The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Grownups (First Time Books(R))
The Berenstain Bears Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,905)
What’s inside...
In this Berenstain Bears story, Brother and Sister Bear feel that their parents are always nagging them. To express their feelings, they create a play called 'The Trouble with Grownups.' In response, Mama and Papa Bear perform their own role-reversal skit, which leads the whole family to learn important lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and appreciating each other. The book includes over 50 bonus stickers and is an ideal resource for teaching children about the value of understanding and family dynamics.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Brother Bear
Sister Bear
Mama Bear
Papa Bear
Discussion points
How do you think Brother and Sister Bear felt when they had their disagreements with Mama and Papa Bear?
What are some ways the Bear family could solve their misunderstandings?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood by grown-ups? What happened?
What are some things that you wish grown-ups understood better about kids?
How important is it to listen to each other in a family? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the characters' shoes, discussing their feelings and reactions.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and relate personal experiences that connect with the book’s themes.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss family communication and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Acknowledge your child's feelings and reinforce that it's okay to have disagreements, but how we handle them is what counts.
After discussing, collaborate on creating a 'family resolution plan' where each member can express how they’d like to be heard or understood better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Perspectives
Explanation: The story showcases the misunderstandings between the Bear cubs and their parents, emphasizing how both sides feel unappreciated.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see situations from others' perspectives, enhancing empathy and communication within the family.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: Through the play that the cubs put on, they express their feelings about their parents, which opens up a dialogue between them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their emotions and thoughts constructively, helping them to articulate their feelings and resolve conflicts.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Communication
Explanation: The resolution comes when both the cubs and the parents openly communicate their feelings and understand each other better.
Real-World Application: Teaches the value of open communication in strengthening family bonds and resolving misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Value of Apologies
Explanation: Both the parents and the cubs apologize for their actions, which helps to mend their relationship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of apologizing when wrong, which is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The cubs use a creative play to express their complaints, leading to a mutual understanding.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use creative outlets to address and solve problems, improving their adaptability and problem-solving skills.