THE CHICKEN FAT SONG TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS!
PARENTING
(ADVICE AND TIPS FOR RAISING YOUR KIDS IN TODAY'S WORLD)
Some of the best tips I have gotten on being a parent have been from watching The Andy Griffith Show. I know there is no such place as "Mayberry" but still, that ol' sherriff sure raised himself a fine young 'un! There are two books available which compile all the lessons learned from several episodes. Click on the links below to purchase them.
and
I'M PROUD TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND
So take this advice, and raise your young 'uns with lots of time, love, discipline, and patience. It's a big investment, but the returns you'll receive later in life will be worth it!
"Opie's Job" episode 160
Sometimes as parents, we make mistakes. It's bound to happen often. But it's also good for our children to see us make mistakes, because it gives them the opportunity to see us ask for forgiveness and make things right. In this episode, Andy was bragging to Floyd and Goober about Opie, who had just beat out another boy for a job at the general store. He went on and on about his son. Then he about got knocked over by the other boy running down the sidewalk. The boy was so excited because Opie had gotten fired and he was now hired. Then he ran home to tell his Pa. Well, Sherriff Taylor headed straight home himself looking madder than ever. Opie is on the porch.
Andy: How was work today?
Opie: There's something I've gotta tell you, Pa.
Andy: I'm listening.
Opie: I'm not working there anymore.
Andy: That's what I heard.
Opie: Huh?
Andy: I don't know what to think of you, you know that? I wouldn't feel so bad if you hadn't gotten the job to start with, but you got fired! I was never fired in my life! And on top of everything else, I had to make a fool out of myself bragging on you in front of Floyd and Goober and everybody.
Opie: I had to get fired, Pa, because...
Andy: You had to get fired? You had to get fired so you could play baseball! What are you doing here anyway? Game get called off?
Opie: There was no game.
Andy: There was no game?
Opie: I just made that up.
Andy: What are you talking about?
Opie: I didn't mean to tell a lie, Pa, but I had to!
Andy: Opie, I don't believe I know what you're talking about at all. You sound like you meant to get yourself fired. Now I want you to tell me the truth.
Opie: You see, this other boy, Billy...
Andy: Yes?
Opie: He wanted the job to pay some bills. His Pa's been sick. They've got some bills.
Well, Andy is humbled and with a proud, quiet smile he tells his son:
Andy: I'm sorry.
Opie: That's okay.
Andy: You know, when I was bragging on you to Floyd and Goober, I told 'em how proud I was to have a boy like you. But that's not quite true.
You're a man.
It's one of the most touching scenes on The Andy Griffith show, and it teaches us as parents that when we make mistakes with our children, it's good to apologize and seek forgiveness.
Do you have a fireplace? Do you also have a TV? Which one does your couch face toward? Well, turn off the TV, turn your couch toward the fireplace, build a fire, and roast marshmallows (or S'mores) with your kids. Sit and talk. Not about anything in particular, just about whatever comes up! You'll be surprised at what your children have to say. They open up the most when they feel the least threatened. Provide a comfortable, safe environment for your child and watch their mouths open and the silence cease. It works!