Sutherland Springs, a town just southwest of our home in Austin, has joined a tragic list that tightens our stomachs and lowers our gaze. So, how do we talk to our kids about it?
Princes, Princesses, Knights, and Nurses: Talking about Gender and Identity
Counteract out-of-date images of gender and identity and introduce new ones with storytelling!
Counteract out-of-date images of gender and identity and introduce new ones with storytelling!
Tell Them They are Safe (Even When You Don’t Believe It)
Children are not good at understanding odds. Even if there is a tiny chance of something bad happening to them or someone they love, they will turn that tiny chance into a very likely chance.
Children are not good at understanding odds. Even if there is a tiny chance of something bad happening to them or someone they love, they will turn that tiny chance into a very likely chance.
How Twelve Days Might Save Christmas
So what would it look like if Christmas became twelve days?
So what would it look like if Christmas became twelve days?
Try Saying Nothing: The Gift of the Quiet Nod
If you’ve experienced the dynamic of offering advice and it not being followed – then consider the alternative approach. Try saying nothing.
But if you’ve experienced the dynamic of offering advice and it not being followed – then consider the alternative approach. Try saying nothing.
The Truth About Santa Claus
Since my imagination has room for the story of Santa Claus, the story is true.
Since my imagination has room for the story of Santa Claus, the story is true.
Narrative Density: A Storyteller’s Guide to the Thanksgiving Meal
People love stories. We are meaning-making beings - we are constantly wondering “why, why why?”
People love stories. We are meaning-making beings – we are constantly wondering “why, why why?”
America Needs a New Story: Here are Three
As a teacher, a father, and now a storyteller, I have searched for better and more effective stories for the children in my life — and I found three that might surprise you.
As a teacher, a father, and now a storyteller, I have searched for better and more effective stories for the children in my life — and I found three that might surprise you.
Why are Politics? How to Explain it to Children
Story telling with strong metaphors and images can be much better than falling down the rabbit hole of explanation.
Story telling with strong metaphors and images can be much better than falling down the rabbit hole of explanation.
Turning Aside: Telling Your Children Stories of Difference
When you tell a story rather than lecturing or explaining, you speak the language of childhood.
When you tell a story rather than lecturing or explaining, you speak the language of childhood.
Between Safe and Real: Talking to Your Kids about Natural Disasters
If we are feeling vulnerable, helpless, angry, and grief-stricken, then how are our children feeling?
If we are feeling vulnerable, helpless, angry, and grief-stricken, then how are our children feeling?
Screen Free: What Would Mr. Rogers Say?
As a man who built a culture out of children’s television, would he be against Screen Free Week? It’s hard to know. Bud David Sewell McCann has some thoughts on that.
Slow Travel with Children – What Does the Tortoise Say?
Slow and steady wins more than just races.
Beside Myself: Why April Fools is Important
David Sewell McCann will happily lose some sleep if it means teaching his children that “Life is Fun.”
Warm Words and Strong Arms: How to Hold the Sensitive Child
Some people are just sensitive. The barrier between them and the world is particularly thin, and it allows a lot more ‘stuff’ in.
How to Be Super, Part Five: Tell No One
We have reached the final step in our Superhero training. You have paid attention and kept your eyes open. You have opened your heart and believed what was happening. You did something brave and found your powers. And now—the fourth step.