The Fables of Boris: Invitations to Meaningful Conversations

"Just one more Boris story." This was the nightly plea I heard from my daughter just before bedtime. It meant another opportunity for me to conjure up a tale based on her experiences and my imagination that might help her sort through a question from her day.

Boris is a mythical character, a dog that happens to be experiencing the same life challenges as Rebecca did when she was eight to ten years old and every problem seemed like an overwhelming conundrum, or at least a terrific drama opportunity. While Boris initially had the same feelings and thoughts as Rebecca, he was always able to find the possible solutions that existed, no matter how hopeless the situation appeared through the eyes of a young girl.

The Boris fables are beloved because they are entertaining and also enable children to get a little distance from their concerns. They can get a new perspective on their world without feeling that they are being lectured to or that "parental advice" is being imposed. Boris is the perfect medium to share "un-discussable topics" and to discover creative solutions to problems. Most importantly, the stories serve as a stimulus for engaging in meaningful conversation about important life issues.

Richard Bellingham earned a BA in marketing, an MA in counseling, and a EdD in counseling psychology, all from Western Michigan University. He has written more than a dozen books on leadership, wellness, and change as well as being a successful keynote speaker. He lives in Summit, New Jersey.