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Attention, Parents! Why your kids need Snickerdoodle

Once Upon a Time: Childhood Then…

When Snickerdoodle stories first appeared almost a century ago, the world for children was smaller, quieter, gentler—and “safer.” Children were not bombarded with constant full-color media images of real-life and fantasy violence, powerless victims, and super-macho superheroes. There were a few automobiles and airplanes but no space travel, no “talkie” movies, no TV, no videos, no computers or cell phones or instant messaging. There were a few quality classic children’s books, but mostly for older children. The era of radio was beginning to draw American families together, but there were few programming choices for young children.

How did parents enter into their child’s world of play, entertain their children, and teach them how to entertain themselves?

STORYTELLING.

…And Now…

Have you ever wondered what happened to the "good old days" of "safe" traditional storybook and toy heroes a kid could actually play with -- when "interactive" meant that a child used his or her imagination to create adventures instead of having a computer-chip implant in a toy or book that "talked?"

Have you had it with the blitz of children's toy "action figures," violent superhero characters, non-human science fiction robots, scary monsters, and powerful warrior toys? Are you tired of inane, silly, "cute but harmless" children's toy and TV characters aimed at getting your kids to beg you to buy-- and buy some more?

You're not alone! As parents and grandparents of kids today, you could use some help, right?

Today's kids need fantasy heroes that inspire their imaginations and creativity--positive role models that help them gain a sense of safety and control over their own domain. They need to know that they are never too small to be needed or to be helpful to others. And the earlier they start learning, the better! They need to see nonviolent problem-solving methods that (even in fantasy situations) don't require fist-fights, guns, laser weapons, or aggressive, violent behavior!

Parents as Storytellers:Your Vital Mission

Despite the blitz of multi-media choices in children’s entertainment today, there is still a vital and unique need for storytellers. As parents/storytellers, YOU are the caring human link that is the foundation for building children’s skills in creative thinking and expression and for connecting their lives with positive role models, providing mentoring that will nurture character and spirit.

Snickerdoodle

Join the Adventure! Snickerdoodle to the Rescue!

Snickerdoodle is a down-to-earth role model you can trust--a nonviolent children's storybook character who will make your kids smile. He's a little character with a little character! (In fact, he's a winning example of "character education"in action-- supporting "traditional" values of courage, helpfulness, good citizenship, peacemaking. And he does it all with humor and common sense!)

Why Snickerdoodle?

Why do your kids need Snickerdoodle?

  • He's the perfect fantasy friend and role model...
  • Because his might isn't in muscles. His courage isn't battery-powered. His brain isn't stored in a computer.
  • He's human. He's lovable. He's fun.
  • He's "good news in a nutshell."

Share him and his message with your kids!

You can find an article on the value of storytelling in children’s lives on www.kidzmusic.com. Then click-on "Storytellers."

Parents' Sharing Corner

Click here to see how other parents are using the Snickdoodle stories.

HEY,PARENTS! Want to "Bully-Proof" Your Kids?

Here is Snickerdoodle’s Message …

Let its powerful "bully-busting", peacemaking strategy sink in-- and lift you right out of "serious" or "stresssed-out parent" mode! Lighten up, laugh, and share it with your kids. Have fun discovering the " small wonders" within you—the spirit of the "powerful pee-wee"—the hero that lives in us all!

I'm called "Snickerdoodle!" Yes, that's my name.
To "little guys" everywhere I'm here to proclaim:

Your courage, your spirit—not muscles and might—
Will vanquish all villains and whisk them from sight.

For the power of love is always far greater
Than the mask of meanness on the face of a hater.

And the power behind you is much stronger by far
Than whatever confronts you—If you know who you are!

Yes, real power shines within you-makes you brave,
makes you wise...
You can "zap" any problem in spite of its size!

And humor's a powerful weapon, you know.
It can topple a tyrant and befuddle a foe.

It can tickle a tycoon, make a giant guffaw,
Cause a chieftain to chuckle, and bemuse an outlaw.

Yes, humor heals hurts and divisions and strife...
If you want to be happy, then laugh all your life!

So, if a big tough guy crosses your path,
Surprise him with kindness- or be a friend, make him laugh!

Dare to make peace! The world needs your smile
To stretch across oceans, mile after mile.

And if you are small and think you can't win,
Just remember you're stronger than ten thousand men.

Who act like they "know-it-all," (but really know zero)...
You're a "powerful pee-wee"- a real superhero!

Here’s where you come in!

This message invites your kids to “think big” (courageously, creatively). It also challenges kids to stretch their vocabulary--- it has lots of “big words.”

Besides sharing the ideas and values of the message with your kids, you can play a “word treasure hunt” game with them – see how many big words, new words, funny words you can find together.

(How many different words for "laughter?" What is a "villain?" How do you "vanquish" him without using a weapon/violence? What do you think these people look like: a "tycoon," a "chieftan," a "tyrant," and an "outlaw?" How do you think Snickerdoodle makes peace with so many different people? What kind of "power" do you think enables Snickerdoodle to "think BIG"? How can you be a "powerful pee-wee" like Snickerdoodle? Have fun discussing these ideas with your kids… and enjoy the stories together, too!)

Invitation to Parents

Please e-mail us or write us with your ideas and suggestions! Let us know how you are sharing Snickerdoodle with your kids. Let us know what you’d like to see Snickerdoodle do next and how he can be responsive to your kids’ needs.

And we especially welcome your kids’ submissions (stories, art), with your permission.

“Telling tales has always been the primary way we tell about and discover who we are…Children especially should be encouraged to spin yarns, play imaginative roles, indulge in fantasy…” (J.Cassell, Director of Narrative and Gesture Language Division of the Media Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology)