Parenting happens best on a Thursday: Tip #1

A new feature at Tales from the Isle of Naboombu is my weekly "Parenting happens best on a Thursday" blogpost where I will be giving some very random parenting tips from my vast 18+ years of experience.  I understand that all my readers are now excited, as well as somewhat leery, so without further ado....

Tip #1:  Develop a continuing story with your kids that can flourish over the years.
Establish the characters.  Set the general tone.  Let it thrive over time.  Always have a cliffhanger.  The result will be a comfortable time with your kids where they will be looking forward to spending time with you to discover the continuing adventure.

Daniel listening to Dad tell a story.

For us, I started with Daniel when he was a little tot, continued on with Rachel and progressed with Nicholas and Patrick.  I reckon I will be continuing these adventures with the grandkids one day.  I fully expect my kids to share these tales with their kids. 

It always starts as follows: 

"And now, for your bedtime pleasure, the continue saga of, the adventures of, Gwendola and Gerard.  Once upon a time there was a boy named Gerard and his sister, a girl named Gwendola.  They had a kitty cat named Cheek and a puppy dog named Popalopagus.   When last we left our heroes..." and then we discover how our heroes handle their current peril.

The Wrights have followed these adventures of Gwendola and Gerard for about 16 years now, as they have saved the world numerous times from various nefarious threats, met many new and glorious friends as well as adversaries and explored both real and imaginary places across the globe.

And there is always something new.   When last we left our heroes, we discovered they had younger twin brothers who had disappeared (a surprisingly new and risky plot line, to introduce siblings).......  Maybe tonight, we'll see what happened to them!

So parents, here's a great bonding tool that will last a lifetime.   Develop your story.  Do not believe the lie that you are not creative.  Just start talking.  It doesn't have to make a whole lot of sense and there can be recurring themes over the years.  It just makes it goofier.  And a great way to connect to your kids.