How to Be a Person

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by publishing practical information that encourages personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Deanna F. Cook and Michal Lumsden

Art direction and book design by Alethea Morrison

Text production by Kristy L. MacWilliams

Illustrations by © Debbie Fong

Text © 2020 by Catherine Newman

Ebook production by Kristy L. MacWilliams

Ebook version 1.0

May 26, 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other — without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.

Storey Publishing
210 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Newman, Catherine, 1968- author.

Title: How to be a person / Catherine Newman.

Description: North Adams : Storey Publishing, 2020. | Audience: Ages 10–14 | Audience: Grades 4–6 | Summary: "Catherine Newman has written the ultimate guidebook for kids, jam-packed with tips, tricks, and skills to become a more dependable person"— Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2019056617 (print) | LCCN 2019056618 (ebook) | ISBN 9781635861822 (paperback) | ISBN 9781635861839 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Self-presentation—Juvenile literature. | Self-actualization (Psychology)—Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC BF697.5.S44 N489 2020 (print) | LCC BF697.5.S44 (ebook) | DDC 155.42/491—dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019056617

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019056618

For Ben and Birdy and everyone else who's trying to be their best selves — all of us. We got this.

— Catherine

For Allistair, Murray, and Cooper.

— Debbie

Contents

Becoming Your Best Self

Other Beings:
How to Care for the People, Pets, and Plants in Your Life

Saying It Right:
How to Be Kind and Get Your Point Across

Dirty Things:
How to Clean and Care for Your Home

Edible Food:
How to Make Meals and Find Your Way around the Kitchen

You're Wearing That?:
How to Clean and Care for Your Clothes

Your Two Cents:
How to Get, Give, and Spend Money

Useful Skills:
How to Do Basic Important Things

Thank You

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Becoming Your Best Self

We swear we're not trying to turn you into a premature adult! We don't want you trudging around in a small suit with a briefcase or wedging yourself under the sink to fix the plumbing in your bathroom. But we do think you'll be a happier person if you learn the skills in this book — some of which you probably already know, others of which people probably think you already know (shhhh), and all of which will come in handy pretty much immediately. The truth is that it feels good to do meaningful things, and it feels good to be appreciated, and these skills pretty much guarantee a combination of those two good feelings.

Look, we understand that maybe you didn't pick this book out all on your own. Maybe your grown-ups even passive-aggressively gave it to you for your birthday along with a pair of rubber gloves and a plunger. (You're welcome!) But it doesn't really matter, because we're convinced that a lot of the tasks we tend to think of as chores can be truly rewarding — especially if you have a chance to step toward them with confidence rather than being backed into them by that bulldozer of nagging otherwise known as your mom or dad. Or maybe by the time you're reading this, there's a robot that can do all of the household chores! Perfect. Put this book aside to show your children one day. "Before we had robots, we had to water the plants and wipe the kitchen counters ourselves!" you'll say, and the kids will shake their heads and pity you.

One thing we know: asking, "What can I do to help?" is a sure way to be your best self. And with this book in hand, you won't have to say awkwardly, "Um, I don't actually know how to do that!"

A note: if you have different abilities — neurologically, cognitively, or physically — then some of these skills might require various kinds of adaptation and hacking. We'd love to hear your thoughts about how to make this book work better for you: choose "contact" from the menu on my website, catherinenewmanwriter.com.

How to Cheer Up Sick People

If someone in your house is sick, you can bring them something soothing, like a glass of ginger ale, a bowl of soup, or some scrambled eggs on toast. Or keep them company while they watch TV or do a puzzle book or look through the box of old holiday cards.

If a friend is sick, you could drop by* with flowers or a magazine, or send a card.

For a classmate who's been sick for a while, you could gather cards from the whole class and send them in a big envelope.

* Wash your hands when you leave if it's something you could catch!

Bring some sunshine. It's nice to visit someone who's in the hospital and bring a homemade card or even a "Get Well" banner to hang by their bed. You might need to gather your courage, because hospitals can be a little frightening, but you don't need to stay long, and your sick person will be so happy to see your face! They're still the same person under there, even if they are surrounded by weird tubes and blankets or a hospital-y smell.

How to Bring a Little Sunshine to Older Folks

Just the fact of you being there is likely to bring cheer! But you could offer to play a game (they might want to teach you a strange one you've never heard of) or do a jigsaw puzzle or read to them, if that's something they might like.

If you are good with nail polish, your person might say yes to a manicure!

If you play an instrument, sing, tell jokes, or do magic tricks, your older person will likely be a very appreciative audience, and you will end up feeling like a STAR.

How to Be with a Baby or a Little Kid

Maybe you've got teeny-tiny guests at home — or even a whole new sibling. Whatever the reason, there's a baby in the house, so you will want to pay attention to it!

• Be patient and gentle. Babies might need a little time to get to know you!
• Ask an adult to help you learn how to hold the baby safely, what the baby likes, and if there are any books or toys for the baby. If you'd like to help feed or bathe the baby, just ask!
• Don't freak out if the baby, uh, gets something on you. Babies are messy, and they can't help it.
• Play with the baby or toddler the way they like. Maybe the baby wants you to build the tallest block tower ever, but then just wants to knock the blocks down — over and over and over again. Or they might want you to "read" the same board book with no words in it over and over and over again. Okay! Ask an adult if there's anything dangerous you should worry about, such as choking hazards, electrical outlets, or food allergies.Ask for help if you need it.

If you're interested in babysitting, consider working first as a parent's helper — which means watching a baby or child while a parent or other caregiver is in another part of the house, but still available to step in and help if you need them.

How to Help Someone (Including Yourself) Fall Asleep

Lots of people —including little kids, big kids, older folks, and fretful folks—have a hard time falling asleep. There are many strategies to try. Feel free to mix and match as much as you like!

A sleepy mugful. Warm milk actually contains a neurochemical called tryptophan, and although the science isn't clear on whether or not this actually helps you fall asleep, creating an association between sleep and a comforting mug of warm, nourishing milk definitely can.

Chamomile tea may also scientifically help or psychologically help. Either way it's good.

Aromatherapy. Chamomile and lavender essential oils are thought to be relaxing. You can shake a few drops into a hot bath, onto a tissue near your pillow, or into a diffuser, which is like a tiny humidifier.