Have you Filled a Bucket Today?

"Have you filled your Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud...Allie has asked I read this to her every night before bed for the past couple of weeks. We talk about what we did to either "fill" or "dip" into others buckets that day. It has been a great way to tackle several issues...between her and Ethan, or the kids at school. Noticing its "National Bully Awareness Month" I would recommend this to all parents...someone said to me, "I've heard this for older kids, but can 3 yr olds really comprehend the concept?" Really? Ask a kid whose thrown rocks at or have had rocks thrown at them at the playground how they feel. They grasp feelings caused as a result of an action. For Allie this week, she learned that the kids throwing rocks at her were bucket dippers, and they must be really sad, even though they laugh when they are naughty...Allie then says, "mmm, maybe I'll try to say something nice to them like about their artwork, and maybe that will fill their bucket." Later that evening, the kitchen and dining area was a disaster from my adorable "disgruntled midget" Ethan...debris was everywhere! Exhausted, I grab the towel and cleaner spray and go to work...Allie (3 mind you) says, Mom, can I help?"  "Sure Allie...if you would like to" "Yes mommy, I want to be your bucket filler." WOW. What started as a routine "clean-up isle 10" turned into a "life lesson, 10 items or less check-out express"