A Little Boy Named Cal

Parenting Tip #1: (My only contribution to a parenting best practice so far)...

When your child is fussy at bed time, or whiny or just plain full o' stink, tell them a story about "a little boy/girl named fill-in-blank-with-their-name." Works like a charm for Cal. Your story should include facts about their every day life and the people in it. I recommend telling the story in a monotone voice. Helps with the calming effect. Weave in elements you'd want your child to remember -- like the name of the street they live on, or Mommy and Daddy's real names. Sometimes, repeating the same fun facts is helpful, but if your child demands that you repeat telling "a little boy/girl" story again and again like Cal, variety will help you get through the evening. Cal's stories go something like this...

"Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Cal. Cal lived in a cream colored house with his Mommy and Daddy and dog Raja. Next door to Cal lived his best friend, Ava. Every day after school Cal and Ava would play and laugh and play. Cal and Ava liked to ride their bikes and water their Mommies' flowers. Sometimes in the summer, they would even swim in Ava's pool or play with Cal's water table. They liked grapes and milk and mac and cheese..."

Most go on for a few minutes. All should conclude with "....The End."