Were you the kind
of child that could play
a sport or do anything
physical without even
thinking about it? Or
were you one of those
little boys who was de-
termined to do whatever
it took to be able to run
faster, throw farther,
jump higher, or out ma-
neuver anyone on the
ground? If you were,
then you have stories to
share with your children
about your successes and your failures. Both of these are so
much a part of sports and competition, and no doubt it is the
struggles and failures that taught you the most about yourself,
and about life, and about the importance of others. If you have
always been an avid athlete or sports enthusiast then Year in
Sports 2018 (Scholastic, New York 2018, $9.99), written by
James Buckley, Jr., will be a wonderful source of inspiration
and conversations for you and your children. What is so excep-
tional about this sports book, is that it goes beyond the basics
— baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. This book
has something for both boys and girls and covers everything
from the basic sports to rowing, running, tennis, golf, sailing,
snow sports, water sports, disc sports, track and field, competi-
tive sports for those with special needs, and so much more. This
Every
Thursday
book is sure to appeal to
your children
not only for the connec-
tion to their own sports
interests
yours, but also 30
the thread
June
28 and
– August
that connects them all. Sports teaches us so much, whether it is
competitive or just for health benefits, and this might be the per-
fect venue for you to share your experi ences with your children.
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind and share
are these words from John C. Maxwell, “Sometimes you win.
Sometimes you learn.”
Family
Your Invited to
WNY Family Magazine’s
FUN
Here’s hoping that this Father’s Day is a celebration of you
not just as a father, but as the child you once were and all that
has led you to this special place in the life of a child. The con-
nections you make with them through books and your own life
stories will stay with them long after you are gone. It is those
moments of heartfelt connection with our fathers that we all
long for and cherish. Taking the time to be a dad who under-
stands this and who takes the time to nurture, guide, and cel-
ebrate their children will be the greatest Father’s Day gift you
could ever get or give.
Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the Education
Department of Niagara University where her specialty is lit-
eracy and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY
and is the mother of two adult children.
Thursdays
Fr
ee !
11am-1pm
Canalside
on the Great Lawn
Thursday, June 28
11am – 12pm 12pm – 1pm
Dansations kicks off Family
Fun Thursdays. Bring your
favorite stuffed friend for a
Teddy Bear Parade! Then enjoy
fun-filled dance and exercise
activities that will delight
kids ages 2-5. Monkey See, Monkey Do
is bringing their exciting
programming to Canalside.
Children will enjoy a hands-on
craft and story time. And they
will be very excited for a chance
to meet Pete the Cat!
Thursday, July 5
Children of all ages will be delighted by performances from
American Academy of Ballet & Dance. Enjoy this exciting
showcase of ballet, hip-hop and contemporary, with numbers
from “The Lion King”, “Annie” and much more! Audience
members will also get to join in the fun after the performance
and learn some basic movements.
Visit
www.wnyfamilymagazine.com
For a complete schedule!
June 2018 WNY Family 17