There was something very familiar about the tune.Yes, it was the “Nutcracker March” from the Nutcracker Ballet! Yet it was coming from the Good Humor truck? By this time I was up and out of my seat as the music changed to none other than the theme to “Love Story,” followed by “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and then “You Are My Sunshine.” All adapted to the hurdy-gurdy sounds of the traditional Good Humor chimes. I stood there listening with a huge grin across my face.
Any other year I might have been grumbling under my breath how an ice cream at 4 p.m. was going to ruin everyone’s dinner appetite. Kids love these trucks as much as parents abhor them. Once in a while they’re fun, but when they arrive every day right before the evening meal it can get very annoying. Somehow the non-traditional tunes not only got my attention this year, but delighted me as well.
I guess it shows you that hearing or looking at something in a new way is often just what we all need. This month we take a new look at two topics that are known as “loaded” parenting issues. One: homework, as in your children’s. And two: yelling. Parents often get pulled into both even though they wish they didn’t.
Read about the current homework trends and how you can handle this, often touchy, subject. And then consider what many parents resort to when they become annoyed and aggravated even if they rarely admit it – yelling. In case you were wondering, there’s often a connection between homework and yelling, but I imagine that’s something you know. Throw open a window or door in most homes and sooner or later you’ll hear some parent screeching, “You kids better stop yelling in there!” There is no method to this madness. Read why yelling doesn’t work and how to stop it once and for all.
Maybe you’d rather read about shades of grey, but we think a little education goes a long way. Start the new school year with a few tricks up your sleeve and you’ll be surprised – maybe even delighted – at how peaceful your home can become. Do we have your attention now?
Have fun,
Jean Sheff
Editor
