Hello Everyone.
Editor's Note: Having written over 350 stories we thought we needed a little sabbatical.
So, until the end of February, we will be in re-runs. Please enjoy these previously
published Neva tales from not so long ago.
Originally Published: November 20, 2001
There is road construction that started early this morning on our street
corner and my 2-year-old daughter was immediately fascinated with the big machinery. The sounds of the engines would bring Neva time and again to my second story office window. Each and every time she would tell me about the goings on and not once did she forget to mention the Ladybugs.
Ladybugs. I was perplexed. I looked over every inch of the window, along the frame, inside and out to no avail. It wasn't until this evening that I realized that the construction workers where all wearing bright orange vests. Ladybugs!
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Monday, January 20, 2003
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
In My Dedication
Hello Everyone.
Editor's Note: Today's story was told by Neva, our three-year-old daughter, and typed out by Daddy.
In my dedication at school I paint and draw and I play and read stories and play dinosaurs yeah and even with Quinn. Quinn and me were playing roaring and with Maia. She's three. And then I was va-cu-ming and eaten the cake. That's all in my dedication.
Happy sweeping,
Neva Gunther
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Editor's Note: Today's story was told by Neva, our three-year-old daughter, and typed out by Daddy.
In my dedication at school I paint and draw and I play and read stories and play dinosaurs yeah and even with Quinn. Quinn and me were playing roaring and with Maia. She's three. And then I was va-cu-ming and eaten the cake. That's all in my dedication.
Happy sweeping,
Neva Gunther
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Monday, January 13, 2003
Sorry All ...
Hello Everyone.
Sorry everyone for short changing you on a story. It's just been one of those days.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Sorry everyone for short changing you on a story. It's just been one of those days.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Saturday, January 11, 2003
Equality?
Hello Everyone.
Even though she cannot yet articulate it, my three-year-old daughter Neva is learning that life is not fair. There are different rules for different people and this becomes painfully obvious each time her little brother, 7-month-old Milo, is excused for certain behaviors simply because of his age. He doesn't know any better but Neva does; his needs are addressed, she is given a time out.
We encourage Neva for instance to use her words to ask for what she wants rather than cry uncontrollably. Yet Milo can only ask by crying. He has no words and even if he did, he likely does not have any concept of what it is he needs. The louder and harder he cries, the quicker we respond. The louder and harder she cries, the more impatient we become.
There is no question in my mind that the unequal treatment handed out to Neva and Milo is appropriate as they are at significantly different stages of maturity. We adults understand, for the most part, that in a world that struggles for equality, often on a grand scale, there exists an inescapable inequality. Age, knowledge, ability all play a role in determining one's level of responsibility and with responsibility, come rules. But for a three-year-old I doubt it makes much sense.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Even though she cannot yet articulate it, my three-year-old daughter Neva is learning that life is not fair. There are different rules for different people and this becomes painfully obvious each time her little brother, 7-month-old Milo, is excused for certain behaviors simply because of his age. He doesn't know any better but Neva does; his needs are addressed, she is given a time out.
We encourage Neva for instance to use her words to ask for what she wants rather than cry uncontrollably. Yet Milo can only ask by crying. He has no words and even if he did, he likely does not have any concept of what it is he needs. The louder and harder he cries, the quicker we respond. The louder and harder she cries, the more impatient we become.
There is no question in my mind that the unequal treatment handed out to Neva and Milo is appropriate as they are at significantly different stages of maturity. We adults understand, for the most part, that in a world that struggles for equality, often on a grand scale, there exists an inescapable inequality. Age, knowledge, ability all play a role in determining one's level of responsibility and with responsibility, come rules. But for a three-year-old I doubt it makes much sense.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Thursday, January 09, 2003
In the Dark ...
Hello Everyone.
I haven't been a child in quite some time, which may explain why I am at a loss to understand for instance, why my three-year-old daughter Neva runs into my office to tell me that: "I can bend down Daddy."
It is clear by the assertive tone of voice that this is very meaningful to her but its importance is lost on me. I stare at her momentarily, then, choosing my words carefully, I congratulate her on being self aware, all the while wondering what exactly happened inside her head those few minutes before her arrival.
The other night, sometime in the wee hours, Neva woke up briefly, stuck out her tongue and protested: "Yuck, a cloth." A quick drink of water and she was right back to sleep leaving my wife Kathleen and I looking at each other with half worried smiles.
Am I in the dark because I have I not been paying attention? Or is it normal for a child to spontaneously erupt into a dialogue unrelated to anything that adults are wise too? Maybe it's just too much sugar.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
I haven't been a child in quite some time, which may explain why I am at a loss to understand for instance, why my three-year-old daughter Neva runs into my office to tell me that: "I can bend down Daddy."
It is clear by the assertive tone of voice that this is very meaningful to her but its importance is lost on me. I stare at her momentarily, then, choosing my words carefully, I congratulate her on being self aware, all the while wondering what exactly happened inside her head those few minutes before her arrival.
The other night, sometime in the wee hours, Neva woke up briefly, stuck out her tongue and protested: "Yuck, a cloth." A quick drink of water and she was right back to sleep leaving my wife Kathleen and I looking at each other with half worried smiles.
Am I in the dark because I have I not been paying attention? Or is it normal for a child to spontaneously erupt into a dialogue unrelated to anything that adults are wise too? Maybe it's just too much sugar.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four
Hello Everyone.
I am still hard pressed to explain how my wife Kathleen and I have created two profoundly different children. Where my three-year-old daughter Neva talks continually and has tantrums that are sure to earn her an Academy Award for her sorrowful performances, 7-month-old Milo is much more reserved, causing little or no commotion at all, leading us to often forget exactly where we last left him.
Their personalities, expressions and likes and dislikes differ in almost every aspect with the exception of potatoes. Long time readers may remember that Neva's love for potatoes led to my then two-year-old daughter to adopt one as her "baby". She cared for this potato putting it to bed when it was tired, subjecting it to time outs for bad behavior yet all the while showering it with lots of hugs and caresses. Of course, Neva had to continually return to the potato orphanage as she lost one after another. Within days, we were finding countless potatoes around the house.
Now, Milo too has embraced the potato as more than a root vegetable. It seems to make a great chew toy for the little guy and following in his sister's footsteps, he too returns time and again to select another. Finding one abandoned spud after another, teeth marks and slobbery spots indicate that they are recent victims.
And if anyone is interested, we have some extra potato salad in the refrigerator.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
I am still hard pressed to explain how my wife Kathleen and I have created two profoundly different children. Where my three-year-old daughter Neva talks continually and has tantrums that are sure to earn her an Academy Award for her sorrowful performances, 7-month-old Milo is much more reserved, causing little or no commotion at all, leading us to often forget exactly where we last left him.
Their personalities, expressions and likes and dislikes differ in almost every aspect with the exception of potatoes. Long time readers may remember that Neva's love for potatoes led to my then two-year-old daughter to adopt one as her "baby". She cared for this potato putting it to bed when it was tired, subjecting it to time outs for bad behavior yet all the while showering it with lots of hugs and caresses. Of course, Neva had to continually return to the potato orphanage as she lost one after another. Within days, we were finding countless potatoes around the house.
Now, Milo too has embraced the potato as more than a root vegetable. It seems to make a great chew toy for the little guy and following in his sister's footsteps, he too returns time and again to select another. Finding one abandoned spud after another, teeth marks and slobbery spots indicate that they are recent victims.
And if anyone is interested, we have some extra potato salad in the refrigerator.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
How Am I Doing?
Hello Everyone.
I received an email today from a ContestHound.com newsletter reader and as we emailed back and forth a few times it got me thinking about how parents need to gauge their success in raising children.
In all the advice books my wife Kathleen and I have read, there is nothing about taking stock of our successes. They deal with ways to maintain one's sanity or resolve problems but none mention how to judge how well you have done. So far, our 3-year-old daughter Neva has yet to experiment with gunpowder on a frog. Should we be patting ourselves on the back? Probably not.
With all the psychological and sociological studies used to determine what is going on with kids today, wouldn't it be nice if someone pointed out that if you see certain developmental achievements you have done well in nurturing and teaching your child.
Now, somewhere along the line I heard that parents won't realize how well we did in raising our children until we see them raising their own. But I'm not that patient ...
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
I received an email today from a ContestHound.com newsletter reader and as we emailed back and forth a few times it got me thinking about how parents need to gauge their success in raising children.
In all the advice books my wife Kathleen and I have read, there is nothing about taking stock of our successes. They deal with ways to maintain one's sanity or resolve problems but none mention how to judge how well you have done. So far, our 3-year-old daughter Neva has yet to experiment with gunpowder on a frog. Should we be patting ourselves on the back? Probably not.
With all the psychological and sociological studies used to determine what is going on with kids today, wouldn't it be nice if someone pointed out that if you see certain developmental achievements you have done well in nurturing and teaching your child.
Now, somewhere along the line I heard that parents won't realize how well we did in raising our children until we see them raising their own. But I'm not that patient ...
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Monday, January 06, 2003
Words of Wisdoom
Hello Everyone.
Today for the first time I realized that maybe things are the way they should be. Maybe all parents go through this self-doubt, but for months now, I have been concerned that I have been doing something wrong, failing as a parent.
I had just finished reading an article in a parenting magazine about what to expect from a preschooler. Besides seeking more independence, they are still egocentric and may continue to have tantrums. They have more advanced verbal skills, the article goes on to point out, and at three years of age children may be uncooperative, take reckless risks, whine and argue.
"The disruptive behavior of a highly active child..." it continued. The more I read, the more I was convinced that the writer was talking about my daughter Neva. She does all of those things, I kept thinking, feeling both mild panic and great relief.
As it turns out, according to the experts quoted in the article at least, every child goes through these stages to some degree. Our job as parents is to allow them to struggle with their emotions in a safe environment, giving praise for good behavior and offering positive alternatives for bad conduct. If we maintain consistency in support and encouragement, our children will learn the same.
In the meantime, however, I'm keeping my therapist's phone number on speed-dial.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Today for the first time I realized that maybe things are the way they should be. Maybe all parents go through this self-doubt, but for months now, I have been concerned that I have been doing something wrong, failing as a parent.
I had just finished reading an article in a parenting magazine about what to expect from a preschooler. Besides seeking more independence, they are still egocentric and may continue to have tantrums. They have more advanced verbal skills, the article goes on to point out, and at three years of age children may be uncooperative, take reckless risks, whine and argue.
"The disruptive behavior of a highly active child..." it continued. The more I read, the more I was convinced that the writer was talking about my daughter Neva. She does all of those things, I kept thinking, feeling both mild panic and great relief.
As it turns out, according to the experts quoted in the article at least, every child goes through these stages to some degree. Our job as parents is to allow them to struggle with their emotions in a safe environment, giving praise for good behavior and offering positive alternatives for bad conduct. If we maintain consistency in support and encouragement, our children will learn the same.
In the meantime, however, I'm keeping my therapist's phone number on speed-dial.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Friday, January 03, 2003
Happy New Year!
Hello Everyone.
I had hoped to get back to publishing the newsletter earlier this week but unfortunately ContestHound.com has been plagued with some technical problems. Hopefully they are all sorted out and we can get back to business as usual on Monday, including all new Neva stories.
Thanks for your patience and Happy New Year!
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
I had hoped to get back to publishing the newsletter earlier this week but unfortunately ContestHound.com has been plagued with some technical problems. Hopefully they are all sorted out and we can get back to business as usual on Monday, including all new Neva stories.
Thanks for your patience and Happy New Year!
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Tick Tock ... Tick Tock ...
Hello Everyone.
Editor's Note: Having written over 350 stories we thought we needed a little sabbatical. So, until the end of February, we will be in re-runs. Please enjoy these previously published Neva tales from not so long ago.
Originally Published: February 20, 2002
As adults it seems we are constantly at war with time. We wear watches on our wrists and check them repeatedly in an attempt, perhaps, to justify our hurriedness. Alarms wake us in the morning and we say "Just a minute," and never return. While clichés about time bobble in our minds we keep our frenzied pace.
Neva, my two-year-old daughter has yet to understand the concept of time. For her, time is measured in only two ways: last night and 13 minutes. At bath time, I ask her when she washed her hair last and regardless if it was 10 minutes ago or last week, she answers "Last night, two times!"
And if I ever ask her what time it is, the answer is always 13 minutes. "When does your favorite television show start Neva?" I ask. "Thirteen minutes!" she'll say.
I wonder what would happen if I spent 13 minutes doing nothing, declaring a cease fire in my battle with time. Perhaps I would just sit and think about those funny things Neva did last night ... two times.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Editor's Note: Having written over 350 stories we thought we needed a little sabbatical. So, until the end of February, we will be in re-runs. Please enjoy these previously published Neva tales from not so long ago.
Originally Published: February 20, 2002
As adults it seems we are constantly at war with time. We wear watches on our wrists and check them repeatedly in an attempt, perhaps, to justify our hurriedness. Alarms wake us in the morning and we say "Just a minute," and never return. While clichés about time bobble in our minds we keep our frenzied pace.
Neva, my two-year-old daughter has yet to understand the concept of time. For her, time is measured in only two ways: last night and 13 minutes. At bath time, I ask her when she washed her hair last and regardless if it was 10 minutes ago or last week, she answers "Last night, two times!"
And if I ever ask her what time it is, the answer is always 13 minutes. "When does your favorite television show start Neva?" I ask. "Thirteen minutes!" she'll say.
I wonder what would happen if I spent 13 minutes doing nothing, declaring a cease fire in my battle with time. Perhaps I would just sit and think about those funny things Neva did last night ... two times.
Happy sweeping,
Bob Gunther
Webmaster, ContestHound.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)