Red Rover is Supposed to be a Game...not a Lifestyle

 

Did you ever play the game, Red Rover when you were a kid? I did. But I have to be honest—I didn’t like it very much. I didn’t like it because I was always the scrawny little kid that couldn’t break through the line. Instead, I usually ended up being clotheslined and knocked to the ground. And getting laughed at by the opponent and grumbled at by my teammates. 

Whoo hoo! Let's do it again! NOT! 

I don't see kids playing Red Rover these days. I don't think I've even heard my grandkids mention it, so I'm not sure what caused me to start thinking about it. But I did, and the more I thought about it, the more I started thinking about the kids I know who live a red rover kind of life. 

A red rover life is one in which no matter how hard a kid tries, they can't break through the 'line'. No matter how hard they try they just can't seem to be accepted by their peers. Nothing they do is good enough to make their parents not yell, ridicule, or hit them. No matter how hard they study or how long they practice, C's are the best they can do and the bench is the only place they spend time all season long. There isn't an acne cream out there that works. Their weight is what it is what it is. No one will ever know they can sing at least as good as anyone ever has on "America's Got Talent" because no one gives them the chance to put themselves out there. They never get the chance...or rather, no one else ever gets the chance to see how amazing these kids are because they spend most of their time laying on the ground after getting knocked down. Again. And again. And again. 

How sad is that? Pretty darn sad!

Parents, you need to remember that life is not a game and your children are not playing pieces. You need to understand that a child can only take so many ‘clothesline hits’ before they stop trying and start settling for far less than they deserve. And once the ‘disease’ of settling takes root in their heart, it’s hard to get rid of it. Anxiety, depression, anger issues, eating disorders, self-destructive behaviors, poor self-respect…you name it, there’s a good chance it will happen, because these kids don’t think they deserve anything better. They think it’s their lot in life to get knocked down.

Don’t let this happen to your children. Don’t let one day go by without making sure they know your arms aren’t blocking them or shoving them out of the way. And be watchful and mindful of what's going on at school, among their peers, and in the extra-curricular realm. Make sure your children know your arms are always open to hug them, protect them, and guide them in whatever direction they need to go to be their best self. And when life does knock them down (because it will from time to time), make sure they know your arms are extended to pick them up and help them get back on their feet.

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 my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner 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. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them. 

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.