Return to KOTB Home Page In Part I, Melody is upset that it is a "Dad Weekend" for Brenda so Brenda suggests the Melody accompany her to her dad's house. Then Brenda explains to Melody that her parents' divorce was not her fault and that she couldn't do anything to get them back together again. In Part II, when Brenda telephones her dad to suggest that Mel visit too, Brenda's mother, Debbie, eavesdrops on the conversation. Debbie then presses Brenda for information about her dad. Brenda refuses to be "caught in the middle" and explains that her dad often asks the same questions, putting Brenda in the same uncomfortable position. Brenda suggests that her parents talk to each other directly and sets up a situation where her mom and dad can practice these communication skills. (Brenda, Melody, Mrs. Dubrowski played by a puppeteer)
Brenda is photographing her friend Melody with a new camera she received as a birthday present from her parents who are divorced. When Melody expresses surprise that the gift came from both parents, Brenda recalls the painful experience she had on her previous birthday when her parents gave her separate and nearly identical gifts. Brenda explains that through counseling she was able to understand that her parents were using large gifts to compensate for the pain the divorce had caused their child and to compete for their child's affection. By letting her parents know that she was troubled by "double everything" Brenda was able to stop the competition between them and arrive at a way to celebrate holidays that makes her more comfortable. (Brenda, Melody)
Brenda is waiting for Renaldo to work on the science project with her. As she waits she falls asleep. When Renaldo finds her, he awakens her and asks about her health. Brenda tells Renaldo that after weekends with her dad she is usually tired because they've done too much. She wishes they would just stay home, read, watch TV, or do other less complicated things together. When Renaldo tells Brenda to confront her dad, she is afraid. Renaldo suggests that she practice on him (as he plays her dad) so that she will feel more confident bringing this issue up the next time she visits her father. ( Brenda, Renaldo)
NOTE: After each script the children ask questions directly to the puppets and the puppet characters themselves answer their questions.
| The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world. |