Dr. Laura Schlessinger's but I Waaannt It!
#6 in Help Me Be Good Series
What’s inside...
Sammy and his mum go out shopping to buy a birthday present for his cousin Rachel. Sammy wants every stuffed animal in the shop for himself. He thinks having all of them will make him happy until his mum helps him discover what is really important.
Discussion points
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's position?
Can you think of a time when you wanted something very badly? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it's important to sometimes not get what we want immediately?
What did the main character learn by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone to encourage open dialogue about the emotions and experiences of the main character.
Relate the character’s experiences to real-life situations your child may face to make the discussion more relatable.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing a positive conversation environment.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s understanding and perspective of the story's message.
Conclude the conversation by summarizing the key lessons from the book to reinforce understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: The protagonist, Sammy, learns throughout the story that waiting patiently can lead to better outcomes, as he experiences consequences when he demands things immediately.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that immediate gratification isn't always possible or beneficial, and learning to wait can be rewarding.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Sammy’s experiences in the book demonstrate how his actions directly influence the outcomes he faces, teaching him about accountability.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp that their choices have impacts, fostering a sense of responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: Empathy and consideration for others
Explanation: Through interactions with his family and friends, Sammy begins to understand how his demands affect others, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings and needs of others before acting, which is crucial for developing interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Sammy learns that expressing his desires in a respectful manner is more effective than throwing tantrums.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use their words to express what they want or need clearly and politely.