If You Want a Cat, Make Sure it is of the Pet Kind

I am a big fan of Dr. Seuss—with the exception of “The Cat in the Hat” and “The Cat in the Hat Comes Back”. I do not like those books…at all. The fact that the cat comes marching into the house and takes over is creepy to me. And the fact that although Sally and her no-name brother just let it all kind of happen is disturbing. I mean, seriously, they need a fish to tell them to get rid of that no-good cat?

Call me crazy but I just don’t like it. I do, however, think there is a lesson parents can learn from it. The lesson is this…

Your children need YOU to teach them how to say no AND what to say no to.

How many of you remember the “Just Say No!” kids were taught in middle-school about saying no to drugs via the DARE program? I don't know whether or not it was a success. I guess that all depends on one's definition of success. What I do know, however, is that there isn’t a research report or any other form of evidence proving that the kids who sat through the weekly talks from the friendly police officer were less likely to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco than anyone else.

I’m not surprised, and here’s why: while I understand that the main goal of the program was to instill healthy habits and a respect for the law and their bodies, it isn’t the school’s job to instill morals in our children. And choices like that are as much about morals as they are healthy habits and respect for the law. 

Schools are for academic education and mirroring good citizenship. Our children need to be able to trust their teachers to provide these things in full. I will also say that teachers need to set an example of strong integrity and moral character by way of their conduct toward students, parents, coworkers, and the administration. BUT setting an example of what these things look like is not the same as teaching students how and why these things matter. That’s YOUR job.

It is YOUR job to make sure your children know right from wrong and how to choose right over wrong. It is your job to teach your children what is and isn’t safe for them, who and what is dangerous, and how to steer clear of those things SO THAT when they go to school, play sports, get a job, go out on a date, participate in a contest, or whatever else they do, they will know how and why to conduct themselves. 

As parents you cannot assume your kids will pick up on these things. I once overheard a parent say, "I can't teach my kid anything. She is lightyears ahead of where I was at her age." This mom was talking about her seven-year-old daughter's ability to maneuver and manipulate her way through apps, programs, games, and websites. But she was wrong! There is a LOT she can and must teach her daughter. Just because kids are tech-savvy when it comes to operating a phone, tablet, or computer, doesn’t mean they have life figured out. They may be at 'expert' level on a game, but knowing how to be their best self and give others the grace and respect to do the same is not a game. Neither should you leave teaching them these things to anyone other than yourselves--with help from grandparents and your church, of course. In other words, IT’S YOUR JOB TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN AREN’T DEPENDING ON A FISH (or friend, a television show, a book, a website, a video game, or the classroom) FOR GUIDANCE, PROTECTION, AND LOVE.

Love,

Momma D

Who am I?

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

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What do I write? 

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

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Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

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Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

 

What do I say and who do I say it to?

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

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*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

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*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

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*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

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*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Homeowner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

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*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

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*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

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Where can you find me?

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.