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"Summertime... and the living is easy… fish are jumping… and the cotton is high…" so goes the song. In this economic climate, however, the living may not be so easy. School won’t start for awhile so make the most of the time left with your children to have at least once or twice weekly (or daily if you’re up for it!) fun, no-cost activities. It’s a great way to bond with your children, learn more about one another as well as have some laughs and lower stress.
 See side bar for information on Sharon's wonderful books for elementary-age children. There is a discounted price on the 5-book series that even includes a darling Nicholas puppet.
These books are "co-authored" by Sharon's beloved cocker spaniel Nicholas who shares true antics by him and his animal buddies to gently and lovingly present important living skills. Each book is filled with problem-solving exercises, delightful illustrations and easy-to-follow suggestions. His inquisitive childlike qualities make him the perfect guide on difficult and important subjects. See "The Nicholas Collection" at www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott .
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If you live in or near a large city, there are probably museums or art galleries that have occasional free admittance days. I recently went to the Late Nite Summer Block Party at the Dallas Museum of Art and had so much fun. There was not only wonderful art, but artist’s demonstrations and a live band.
I’ve always loved picnics in one’s own back yard. You don’t even have to grill—sandwiches, fruit, lemonade on an old bedspread in the backyard can be loads of fun. Everyone has a role in helping to make it successful. You can look at the various shapes of the clouds or if after dark, check out the stars.
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Many public libraries have reading clubs, author readings and maybe even free movie nights. The library is also a wonderful place to check out books of interest to you and your child and read together. Books can also teach skills such as cooking, camping, foreign languages, photography and care of a companion animal. Dare to learn something new with your child!
Speaking of camping—have you ever camped out on your screened-in porch or in your backyard? You might give it a try.
Nature walks in your own yard or at the park can be fun. They also can instill appreciation of life and respecting the boundaries of other creatures. Some kids would enjoy photographing your finds for later discussion.
Have fun with your children with what’s left of the summer. As you well know, they grow up all too fast.
Copyright © 2009. Condensed in part from Sharon’s award-winning book for parents and educators, Peer Pressure Reversal: An Adult Guide to Developing a Responsible Child, 2nd Ed.
No reproduction without written permission from author.
P.S. Please see my other column, The Counselor’s Corner, concerning automatic negative thoughts.
Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT, has been making a difference in peoples’ lives for 30 years though her international keynotes and workshops, her eight award-winning books, and her private counseling services. Five of her books are a charming series for elementary-age children that she “co-authored" with her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas. Each beautifully illustrated book teaches a valuable living skill such as managing emotions in Life’s Not Always Fair, building character in Nicholas’ Values, and making wise choices in Too Smart for Trouble. Sharon’s best-seller for teens is How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed. Her books are available from HRD Press, 800-822-2801 or www.hrdpress.com/SharonScott . For more information on Sharon’s many workshop topics that she can bring to your child’s school or community, please see her website at www.SharonScott.com.
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Listen to
Families Online Radio Interview with Sharon Scott
Books That Work!
By Sharon Scott
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Family counselor Sharon Scott is the author of 8 books including this delightful series for children that is "co-authored" by her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes learning valuable life skills fun.
 Too Smart for Trouble, a best-selling, award-winning book, teaches children to think on their own and how to say no when asked to do something wrong.
 Not Better... Not Worse... Just Different is must reading for children to learn to be more sensitive to others, avoid bullying and know how to handle teasing.
 Life's Not Always Fair is a child's guide for managing emotions and learning to soothe oneself when mad, sad, scared or confused.
Nicholas' Values is a delightful guide helping children develop good character traits such as honesty, confidence, sharing and so much more!
Too Cool for Drugs helps children learn why and how to say no to drugs--drug education must begin in the home at an early age!
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