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I was conducting a workshop for fourth graders on character education. We were talking about how our ancestry tells a lot about our appearance. I was making the point that we are all different on the outside and to be accepting because on the inside we’re all alike—we want to be accepted. I was sharing that my ancestors came from Scotland and Ireland and that’s one of the reasons I have some freckles on my arms and a hint of red in my hair. I then asked one boy where his ancestors came from. He replied, “Amarillo, Texas!” Sometimes it’s hard to give life lessons to little ones without laughing!
 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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This makes me think of the day that I was visiting my parents. Daddy was outside doing some yard work and I was inside talking to Mother. I asked her a question about Daddy’s favorite relative, Uncle Irvin. Mother didn’t know the answer which seemed odd to me as it was a simple question. I asked her why she didn’t know and she said, “I never met Uncle Irvin.” Mind you I was an adult now and had assumed my whole life that she knew him as she and Daddy both told tales about him. When I asked her why she had never met him, she said that Uncle Irvin had died a week before she had met my father. I wondered how she could have known so much about him. She said, “I knew him through your father’s eyes.”
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Mother and Daddy were married for 57 ½ years when Daddy died in 2004. They intimately knew each other’s family history including stories, jokes, bad times, achievements, companion animals, careers, etc. Having detailed “love maps,” as this is often called, is important for a successful marriage. I think it’s equally as important for children to know so that they know from where they came—good “stock” as we would say here in Texas. This knowledge can build self-esteem and pride in oneself.
So begin telling your children the family stories so that one day when they’re in a workshop and the presenter asks where their ancestors are from, they will know more than Chicago or Tampa or San Diego or Omaha or …….
P.S. Please see my other column, Counselor's Corner
Copyright © 2008, Sharon Scott. No reproduction without written permission from author.
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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