Grace Fox - Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones: Creating Happy Bedtime Memories

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS EUGENE, OREGON Cover by Dugan Design Group, Bloomington, Minnesota Cover photo Dugan Design Group Grace Fox is published in association with the literary agency of The Steve Laube Agency, LLC, 5025 N. Central Ave., #635, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012. TUCK-ME-IN TALKS WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES Copyright 2014 by Grace Fox Published by Harvest House Publishers Eugene, Oregon 97402 www.harvesthousepublishers.com ISBN 978-0-7369-5640-6 (pbk.) ISBN 978-0-7369-5641-3 (eBook) All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any otherwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of authors and publishers rights is strictly prohibited.

Contents W e develop strong relationships with our youngsters by spending time with them. Both the quantity and the quality of these interactions are important. This calls for intentionality and creativity. My husband and I raised three kids. As a family, we read books together, attended summer camps, and interacted through biking, boating, and playing board games. But we also made time to talk one-on-onewith no parental agenda.

One way we did this was by asking simple questions at bedtime. We began this tradition with our youngest child. Kimberly was in kindergarten at the time, and she loved this routine. Her answerssometimes silly, sometimes more seriousgave us a glimpse into her mind. Her answers often prompted more questions, and the ensuing conversations established a strong connection between us. Im thrilled that you want to connect with your children too.

As you use Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones , youll see that some questions are easier than others. They are designed to meet the needs of families with kids ages three to eight with a wide range of verbal skills. If a particular question doesnt resonate with one child, try a different one. That child might respond enthusiastically to the same question a few weeks later. Some questions are educational, some are plain ol silly, and some are spiritual. Listen to the answers and engage your youngsters with further questions.

Laugh with them and explore with them. Childrens imaginations change as they grow, so youll be able to use Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones over and over. Keep a notebook handyyou may wish to record the answers. Use this resource in a way that best fits your familys needs. If bedtime doesnt work for you, use it at mealtime or when youre driving somewhere. The point is, use it to develop your relationship with your kids.

Grandparents, this works for you too. I have five grandchildren, ages five and under, and the oldest two ask me to read them these questions. Their answers always bring a smile to my face. Enjoy this book and love your kids. Whoever said, Enjoy them now because theyll be grown and gone before you know it was right. Cheering for you and your family, Grace www.gracefox.com How do you think ice cream is made? Whats your favorite flavor ? What are your favorite toppings ? What clothes do you like wearing the most ? Why do you like them more than your other clothes ? Whats the best way to eat spaghetti ? Ice cream ? Jell-O ? Show me a sad face .

Name three things that make you sad . Now show me a happy face . Name three things that make you happy . Pretend youre an astronaut looking out the window of your spaceship . What do you see out there? How many stars ? How bright is the sun ? What does the earth look like? Whats your favorite game ? Explain the rules to me. Why do you like it more than other games ? Why are fire engines red ? Name five other objects that are the same color .

God made mother kangaroos with a front pocket where their babies can snuggle and grow. Their babies are like a treasure . What treasure do you like to carry in your pockets ? Lets think of five ways we can be kind to grandmas and grandpas . How do you think doughnuts are made? If you were a baker , what toppings would you put on doughnuts ? Name five farm animals and make their noises . Which one do you like best ? Why ? Lets plan a pretend birthday party . How could I make a lemon pie ? What frightens you? What do you do when you feel afraid ? What other things can you do when you feel afraid ?