Henny Penny's Hysteria Mauno Loa is erupting and if you do not live on the Big Island, the news would have you believe the lava is speeding down the mountain, people are being evacuated and VOG is dangerously filling our air. Of course, it's not a good idea to ignore Pele. And it is always prudent to be prepared for any disaster. But, seriously, the sensationalism in the news about this event sounds very much like Henny Penny's "The sky is falling!" One of the many ways Henny Penny's hysteria catches all of us is to make the alarm sound convincing by the bit of truth within the situation - Henny Penny did get knocked on the head by a falling acorn. And if you live with or near a flock of chickens, you know first-hand their over-the-top, alarming crows at the hint of dawn or breakfast being served! Just remember, chickens have very small brains and the media is in the business of making money. Time is Your Best Parenting Friend The drive by media to make money by distorting reality frustrates me. And I feel the same frustration about anyone who uses our desire to be good parents to sell us something. Preying on our fears of failure as a parent keeps our hearts and minds distracted from the sweet progression of time. The reality of parenting - and grandparenting! - is that it is a long-haul endeavor with intense flashes of joy or heart-ache etched into our day-to-day living. Good parenting, good family life is created in time - learn to see time as your best friend in rearing your children! The self-imposed drama of making sure we are adhering to the "best" plans for any number of parenting tasks hinders living in the bigger picture: the daily enjoyment of living with and loving our children. As you go about the tasks inherent in rearing children try to avoid the Chicken Littles of the parenting world - if you feel anxious about not meeting someone else's expectations about your choices in raising your children, good chances are you've encountered a Henny Penny. Trust yourself and your instincts. And pay attention to those intense flashes which draw our eyes to the most important things in the long-haul! You've got this!
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Nonna's Thoughts are for busy parents who are looking for practical knowledge, and a bit of laughter, in growing strong, joyful families.
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