Each month, we shine our lantern-light on a special virtue — one powerful quality that helps us live with heart, courage, and kindness.
This time, we’re stepping into Helping Hands: a theme close to my heart as a solo mama of two little ones. Parenthood teaches, again and again, that none of us are meant to do everything alone. We need one another. And while most of the “helping hands” in my house are more often covered in mud from the garden or sticky with honey, they remind me daily that when we share the load, the work grows lighter, the joy grows bigger, and even the smallest hands (messy or not) can make the greatest difference.
With a full and grateful heart, I’m leaning into this month’s stories right alongside you. Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear three tales that capture the beauty, humor, and sometimes the challenge of working together: a clever little hen and her golden seeds, three bears who set sail, and a turnip that takes more than a few strong pulls to lift from the ground.
For now, we begin with a simple story, golden as the wheat in its fields: The Little Red Hen.
Parents, The Little Red Hen offers a simple but powerful lesson in fairness, effort, and contribution. Children notice very clearly who helps and who doesn’t—and this story can be a wonderful springboard for conversations about shared responsibility.
You might ask your child:
* “What would have happened if the Hen had been given helping hands?”
* “What would have happened if she gave the bread to her friends anyway?”
* “How do you feel when you help—and how do you feel when others help you?”
This week, you might create a small “helping hands challenge” in your home. Invite your child to notice at least one moment a day when they can offer their hands—big or small—to lighten the load for someone else. Celebrate these moments by naming them aloud: “That was a helping hand.”
Over time, this story can become a touchstone for family life—reminding us all that true joy comes not only from sharing the feast, but from sharing the work that makes it possible.
That’s our story for today… but the magic doesn’t stop here! Carry this tale of helping hands with you, and let it spark meaningful moments in your home. Maybe your child will notice a chance to pitch in at dinnertime, or maybe they’ll remind you of the Little Red Hen when someone chooses not to help!
Brave & Bright Stories is a true labor of love—woven between muddy hands, bedtime snuggles, and the daily hum of life as a solo mama of two little ones. If these stories light up your heart and home, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep Brave & Bright Stories flowing to families everywhere. And, it reminds me that, just like the Little Red Hen, I don’t have to carry the work alone 😉 You can support us by clicking the button below or by visiting our website: www.bravebrightstories.com.
Until next time…stay brave,stay bright,and keep growing together, one story at a time.With warmth and wonder,Hannah
