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My father was a remarkable man in so many ways. He was from what many have called (and I agree) “the greatest generation.” He served in WWII in the U.S. Army all over Europe. Daddy died on Memorial Day, 2004 at age 87. He always had a twinkle in his eye thinking of something mischievous or funny to say. I think my dry sense of humor comes from him—and I’m quite proud of its source! One story that I often chuckle over is when he would tell, in all seriousness, about the time when he was almost late for work. He worked for the same government agency his entire life and was actually never late—but almost was one time!
 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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How many of us have that level of responsibility and dedication? If we hope to instill it in our children then we must begin with ourselves as their role models. It can be as simple as getting prepared the evening before for work—and have your kids do the same for school. There could be a place to lay out clothes as well as a place for our briefcase, cell phone or keys. We would help them find a place for their homework, lunch money, books or backpack. Then we need to get them to school and ourselves to work on time.
If this organization was done the evening before, there might even be time for a healthy breakfast together! What a novel idea (oops, my dry sense of humor is showing). I ate breakfast every morning of my young life with my parents. It doesn’t have to be a big time consuming breakfast—it could just be toast and fruit or cereal. This is a rarity nowadays as everyone is always in a rush. It would give us the energy to begin our day as well as the calmness of sitting with our family before the day begins.
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P.S. Please read my other column “The Counselor’s Corner” about brain do’s and don’ts.
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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