MONDAY - The Magic Of Dress Up

By Brenda Areldge

Little Debbie’s eyes sparkle like magic when she sees a long, powder blue, Cinderella dress hanging in her mother’s closet.

When she slips it over top her head and slides her feet into a pair of matching ice blue glass slippers, she transforms into a princess.

Excitedly, she shuffles her way to the living room, yelling “Mom, mom, look at me!” 

The instant she sees her daughter, she smiles and replies, “Oh, how beautiful you are.  You just needs one more thing.”

She grabs a box out the closet and removes a silver tiara placing it in her baby-girls hair.

TUESDAY - The Garden Of Kindness

By DR Rawson

In a small village, Lily, Sam, and Mia loved playing in the garden. One day, they found a tiny, wilting plant with drooping leaves. “Let’s help it grow!” Lily suggested. 

Sam brought water, and Mia found rich soil to mix in. They tended to the plant daily. Gradually, it grew stronger, and its leaves turned bright green. 

One sunny morning, the plant bloomed into a beautiful flower, filling the garden with its vibrant colors and sweet scent. “It’s so beautiful!” Mia exclaimed. The children learned that with kindness and care, even the very smallest things could grow strong and beautiful.

WEDNESDAY -  Fashion On A Dime

By Brenda Areldge

Martha and her mom, Betty are shopping for back-to-school clothes.  Martha tosses everything she likes into the cart, but her Mom quickly tells her no.

“Sorry honey, but we have a budget. We can only buy a few items like a new coat, a new pair of shoes, and a couple of outfits.

"That’s fine, Mom.  I’m taking home economics. How about I learn how to make my own clothes?"

"Awesome idea!  You can buy a few things with the money we save. Let’s gather supplies and tackle this together.  Who knows, you might become a fashion designer."

THURSDAY - Friends Are Possible

By DR Rawson

Billy and Tommy had been friends since kindergarten. One day, a teacher said, “Boys, you each have a magnetic personality.”

Billy said, “Mrs. Tompkins, are you calling me and Tommy magnets?”

She laughed and said, “You boys are so much fun to be around that you’re like magnets. Magnets can attract things like metal, but you attract people when you are a person magnet. I’ll bet you boys have lots of friends.”

Tommy said, “We sure do. I think our whole class is our friends.” 

Billy said, “People magnets bring friends.”

Mrs. Tompkins said, “You’re a fast learner.”

FRIDAY - What Is Gratitude

By DR Rawson

“Mom, what is gratitude?” Asked, Robbie

His mom said, “Do you remember when your father gave you a baseball mitt? "

Robbie said, excitedly, “I was so thankful. Dad made my wish come true.” 

His mom said, “That is gratitude. And what did you say to your Dad?”

“Thank you, Dad,” said Robbie

When you said, “Thank you, you gave a little bit of your gratitude back to your Dad. Did you notice how your heart felt?”

Robbie said, “I was so happy, and I felt love.”

His mom said, “You understand gratitude, how to use it, and how it feels."

SATURDAY - Feelings Matter

By CJ Coop

 Tommy sighed, staring at his broken toy. “It’s just not fair!” he grumbled, tears welling up.

“But it’s okay to feel sad,” said Mum, hugging him tightly. “Emotions help us understand what’s important.”

Tommy sniffed, wiping his eyes. “Really?”

Mum nodded. “Absolutely. Happiness, sadness, anger — they all teach us something.”

Tommy smiled a little. “Like how I love my toys?”

“Exactly!” Mum beamed. “And friends, family, fun times too.”

Tommy’s eyes sparkled. “I guess feelings are important.”

Mum ruffled his hair. “Always, Tommy. They make us who we are.”

Tommy hugged her back. “Thanks, Mum. I feel better now.”

SUNDAY - What Is Empathy

By DR Rawson

Timmy said, “I’m sorry, Tommy. I didn’t see you in the doorway. I bumped into you, and you went down so quickly. I'm glad you only scraped your arm.”

His mom said to Timmy, “You feel empathy for the pain that Tommy is in. That’s a good thing. Empathy is not only feeling bad for someone but having some understanding of their pain. You remember when you scraped your toes when you were swinging, don’t you?”

Timmy said, “I do.”

Tommy said, “I feel bad for me too. Does that count mom?”

Mom said, “Sounds like there’s empathy for everyone.”