Benjamin gently placed the statue in the middle of the towel, carefully folding over the edges. He then placed a rubber band around the whole thing. He brought it to the desk, took out another piece of paper, and began to write his 3rd letter to God. It went like this: Dear God, If you ever want to see your mother again… ~ Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul ~

Discouraged?

As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile. "Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged." "Discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet." ~ Jack Canfield ~

United States Map

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, "Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today." After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. "Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together."

Stories for Parents

If I Had My Child to Raise over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d finger paint more and point the finger less. I’d do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less and know to care more. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I’d run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging. I would be firm less often, and affirm much more. I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love. ~ Diane Loomans ~

Which Parent Will I Be?

I got two A’s, the small boy cried, His voice was filled with glee. His father very bluntly asked, “Why didn’t you get three?” “Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” The girl called from the door. Her mother very calmly said, “Did you sweep the floor?” “I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said. “And put the mower away.” His father asked him, with a shrug. “Did you clean off the clay?” The children in the house next door Seem happy and content. The same thing happened over there. And this is how it went: “I got two A’s, the small boy cried, His voice was filled with glee. His father very proudly said, “I’m glad you belong to me.” “Mom, I’ve got the dishes done.” The girl called from the door. “Her mother smiled and softly said, “Each day I love you more.” “I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “And put the mower away.” His father answered with much joy, “You’ve made my day happy.” Children deserve a little praise For tasks they’re asked to do. If they’re to lead a happy life, So much depends on you. ~ Author Unknown ~

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn’t looking - I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking. ~ Author Unknown ~

It Will Not Matter

One hundred years from now it will not matter…. What kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank, nor what my clothes looked like. One hundred years from now It will not matter… What kind of school I attended, what kind of typewriter I used, how large or small my Church was, but the world may be a little better because... I was important in the life of a child. ~ Author Unknown ~

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