Time for Tea and a Talk

 

Feature Poem: “Love”
Tea Time Topic: There are many ways to get someone's attention.
Found in book and CD format: The Belly Button Buddies Inside
Found on the DVD: The Belly Button Buddies, Collector's Edition

 

Poem Synopsis:

The Belly Button Buddy wants attention from her older sister and is reaching out to her in a way that will likely create conflict.

The Belly Button Buddy actually believes that by making a mess of her sister's room she will get the attention she craves. Maybe having an angry sister's attention is better than feeling ignored. It is worth noting that lipstick and mirrors are representative of the changes in her sister's behaviour, and it is those things the Belly Button Buddy uses to make her point.

 

The Tea Time Discussion:

Together with your child, read the poem or listen to the CD. This will certainly lead to discussion about acceptable and unacceptable attention-getting behaviours. Ask your child what might happen when the sister gets home?

 

Thoughts from Our Resident Grandmother: Poem “Love”

The child who resorts to vandalism to get someone's attention is desperate for any type of reinforcement. The Belly Button Buddy has likely made several failed attempts to regain the relationship she once had with her sister. As inappropriate as her behaviour was, it must be viewed as a plea for help!

 

The poem “Love” is a perfect introduction to the topic of change. Acknowledge that change can be difficult but also that it is a part of life. Her sister is growing up and busy adjusting to the changes in her own life. Perhaps it would be a good time to discuss the child's ancestors who may have experienced great change while pioneering. Plan a visit to a museum where the pioneering spirit is depicted.

 

This poem creates an opportunity to reinforce that everyone in a family has a right to privacy and possessions. Family members must respect each other's rights in this regard. Obviously, the Belly Button Buddy crossed the line of expected respect.

 

Just as we learn to share objects, we must also learn to share our time with others. Healthy family members make time for each other. The older sister in the poem “Love” has forgotten about her younger sister's feelings. This poem gives us the perfect opportunity to make a list of activities that are not age sensitive and that sisters could do together. Below you will find a few suggestions from sisters we know. Most of these activities can be done with two participants or the whole family. Obviously, some activities will require permission or supervision.

 

• Having tea with all the trimmings
• Learning an old fashioned skill such as embroidery or knitting
• Telling stories
• Listening to music
• Shopping for treasures at a second-hand bookstore or flea market
• Going to the movies or an art gallery
• Doing a good deed
• Volunteering
• Visiting a relative
• Making a scrapbook
• Cooking and baking
• Having a treasure hunt
• Writing a poem
• Interviewing each other or someone else
• Playing games like “best and worst” or “hangman”