When Boys Play “Killing”

I got an e-mail referred to me from a parenting expert asking me to help answer a dad’s question on how to handle his son’s desire to play knights, including the “killing” of bad guys. Below is how I answered him, what are you thoughts, input? What advice would you give? He asked: I have a 4 year old boy that loves to play with his knights and wants me to play along, but I get lost in how to play? Who is the enemy? I’m just at a loss.  His knights are cool, but they have knives and swords and I’ve tried to fight the dragons, but now he wants to fight the bad guys. I’ve tried to say, we need to try to talk to the bad guys and help them become good, but he says he did that and there is no hope so they’ve got to go!  He loves setting up his army guys, green against tan and well the same kinda thing.  I just need some help on helping him be the protector and the fighter and the knight, but don’t want him to be cold to the other side. Then we get into “he’s dead!”…

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Electronic D-Day (free e-mail report)

DON’T MISS THE FREE REPORT AT THE END OF THIS POST! TODAY is one of those days I declare Electronic D-Day! It is the day I process all the e-mails I have deferred recently to be done “later” – unfortunately, later may never arrive if you don’t declare an Electronic D-Day! Why is it D-Day? Because on this day EVERY e-mail that is pending action is either: Deleted Deferred Delegated or Dealt with If you struggle with managing e-mail, I have two gifts for you. #1 Enjoy this video of me destroying a laptop, as I’m sure you’ve wanted to do the same! NOW FREE! YES, FREE! YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO GET YOUR E-MAIL UNDER CONTROL TODAY! Why wait another day? #2 Download and read this BONUS REPORT, previously only available as part of the Kidology Online Training Leadership Lab: Refine, Define and Shine. (in the Download Kit) Perhaps it is time for you to declare an Electronic D-Day! The TEN POWERFUL E-MAIL TIPS FOUND IN THIS REPORT may just change your life. From the feed-back I’ve gotten from family and friends, that isn’t an exaggeration! The ideas in this report are both simple and amazingly profound. You…

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Illinois Kid Speakers Event

Hey Everybody, The Merry Hearts Clowns are hosting a workshop with two of the most talented, sought after kids entertainers in America right now. The workshop will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 2 – 5 PM. It will be held at New Life Church, 3205 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville. You can register for the workshop by going to www.TimAndBarrysWorkshop.com. Your Creative Entertainer hosts will be Tim Sonefelt and Barry Mitchell or Barry Mitchell and Tim Sonefelt depending on which one you like more. Join these guys for as much magic, creative thinking exercises, stage presence tips, and laughter as they can pack into several hours. Think of it as two workshops for the price of one. You receive inspiration to spark more of your own creativity and practical tips and tricks to improve your entertainment abilities. Plus you get the benefits of two leaders who both have half a brain. Barry and Tim are known for funny family entertainment products, storytelling effects with morals, and inspiring creativity among entertainers. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave with more than you could possibly get from just one workshop leader. What makes this workshop different from other touring entertainers: Two speakers for…

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I’m the Kidologist – What’s Your Nickname?

I’m often asked why I call myself the “Kidologist.” Does it mean I’m a children’s ministry expert? Nope. Does it mean I know everything about kids? Nope. Does it mean that think I’m the authority on kids or children’s ministry? Double Nope. I started calling myself the Kidologist years ago because when people would comment on how good I was with kids I worried that as I got older I would lose that touch. I was quite aware that young 20-somethings are usually always get kid-connectors, but that many adults as they get into their 30’s, 40’s (or older) seem to lose their knack with connecting with kids, and I feared my saavy for relating and connecting with kids would diminish with time. As I began to analyize WHY I was effective with kids “Kidology” was born, the study of kids, and how to relate to as well as effectively teach kids. (Explained in more detail in CMPodcast #8) I coined the term “Kidologist” as a reminder to me first of all, that if I wanted to be effective with children for the long haul, I would have to always be a learner. To always be growing, reading magazines &…

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Yosemite Summit in their words

Guys, we’re at the critical spot – there are ONLY THREE spots left for Yosemite Summit. If you have thought about this retreat, prayed about it, perhaps dreamed about it – don’t let it slip by! Register ASAP as it will soon be too late to join us for 2009, and there is no guarentee of next year. I hope to do this every year for the rest of my life, but I can only promise one year at a time. There are not words to describe just how incredible this week is. Of course, I have tried on the Yosemite Summit site many times to describe both the natural and supernatural impact of this trip. But with only three spots left, let me share with you what some of last years guys wrote to me after getting home from Yosemite Summit: It was great to begin new friendships and gain valuable ministry perspective from the stories of those in our group.  Furthermore the times I did get alone with God were especially rich and meaningful. I needed a vision for the finishing of our new Children’s Building, God gave it to me on this trip.  I had a couple…

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