By DR Rawson
“Debbie, have you ever taken candy from a store without paying?” Asked Patty. Debbie said, “That would be stealing. When I was five, I took a candy bar from the rack at the grocery store checkout. "
My Dad stopped me and whispered in my ear, “If you take that, you’ll be stealing. If you don’t pay, it’s stealing.”
Debbie said, “I put it back. My Dad gave me a hug and a kiss. That was better than any candy bar could ever be. The joy of doing the right thing is a feeling that can't be replaced by anything else."
By Rick Allen
Sophie and her dad decided to wash the car together.
As they sprayed and scrubbed, Sophie had a mischievous idea of surprising her dad with a splash from the hose.
But, quick and playful, Dad turned the tables and drenched Sophie first, leaving her giggling and soaking wet.
They ended up having a water fight instead of washing the car, learning that sometimes the task at hand could turn into an unexpected adventure. They laughed and hugged before finishing the car wash.
Sophie discovered that getting wet wasn't bad when it meant sharing laughter and creating memories with her dad.
By DR Rawson
Jenny is a six-year-old who wants to be a teen like her big sister Beth. After dinner, her Mom found her in her room crying. She walked over and sat down with Jenny. She said, “I’m your Mom. You can tell me anything.”
Why are you crying? Jenny said,“When Beth was at school, I played in her room without permission..”
Jenny, “I know you want to be older, it’s because you don’t know how special you are. I’ll go with you, and we can talk to Beth together. You can apologize. I’m sure your big sister will be fine.
By Rick Allen
Tim and Lily decided to bake a giant cookie, calling it "The Great Cookie Affair."
They mixed, poured, and finally, with great excitement, placed their creation in the oven. However, they forgot one tiny detail—checking the recipe size.
The cookie grew and grew, spilling out like a doughy volcano! When they opened the oven, a cookie flood covered the kitchen floor. Amidst their surprise, they couldn't help but laugh at their cookie disaster.
From "The Great Cookie Affair," they learned that sometimes, even the best plans can go awry, but the messiest moments make the sweetest memories.
By Rick Allen
Samantha and her younger brother, Jake, were prepping for the school science fair.
The pressure to perform well was high as they worked on their volcano project, but surprisingly, they were having a blast.
“This is eustress,” Samantha explained to Jake.
“It’s stress, but the good kind that makes you excited, not scared,” Jake nodded. He giggled as their volcano shook and rumbled. There was a quiet pause, and it erupted, spewing foam across their table.
Their classmates clapped and laughed, enjoying the show. Samantha and Jake learned that working together brought success and made challenging tasks fun and thrilling.
By Rick Allen
During the game of chess, conflict arose between Becky and her mom.
Becky wanted to undo a move she regretted, but Mom insisted that learning the game was living with decisions.
Voices rose, and the word "unfair" slipped out.
The clash paused as tears welled up in Becky’s eyes.
Mom softened, explaining the importance of rules and acknowledging his feelings.
Together, they restarted the game with clearer rules. As they continued, Becky learned the importance of handling disagreements calmly and the value of forgiveness.
This game wasn't about chess but a lesson in managing emotions and understanding within the family.
By Rick Allen
Sarah and her dad crafted a kite from a plastic bag, sticks, and string, a stark contrast to the elaborate kites at the park.
Their creation, though simple, held a special charm as it was made together.
They sprinted across the grass, releasing the kite into the wind.
Initially unsteady, it eventually found its rhythm and soared high above, delighting Sarah.
Her dad, watching it dance in the sky, remarked, "Simplicity has its own beauty, doesn't it?"
Their laughter mingled with the breeze, teaching Sarah that true joy lies in shared moments of simplicity, not in the splendor of possessions.