All My Children

Like most self-invented symbolic play, Goethe’s act, as previously suggested, had meaning on many different, important and urgent levels, whereas play material created by others can only rarely fit so well the always-changing demands of the moment. Goethe’s play expressed his feeling that he had been thrown out; his wish that his sibling should be thrown out; his punishing his mother by throwing her dishes out. But on still another level, Goethe probably wanted to get rid of all the dishes, so that he would no longer be fed from them, or be expected to eat from them. His sibling was being nursed, and his play expressed also his own desire to return to an earlier feeding situation that his competitor was now privileged to enjoy, and for which he envied him. Continue Reading »

Twin Communication

We’ve talked about the way in which twins often make decisions by consulting their partners, much in the way that some married couples do, but in the case of twins it can be a lifelong habit born of their common culture. This can leave the grown-up twin a little at a loss when it comes to making decisions on his own. He may find it difficult to make up his mind and look for opportunities to discuss the pros and cons with someone else. The plus side of this is that twins can be very helpful when others have problems to talk over and make excellent counsellors and personal friends. However they do have to be on their guard against the feeling that others are slow in understanding the ideas that they are trying to convey. Singles do not necessarily have the sixth sense that twins tend to develop along with language, and so will need a little more time and patience. Continue Reading »

The Twin were feeling nervous. They had to perform a poem in front of the whole school forthe Variety Concert and they had never done anything like that before. It all felt so newfor them.

They had been chosen by their teacher because they could recite the poem so well together. They used lots of expression and because they were twins, their timing was spot-on, near perfect.

The Twin were waiting in the wings for their turnto go onto the stage. They were rubbing their hands together and sweating a lot. Both felt sick in their stomachs. Continue Reading »

Mub was clinging onto his mother, Magix. They were at the doctor’s office and Mub didn’t recognise or know any of the people. Even though Magix waschatting to some of them, they were all strangers to Mub. When they went into the doctor’s office, Mub wouldn’t look at the doctor. Hehid behind Magix.

“Mub’s feeling a little shy Doctor,” said Magix. “He doesn’t remember you.” Mub turned his head slightly and carefully peeked out at the doctor.

“Hello Mub. How are you?” asked the doctor. Mub quickly hid behind Magix again. His colour began to change to purple. Continue Reading »

Shell was not having a good day. She had failed a test at school and Beesly was not speaking to her. They had had a fight and Beesly wouldn’t play with Shell at break-time. Magix could see that Shell was feeling upset.

She asked Shell what was wrong.

“Everything is wrong. I failed a test at school and my best friend won’t speak to me. I just feel hurt and angry and sad all at once,” cried Shell. Sure enough, her shell turned bright red and her tears were blue. Shell was feeling very upset. Continue Reading »

Shell was crying and telling Magix about her bad day at school.

Do you remember what had left Shell feeling so upset? Magix listened and then she wrapped her arms around Shell as she cried and complained. Magix didn’t say too much, she just let Shell cry and feel upset. Magix just held Shell and comforted her until she had finished crying and had nothing left to say. Continue Reading »

Feeling vulnerable means you feel sensitive, afraid, embarrassed and sad very easily, even without really knowing why. Like the time Splotch felt vulnerable because she was the youngestand smallest child in the school swimming pool and she couldn’t swim. All the older, bigger children could swim and seemed to behaving such fun. Splotch felt extra-sensitive, afraid and sad all at once — Splotch’s spots turned purple because she was feeling so vulnerable. Continue Reading »

Magix was making breakfast for the Freaky Family. Papi was changing Mub’s nappy, while Shaper, Shell and Splotch were getting ready to go to school.

“Come and eat some breakfast,” Magix called. “It’s all ready.”

Magix put the toast on the table and dished up some warm, purple porridge called splurge. The Freakies loved eating splurge.

“Come on now, hurry up, we don’t have all day!” Magix called again. She poured some turquoise juice into their cups. Still, no-one came to the table for breakfast. Continue Reading »

Gogs and Bumper were looking after Shell, Shaper,Splotch and Mub. The Freaky children were watching a TV programme while Gogs was in the kitchen cooking supper. Bumper was helping Gogs by peeling the potatoes for the stew. Suddenly they both heard a loud yell.

“Stop that, Shaper!” shouted Shell. “I hate it when you keep nudging me.”

“What am I doing?” shouted Shaper. “You’re the one who keeps the remote and changes the channels all the time,” shouted Shaper. “It’s not fair!” Continue Reading »

Splotch was painting a picture. She enjoyed painting a lot andwanted to be an artist one day. Splotch had been busy painting for a longtime, concentrating and choosing colours with care. She wanted to give herpainting to Papi and Magix so they could hang it up on their bedroom wall.

“What beautiful colours you have chosen Splotch,” said Magix, “The sky is a deep blue colour.” Continue Reading »