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If I was asked to draw a picture, it would appear just as it did when I was in elementary school. A house in the middle of the page with two windows and a door, a big tree to the left of the house and a sun in the upper right hand corner. Unfortunately, I have no artistic ability! What would also be in that drawing, though, would be flowers (I can draw a decent daisy-looking one!).
 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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Since Spring has sprung and April showers are on the way, it’s time to have some very inexpensive and practical fun with your child by planting flower seeds. Take a trip to the store and select a package of a variety that is known to do well in your area—have your child ask for information if that’s not known. Back at home, select a spot (or a pot) to give the soon-to-be flowers the amount of light they need. Show the child how to loosen the soil and read the package directions to know how deeply to plant the seed and how much water will be needed. Giving tender care to plants can also teach how to tenderly treat people.
I have fond memories from childhood of planting a flower garden with my mother every spring. When I was very young, we planted castor bean seeds which grow in Texas to be a big summer plant that my friends and I played house underneath. And by the time I was in junior high school, I remember Mother, Daddy and I planting climbing red roses on our backyard fence. One of my grandmothers always had lantana and iris in her backyard. The other grandmother grew zinnias, honeysuckle--and peach trees. Guess what I have in my yard? Yep!
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In addition to flowers, if space allows, a vegetable garden is wonderful for so many reasons—including economic. Last year I planted red, yellow and purple bell peppers in large pots—and when they were ripe, cut and froze them for use in later meals. They were beautiful—and delicious.
Have fun planting with your children.
Copyright © 2010, Sharon Scott. No Reproduction without written permission from author.
P.S. Please see my other column, The Counselor’s Corner, on a peer pressure dilemma.
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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