Susie’s Book Nook - New Book Review: Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

Just imagine each of us, no matter our age, walking around all day long holding an invisible bucket. This bucket holds all our good thoughts and good feelings about ourselves, our mental and emotional health. When our buckets are full, how do you imagine we might feel? What if our buckets are empty, how might we feel then? How do we get our buckets filled? Or how are they emptied?

In her book, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” Carol McCloud teaches children how to be “bucket fillers”. What a delightful idea… a way to learn to love others, express kindness and love. Let’s give this some thought. How do you feel when you do something nice or say something nice to someone else? How do you feel when someone does something nice for you? On the flip side, how do you feel when someone says something mean to you or your child? Did you ever think about how these comments and/or moments could be a “bucket filler” or a “bucket dipper” moment?

Though I wasn’t familiar with being a “bucket filler” we certainly incorporated this into our church camps that we offered for many years. We made it a point to compliment children for their good work or their good behavior. We complimented children when they showed special kindness to others by helping or being a friend. Everyone who attended camp or worked with us at camp were focused on being “bucket fillers.” No matter what age, race, or economic status everyone worked to encourage and uplift each other.

This book also points out how we can be a “bucket dipper” when we say or do things that make others feel bad. We all do this at times, sometimes not even realizing it. What do you suppose people are like whose buckets are being depleted day after day? What do you suppose they might act like to compensate for those hurtful situations. This book has a very interesting way to give insight into the beginnings of bullying. I think this book is a good conversation starter on handling certain situations with young children.

We all can make a conscious decision to be “bucket fillers” and not “bucket dippers”. I think young children can easily grasp this concept and delight in its practice. The illustrations by David Messings will delight the children and be encouraging as well. I see the goal to be a bucket filler as a seed planted in our youngest citizens that could make a big difference in future societies.

I certainly recommend this for your perusal and thoughtfulness. For more information about “bucket filling” and teaching materials (especially if you are a home schooler), visit Carol’s website: www.bucketfillers101.com for more information.