Presence Always Triumphs Presents
December 2008
Dear Clients & Colleagues
Presence always trumps presents. More than any transient toy, your kids crave time and attention. So let them bask in your attention. (Joe Kelly, Dads and Daughters: How to inspire, understand and support Your Daughter When She’s Growing Up So Fast)
I won’t say too much in this newsletter because I think this brilliant quote above echoes the sentiment behind most of my work. When you pay attention to your children, when you make eye contact, when you really listen to them, when you get down and play a game with them without distraction and interruption, when you really want to get to know what makes them tick -that’s when you make your presence count.
I wish you all a peaceful festive season. I, for one, am going to enjoy some family time for the next few weeks after a very hectic final quarter of 2008. I look forward to meeting up with you all again at various talks and workshops in 2009. Thank you for your support, for your feedback about our book Future-proof Your Child and your responses to this newsletter. I can’t tell you how many responses I had to my query about bangers for Christmas crackers – it’s great to know that my newsletter is read!!!
IF YOU ARE IN JO’BURG AND YOU NEED SIGNED COPIES OF OUR BOOK, FUTURE-PROOF YOUR CHILD……………..
As I am closed until January, do pop in to Estoril Books in Fourways Mall where I recently signed a stack of books. Future-proof Your Child is proving to be extremely popular among parents and educators, and is being read by men and women alike.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF JO’BURG: Pop into to branches of Exclusive Books, Wordsworths and other independent books stores around the country. To order the books online, or to send to relatives elsewhere, visit :
THOMAS’ SHAPE STATION GAME IS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS
This super first shape and colour board game is now available in Toys R Us, ToyZone and other stores that stock Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise. It was developed by drama teacher Justine Heydra and myself and has been manufactured and distributed by Just Fun Toys. The artwork is beautiful and will satisfy any Thomas fan. The game stimulates visual discrimination and matching skills which are important foundations for reading and writing. Playing board games also teaches children to take turns as well as to win and lose. This game is perfect for 3 – 5 year olds and can be played with 2 – 4 players.
Cost is R199.00. Click here for pictures.
MORE GIFTING IDEAS
I am updating my website with recommended game and toy info at the moment so do visit for some ideas: www.brightideasoutfit.com. Click here for the latest update.
Keep on playing and connecting with your precious children! Make the most of the extra quality time you may have together over the holiday period.
NIKKI BUSH
