Transforming Today's World Magazine Volume 3 Issue 4 | Page 42

C OV E R S TO RY Barbara Hailey: author of “The Wizard of Oz is in You” and “Aesop & You” Illustrations by: Linda Koehler Messina inner fears? What if we could engage them in a true and revealing conversation that would expose what they are trying to hide. In these stressful times, fear has become a way of life. More than any other time in history, our children’s lives are at stake. We need to be aggressive in fine tuning our parenting skills. Time has become our enemy. We work two jobs, face a 65% divorce rate, worry about drugs and alcohol, face the dysfunction of the stock market, and sadly, even worry for the general safety of our children. Far too often I hear from parents: “Oh MY kids would never do drugs! My children would never lie or steal. My child comes from a good home. My child goes to the best of schools, attends church, is planning on going to college. Surely you are talking about someone else’s children!” No, sadly I am talking about ALL children. If you think your children are immune to this epidemic of fear and dysfunction you are foolingyourself.Insteadofbecomingdefensive,Iwouldsuggestcreating a great offense: and an early one at that. In a country inundated with chaos, is it any surprise that teen alcoholism is at an all time high? Were you aware that kids from the best of homes have experimented with heroin and casual sex? Is it any wonder when WE are afraid that they are afraid? Well fear takes a mighty toll. And most kids will do anything to numb the pain. BARBARA HAILEY... “As parents, do you really know what your children are feeling in these challenging times. What are they thinking? How are they coping with their fears? And most importantly, what can you do in an easy and loving way to engage them in conversation which allows them to share their hearts’ and minds’ with you. The best way to engage anyone in conversation is to ask them a question. Reading these books with your children involves them in an interactive way. Instead of just sitting down and asking them a direct question, they are being part of the story, therefore revealing how they really feel.” Well I have some encouraging news! Best selling author Barbara Hailey, has writtentwoofthemostvital children’s books in American history. Timing is everything. Communication is mandatory, and truth is the only way to create a path for our children that will give them the foundation to live a full and happy life.I proudly and with deep respect, present you: Wow. What a phenomenal gift. Can you imagine how life would be When I entered Bh home if we really knew what our children were thinking and feeling? What in Hunt TX. I was struck if we knew what their motives were? What if we could uncover their by a sense of beauty and 42 Woman TEXAS FREDERICKSBURG www.fbgwoman.com