Tag Archives: Thumbuddy children’s book
If only you could go with your child to school and protect them from bullies, cruel remarks and the rejections and disappointments that we’ve all experienced. But in a way, you can … You can be with and support your child in school through the
positive, encouraing words you speak to them. Those assuring and guiding words will resonate within their hearts and minds not only during their school days, but throughout their lifetime.
Thumbuddy Goes To School, like all of the books in the Thumbuddy children’s books series, uses reassuring and fortifying words to build a strong foundation of self worth within your child. Strong self worth helps kids to make good life choices, deal positively with peer pressure and approach life’s challenges with a positive outlook and confidence.
The nurturing words within Thumbuddy children’s books strengthen the parent-child bond, so that even when they hop on the school bus and wave goodbye through the window, they’re secure and assured of your love.
THE MEANING BEHIND ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT
Have you ever really thought about the meaning of the words in the song, Row Row Row Your Boat? While many familiar nursery rhymes were actually about British political issues, this one is an American classic. The Row Row Your Boat song as we know it was first published in The Franklin Square Song Collection in 1881 crediting Eliphalet Oram Lyte as the composer.
So what does Row Row Your Boat mean? The lyrics seem simple enough – “Row row row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.” Some people have suggested the Row Row Your Boat song is a metaphor for life. The boat represents an individual or a group needing to work together in unison, tediously yet consistently working the oars to direct the vessel. The stream represents the boundaries or the path one has to follow. The third stanza represents the choice facing everyone about whether to embrace a good attitude while performing our daily tasks. And the final section – life is but a dream – creates the biggest divergence of ideas. One school of thought suggests this represents an acknowledgement of our physical plane of existence not being the true reality but that a spiritual plane, heaven, is the true reality. Alternatively, there is a nihilistic viewpoint which interprets the final phrase to imply all action is meaningless.
Either way, the analysis can be a little difficult to explain to young children. As a parent, I desire to surround my child with positive messages regarding their value and their destiny in life. Even the best interpretation of this rhyme is far too complex for a three year old to understand.
Which is why I am so pleased to have discovered ThumbPeople’s new nurturing music for children. They have developed positive and affirming lyrics to accompany classic children’s melodies. Instead of Row row row your boat, the new version goes – “Sing, sing, sing your song, sing it every day. Friends will sing along with you, all along the way.” The new adaptation to Row Row Your Boat utilizes the traditional melody to encourage children to embrace their own unique ‘song’ and live as God intended.
In a world filled with complicated themes and questions surrounding even the simplest of nursery rhymes, I appreciate life affirming tools which can reach my children with a message of God’s love and hope. If you are looking for nurturing music for children, check out ThumbPeople.
ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children communicates simple truths to kids that they can build their life upon. No confusing messages with double meanings – just straightforward, positive and encouraging lyrics that empowers children to live the great life that God has planned for each of us.
Through the nurturing music for children on their You Are Thumbuddy CD, Thumbuddy children’s books, preschool curriculum and soaking music reflecting God’s unconditional love and acceptance, ThumbPeople strengthens individuals and blesses families.
THE MAN BEHIND ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT
Did you ever wonder who wrote the popular American melody, Row Row Row Your Boat? The original Row Row Your Boat song is credited to Eliphalet O. Lyte. The tune and lyrics we are familiar with were first published in 1881 in The Franklin Square Song Collection attributed to Mr. Lyte. Prior to that, very similar lyrics set to two vastly different tunes had been released, the first in 1852 and then to the second tune in 1854. Mr. Lyte is credited with composing the Row Row Your Boat melody as well as adapting the lyrics.
Mr. Lyte spent 44 years working with Millersville University, the first public school for teachers in Pennsylvania. He initially joined Millersville in 1868 as the professor of pedagogy and bookkeeping and eventually became the school President. He also wrote teaching textbooks on grammar and composition. He started the first big building push for the school. Millersville was a pioneer in the field of education, recognizing the need for teacher training in order for public education to succeed as well as the need for a well-informed citizenry.
Recognizing Mr. Lyte’s passion for training up quality educators, I wonder what he would think about the state of the current education climate. Young children face amazingly complex issues. While it is comforting to hear the familiar tune Row Row Row Your Boat, I can’t help but wish for a more encouraging message than just merrily rowing a boat.
Many families are facing harsh economic realities and children need to be reminded there is hope, they are valuable, and they are empowered to act. It is important to immerse them in as many positive messages as possible in as many avenues as possible, including music.
In my search, I stumbled across nurturing music for children in a revision of Row Row Row Your Boat put together by ThumbPeople. They have taken the traditional melody and combined it with contemporary lyrics containing a relevant message. With verses like “Say say say your prayers each and every day. God will help you be your best every time you pray,” the song reinforces the values I am trying to instill in my children.
Surrounding our children with positive messages to affirm them and build their faith is paramount. Finding nurturing music for children that reinforce those values is a blessing.
Recognizing the powerful effect that words have on individuals, ThumbPeople provides simple ways to surround your family with positive, encouraging and comforting words through their nurturing music for children, Thumbuddy children’s books, preschooler curriculum and soaking music that is filled with hopeful and assuring words from Scripture.
ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT COMBINES MUSIC WITH MESSAGE
Row Row Row Your Boat dates back over 150 years and has become such a cultural icon that it has been referenced in movies (such as Star Trek V and Dante’s Peak) and TV shows (Stargate SG-1 and The Backyardigans). Yet how much do you really know about this popular children’s song? It wasn’t until recently that I learned something about the history of Row Row Your Boat
While the lyrics had surfaced a couple of times back in the 1850’s, it was not published with the lyrics and tune commonly accepted nowadays until 1881. The man who composed the melody and adapted the words, Eliphalet O. Lyte, was a dedicated educator who believed strongly in training quality teachers and raising up enlightened citizens. As a parent, I am intrigued the author was someone who understood the value of positive and affirming words.
While researching the song’s history, I came across many people attributing a deeper meaning to the lyrics than what one would initially consider. Apparently, Mr. Lyte believed in nurturing music for children. For example, the section on ‘merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream’ has been interpreted to mean one can choose to have a good attitude while navigating the ebbs and flows of life for we are not living in the true reality until we reach heaven. Who knew Row Row Row Your Boat possibly had such intense concepts wrapped into a children’s nursery rhyme?
Helping children to focus on a positive attitude and acknowledging we are all preparing for a better life in heaven set to a cute melody seems pretty innovative for 1881. Instead of the current practice of writing a brash jingle to sell hamburgers, Mr. Lyte combined music with an inspiring message.
Row Row Row Your Boat continues to inspire nurturing music for children in a contemporary setting. Recently, ThumbPeople adapted the song with modern lyrics for young children. Titled “Sing Sing Sing Your Song” the song continues with ‘sing it everyday! Friends will sing along with you, all along the way’. This version offers yet another opportunity to surround children with positive affirming messages.
While children might not have grasped the deeper message in the original version of Row Row Your Boat, the ThumbPeople edition offers understandable encouragement set to the familiar tune.
It’s easy to forget that our kids need encouragement. As much as we’d like to believe that childhood is a carefree, happy time in life, very often children are struggling with fear, uncertainty and insecurities. ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children encourages children to make good life choices, believe that they have worth and value and know that they are deeply loved.
The positive and affirming messages within ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children, Thumbuddy children’s books, preschooler curriculum and soaking music reflecting the great love and great life that God has for each of us, builds a foundation of self worth within kids and adults and nurtures and strengthens family relationships.
The Song Row Row Your Boat – Fun With A New Purpose
Most people have favorite songs from childhood that can evoke happy memories of distant friends and more carefree days. Usually, these are catchy tunes that can linger all day. In fact, everyone has probably repeated a familiar song for hours after hearing it only once. It is likely that Row Row Your Boat is one of those songs for a lot of people.
Row Row Your Boat is most often sung as a round, which means two or more singers begin the song at different stages and sing at the same time. Usually, one singer begins and after completing the initial phrase Row Row Your Boat… another singer joins in. This results in the first person singing “…gently down the stream…” while the second person sings Row Row Your Boat… Regardless of the number of participants, it repeats until each singer has completed the Row Row Your Boat song a certain number of times.
It can be a chaotic and uproariously fun activity. It can also be an uplifting one with purpose. That is because the creative members of ThumbPeople Inc. have taken the wonderful Row Row Your Boat song and infused meaning into it through relatable lyrics. Now it is more than a silly activity or a catchy tune. It is a teaching opportunity using nurturing music for children. For example, instead of singing about rowing a boat, kids can sing about brushing their teeth or saying their prayers. The idea is to use a familiar tune to impart an important message.
Not many messages are more important than the love, mercy, and purpose that God has for each individual child. ThumbPeople Inc. is dedicated to helping children understand how special they are to God. That can begin by encouraging them with the positive lyrics of nurturing music for children.
For children, uplifting language can be a vital element of assuring them of God’s love. Whether it is through the encouragement to brush their teeth and say their prayers or simply a reminder to have fun, children will recognize that they matter when they hear ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children.
The creators of the You Are Thumbuddy nurturing music for children, also offers families the Thumbuddy children’s book series, curriculum for preschoolers and Scripture inspired soaking music that uplifts, inspires and encourages kids and adults to be all that God created them to be!
Row Row Your Boat Can Mean More Than Eliphalet Oram Lyte Intended
What does an American teacher from the 1800s have to do with preschoolers today? That is a good question for those who do not already know the name Eliphalet Oram Lyte. The Lancaster County, Pennsylvania teacher authored grammar and composition books, but his most well-known work is the nursery rhyme Row Row Your Boat. The little song, Row Row Your Boat, has endured through generations to become a favorite among preschoolers everywhere.
What has not endured through time is why he chose the Row Row Your Boat lyrics. As a teacher, it would seem reasonable to expect some meaning or purpose to the Row Row Your Boat words he selected. However, there is no clear indication of that. Although some have attributed the Row Row Your Boat song to be a metaphor for life, it is not evident that Dr. Lyte had any intention of such an application. Therefore, the Row Row Your Boat song has endured, primarily, because of its tune.
Sure, kids are motivated by an uplifting beat, but they are uplifted and inspired by edifying words. Nurturing music for children is not merely about the rhythm. Songs are evaluated by the melody and lyrics. Some songs draw an audience by the instruments or beat. Others get attention for their words. Either is a powerful tool to get across a message. ThumbPeople Inc. has figured out how to combine both factors for the most positive impact. They have taken familiar tunes, such as Row Row Your Boat and adjusted the lyrics to create genuinely nurturing music for children.
A great tune is always appealing and can be the initial attraction. However, the most personal aspect of a song is always the message being presented. This is one of the many reasons why ThumbPeople Inc. gave songs like Row Row Your Boat new lyrics. They want to offer nurturing music for children that contains positive and encouraging messages with appropriate and applicable meaning.
Those who care for preschoolers recognize how important it is to impart affirming messages to children. Particularly, those messages that help them realize how important they are to God and that they have unique purpose. Caregivers go to great effort to find ways to engage kids with the most positive influences possible. It makes sense that a fun song can be a practical and simple way to encourage a child to recognize their great worth and value.
Helping kids and adults recognize their great worth and the blessed life set before them is the mission behind ThumbPeople’s nurturing music for children, the Thumbuddy children’s book series, curriculum for preschoolers and soaking music that reflects God’s unconditional love and faithful promises for each of us.
Traditional Songs, Such as Row Row Your Boat, Have New Meaning
Sometimes the traditions of childhood take on different meanings for each generation. For example, the popular song Row Row Your Boat written by Eliphalet Oram Lyte in 1881 probably does not mean what it did for the original audience. In fact, there is some suggestion that Row Row Your Boat did not even originate as it is currently known. Tradition hints that Dr. Lyte adapted the Row Row Your Boat lyrics that had been used with a different melody to fit the popular round sung today.
Regardless of its early transitions, Row Row Your Boat was established as a staple of entertainment. It is possible that the meaning might have had little significance to anyone, because it was repeated by minstrels as a common supplement to performances. Minstrels were public entertainers who sang danced, recited poetry, etc., usually with the aid of a stringed instrument. Although their performances were certainly infused with important messages, the particular song, Row Row Your Boat, seems to have had no overt statement. Row Row Your Boat was simply entertaining.
Today, Row Row Your Boat is no less entertaining, but it might be a bit more meaningful. That is because the resourceful minds of ThumbPeople Inc. have discovered a way to give the Row Row Your Boat song and others new purpose.
In much the same way that Dr. Lyte adapted the Row Row Your Boat song originally, it has again been transformed, only this time for greater purpose. The Row Row Your Boat lyrics have been adjusted to create a practical message for preschoolers. Row Row Your Boat is no longer simply a traditional round. Now Row Row Your Boat is among several nursery rhymes, similarly altered to create nurturing music for children. The intention is to help kids recognize that they are special to God and have purpose.
A fun song that means almost nothing to a child can certainly be entertaining, but there is potential for it to be much more. For example, teaching a child that what he does matters. By taking popular childhood tunes and adding motivating words, ThumbPeople’s recreated children’s songs have gone from a silly pleasure to an encouraging tool. They are, arguably, more entertaining, because they have application. Of course, nurturing music for children should always be enjoyable. However, it also needs to be meaningful. As the Row Row Your Boat song transitions through new traditions, it might only resemble what Dr. Lyte first developed. Perhaps he would be proud that his little tune has endured for such purpose.
You can place positive, encouraging and motivating messages within your child’s heart that will bless them throughout their lifetime!
ThumbPeople provides families with simple tools through their nurturing music for children, Thumbuddy children’s books, preschooler curriculum and Scripture inspired soaking music that uplifts, encourages and inspires kids and adults to see themselves in a positive light and provides a hopeful and optimistic outlook on life.
Stop Preschool Bullying: Just Keep Pedaling
I take spinning classes at my local health club. They are not for the faint of heart or strength for that matter which should make everyone who knows I love a good nap wonder just what in the world I’m doing in there. I like the group atmosphere and the classroom setting that still allows everyone to work at their own pace while pushing themselves to their own personal threshold. Though the lights are turned dim and I’m busy in the saddle pedaling away, I can’t help but notice that there is always a white haired gentleman sitting on a bike near the back of the room and working like a racehorse.
His head is down nearly all the while and he’s clearly pushing his body to the limit. It’s impressive, inspiring, and sure makes me want to work equally hard myself. He performs like an elite athlete, like someone with amazing physical ability, and no limitations when he’s on that cycle. I’m glad I saw all of this in him before I later saw him heading to his car one morning after class.
What’s entirely invisible and unknowable when he’s on the bike is completely transparent when he gets up to walk away. His spine is curved to such a point that he’s unable to stand completely upright. He uses a cane to steady himself and limps with such severity that he has to swing his leg out quite a distance with each and every step that he takes. It’s clear that walking takes tremendous effort and coordination on his part.
Would I have had a different impression of his prowess, his resolve, his athletic ability had I first seen him walking rather than pedaling so hard on the bike? I’d like to think not but indeed I’m only human and prone to more judgment than I’d care to admit. Yet as an adult I can appreciate and admire his resolve and stamina all the more knowing that he works harder than most everyone I know just to get where he’s going. I wonder, though, just what life was like for him as a child. He may not have had these ailments in his youth – I don’t know. But I do know that differences that apparent scarcely go unrecognized by wide-eyed youngsters.
He’s not like most everyone else. But would kids think so because of his severe limp or because of his exceptional inner fortitude and self discipline? I think the conclusions they make from their observations are largely mirrored by we grown-ups.
To stop preschool bullying and toddler bullying let’s be certain that our kids know that the differences God specifically created in each of us are wonderful, unique, beautiful gifts purposely distributed among us so that we can be impressed, be inspired, and rise to any challenges set before us with new found resolve and strength.
I’ve heard it said before that hate is a learned behavior. It is an awful concept but when we consider that bullying in preschool and toddler bullying are real phenomenons then we can hardly deny that truth. But we can take hope that if this is indeed true than so must the opposite be: love is learned as well.
If we want to stop preschool bullying and toddler bullying then we need to ensure that our resident preschoolers are taught that love is big enough to cover and even appreciate a multitude of differences found in those around us. If we want bullying in preschool and toddler bullying to be a thing of the past, then we must ensure that the first and most lasting lesson kids learn is that true love means considering the needs of others above ourselves. If toddler bullying and bullying in preschool is intolerable to us than we need to make sure it is to our little ones as well. Others will know we are Christians by our love.
The way to teach your children to be loving is to show them your love. Thumbuddy children’s books and music convey love to children in profound and life changing ways.
ThumbPeople’s children’s books, motivating kid’s music, preschool activities and curriculum and soaking music infused with the loving, guiding words of Scripture, help children and adults recognize their great worth and value and in turn to also respect the worth and value of others.
Thumbuddy books and music provide gentle ways to stop preschool bullying, toddler bullying and bullying in preschool.
Stop Preschool Bullying and Friendly Fire
Friendly fire is defined as the unintended firing (or detonation) toward one’s own otherwise friendly comrade while trying to afflict enemy forces instead. It’s accidental, unintended, tragic.
In a way, toddler bullying and bullying in preschool is the same. The wounded child hurls insults out of a lack in himself. With emotional needs left unmet, he feels powerless. He gains a small (though temporary) perceived sense of control through bullying those in whom he identifies some vulnerability or weakness. In truth, these individuals are not enemy forces, they are his classmates, neighbors, even his friends. Meanwhile the enemy he seeks to destroy is actually in his own heart. Self hatred born of lack of love festers wildly in his soul while he hurls hatred upon others meant to be his closest comrades.
Something’s desperately wrong here. When toddler bullying is a real phenomenon we, as Christian parents, need to sit up and take notice. When one of our greatest hopes is to stop preschool bullying then we’d best understand just what is at the heart of the matter in the first place. How in the world is a precious child left unprotected to the point of feeling their only line of defense is to hurt those around him? The old adage hurt people hurt people is just as true for young people as it is for adults.
However we look at it, bullying is ugly. We all need to be intentional and stop preschool bullying.
Though we can’t prevent every wound from being inflicted, we can surely be available to minister to the wounded. We need to ensure that we offer a safe haven where the wounds suffered from bullying can heal completely and without scarring.
Often kids are targeted for bullying because of some obvious difference that they have which sets them apart from others. As parents we need to help our little ones to understand why the teasing happened in the first place (ignorance, insecurity, abuse at home), and also understand how fearfully and wonderfully all of us were made. The same is true for the bullies themselves, just little wounded soldiers in need of some tender care and affection. Let’s not forsake love from the kids prone to bullying. “Love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
For love to cover a multitude of sins within our children’s lives, we have to first cover them with love.
Thumbuddy books are designed to cover your child with loving words that reflect their great worth and value. When children recognize their worth and value, they recognize it in others as well helping to stop preschool bullying, toddler bullying and bullying in preschool.
ThumbPeople’s children’s books, positive kid’s music, preschool activities and soaking music inspired by loving and comforting words of Scripture, have a positive effect on children who’ve suffered from bullying or are inclined to bully.
Express Unconditional Love to Your Child and Stop Preschool Bullying
Bullying can cause an enormous amount of stress, fear and anxiety in children. My children asked me every day to pick them up so they wouldn’t have to ride the bus. Other signs that your child might be being bullied are that they are suddenly afraid to go to preschool, they complain of headaches or stomachaches for no reason, they are clingy and whiny, they talk about one particular child doing mean things or they avoid eye contact when you talk to them about school. These are all signs that you may need to intervene to stop preschool bullying.
If your child is being bullied, talk to them; talk to the teacher; talk to the director of the preschool! You must do everything you can to stop preschool bullying so that it does not negatively effect your child.
If you discover your child is suffering from bullying in preschool, here are some steps you can take to stop preschool bullying.
1. Talk to your child. First and foremost, let your child know you love them and you will take care of them. Re-fill their emotional tank by covering them in words of affirmation and hope. If your child is on the receiving end of toddler bullying, their self-esteem can take a beating and you have the power to build it back up again. Spend time with your child doing fun, positive things so that they can feel comforted and assured of your presence in their life to help them deal with bullying in preschool.
2. Work with the school – do not try to stop preschool bullying on your own. Make sure you get the school involved. Everyone from your teacher to the director should know what is happening and should be involved in the solution. Encourage them as well to use loving, positive words with your child. Help encourage and nurture a relationship between your child and their teacher that forms trust. Your child will need someone they can talk to when the bullying occurs. In order to stop preschool bullying the teacher must be working with you.
3. Pray with your child and remind them that they are special, unique, wonderful creations of God and that they were designed to be exactly who they are. It is crucial that children (both the bullied and the bully) trust that God designed each and every one of us to be His magnificent, irreplaceable children. The need to know and believe that God loves them very much and that they will come out of the toddler bullying a better, stronger person.
Be your child’s best advocate. Find out all the information you can and ask for help. Build a strong, loving relationship with your child and remind them that bullying is most likely not personal. Hug your child, love your child and encourage them to learn from this experience and, most importantly, not to reciprocate the behavior. Jesus has said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Let the power of Christ work in your child and help stop preschool bullying.
The surprising thing that bullies and kids who are bullied have in common is that both of their self esteems are under attack. Bullies often bully due to a lack of their own self worth and kids who are bullied suffer damage to their self worth.
Thumbuddy books and music effectively help to build self worth within kids – helping to stop preschool bullying, toddler bullying and bullying in later years.
Child development experts recommend Thumbuddy children’s books, positive kid’s music, preschool activities and Scripture inspired soaking music to build self worth within kids and adults.
Positive Words Build Children’s Self-Esteem and Help Stop Preschool Bullying
There are a lot of reasons why children bully. They may see it as a way to be popular, or they are showing off. Some children bully to get attention, and some just like making other people feel afraid of them. Whatever the reason, if you realize yo
ur child is bullying other children, stay calm and be prepared to talk and listen to your child.
Try to find out how and why they have been behaving this way. Explain to your child that bullying is wrong and try to help your child understand how it is affecting their victim. Give them ideas as to how to better use their energy and give them praise when they follow through. Remain in close contact with your child’s school and do not let up as soon as things go well. Bullying in preschool is serious and everyone needs to work together in order to stop preschool bullying.
It is in the best interest of your child to put an end to the bullying right away. Here are some ideas to help you stop preschool bullying:
• Do not make excuses for your child.
• Make it clear to your child that you take bullying seriously and you will not tolerate this type of behavior.
• Maintain and consistently enforce family rules.
• Encourage your child to channel their energy into more positive activities, such as sports, clubs or music lessons.
Often times kids and toddler bullying don’t completely understand the affect bullying in preschool has on kids. Make sure you talk with your child to help them grasp how their victim is feeling and why it is not acceptable behavior.
Use positive, encouraging words when talking with your child. If we are going to stop preschool bullying we can begin by building children’s self-esteem. When a child feels good about themselves they no longer feel the need to bring others down. Teach your child that they are unique and special. Educate them that we are all created differently by the loving hands of God and that they are unconditionally loved by Jesus. Often times bullying in preschool is the result of low self-worth and respect. Encourage your child to discover the love of Christ and to invite it into their lives.
When preschool is a place where we can all be our unique and wonderful selves it will be an environment where children prosper and grow. They will learn to appreciate people’s differences and embrace those who are unlike themselves. 1 Peter 4:8 reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over our faults and our fears.” Help your child love deeply and they, and all those around them, will lead a much happier, much fuller life.
Build a strong foundation of self worth within your child that will serve them well should the mean face of bullying appear.
The simple act of speaking positive and affirming words to your child will build their self worth and confidence. Thumbuddy children’s books and music surround your child with positive, encouraging and assuring words to help them be victorious over fear and attacks against their self worth and value.
ThumbPeople has been applauded for their efforts to stop preschool bullying and toddler bullying while building self worth within kids (and adults) through their Thumbuddy children’s books, positive children’s music, preschooler activities and soaking music that resonates with God’s unconditional love and faithfulness for all of His children.
Thumbuddy Goes to School
Price: $3.95
