…“But no-o-o, John and Elly had to drag them along to where they’re miserable!”-FWIW? I got “dragged along” to places where kids and toys weren’t… and learned, and grew. It’s great for a kid to be able to expand — challenge — their universe, and thought processes. Talking — or living — down to a kid is a poisonous thing to do.
I think the idea of bringing toys along to entertain kids is pretty modern. When I was growing up in the 70’s, it was considered unusual that my mother would bring pencil and paper to church or restaurants (which didn’t offer crayons till much more recently), or little toys to hours-long swim meets. Kids were expected to not bother their parents and to be quiet for an hour or 2 in the dullest of circumstances (grandparents talking over a long, fancy dinner about people you didn’t know). It was considered good for us to learn how to “deal” with adult things, because that’s what we were being trained for.
I agree with Bailey and masnadies! We went to my grandparents a lot and they were definitely not “kid-friendly” (whatever that means… like everyone should have plastic toys lying around, solely for the entertainment of children). I learned how to make playing card houses, read the newspaper as a small child, explore, help my grandmother out, and (God forbid) play with my sister. Kids need to learn how to interact with all ages and deal with different situations, and learn that there is not always something that caters to them.
Well Uncle Phil does have the television, so why doesn’t he join his sister? Doesn’t Uncle Phil have any paper and pencils? Does he have a yard? If nothing else, let Michael lean against the wall and mope.
I agree Elly should’ve brought something to entertain the kids. This reminds me of a very boring Sunday I had when I was around 9 I guess. Our family traveled to a city about 2 hours way to visit some great aunt and I was too young to go in and visit her so I had to wait in the waiting room with nothing to do for several hours. If I’d just brought a book along it would’ve made all the difference.
Flashforward to 2013 and all the kids are sitting at the dinner table with independent electronic gadgets and the parents don’t have any problem with this at all because they are busy “being social” by sharing the same table while they each play with their own little electronic gadgets.
I grew up in the 50’s, and even then my grandparents had a small cupboard full of toys for the kids. They had some wonderful things to play with that we didn’t have at home. It was understood that these were “playing at Grandma’s toys”. I still have one of those toys, as do my brothers and cousin. Such grand memories.
I always remember getting dragged to an aunt and uncle in law’s house and it was all “Sit down and be quiet.” I remember I accidently knocked a picture off the wall once. (not a fancy picture, just one of those little plastic ones.) But OMG!!! You swear I’d have put a hole in the wall. Still, I loved her cooking. :)
legaleagle48 almost 11 years ago
I don’t think that’s what your mother had in mind, Michael!
alviebird almost 11 years ago
Flashback, 1964. This may as well have been about me.
JanLC almost 11 years ago
So, knowing in advance that her brother’s place isn’t kid-friendly, why didn’t she bring along some toys for the kids?
baileydean almost 11 years ago
http://fbofw.com/ … I’m thinking.
baileydean almost 11 years ago
…“But no-o-o, John and Elly had to drag them along to where they’re miserable!”-FWIW? I got “dragged along” to places where kids and toys weren’t… and learned, and grew. It’s great for a kid to be able to expand — challenge — their universe, and thought processes. Talking — or living — down to a kid is a poisonous thing to do.
masnadies almost 11 years ago
I think the idea of bringing toys along to entertain kids is pretty modern. When I was growing up in the 70’s, it was considered unusual that my mother would bring pencil and paper to church or restaurants (which didn’t offer crayons till much more recently), or little toys to hours-long swim meets. Kids were expected to not bother their parents and to be quiet for an hour or 2 in the dullest of circumstances (grandparents talking over a long, fancy dinner about people you didn’t know). It was considered good for us to learn how to “deal” with adult things, because that’s what we were being trained for.
jimgamer almost 11 years ago
This was like me at one time poor little sister ??
lightenup Premium Member almost 11 years ago
I agree with Bailey and masnadies! We went to my grandparents a lot and they were definitely not “kid-friendly” (whatever that means… like everyone should have plastic toys lying around, solely for the entertainment of children). I learned how to make playing card houses, read the newspaper as a small child, explore, help my grandmother out, and (God forbid) play with my sister. Kids need to learn how to interact with all ages and deal with different situations, and learn that there is not always something that caters to them.
sjsczurek almost 11 years ago
And so the rottenness begins.
twinsoniclab almost 11 years ago
Well Uncle Phil does have the television, so why doesn’t he join his sister? Doesn’t Uncle Phil have any paper and pencils? Does he have a yard? If nothing else, let Michael lean against the wall and mope.
alondra almost 11 years ago
I agree Elly should’ve brought something to entertain the kids. This reminds me of a very boring Sunday I had when I was around 9 I guess. Our family traveled to a city about 2 hours way to visit some great aunt and I was too young to go in and visit her so I had to wait in the waiting room with nothing to do for several hours. If I’d just brought a book along it would’ve made all the difference.
pekenpug almost 11 years ago
Ah, memories of growing up with an older brother…sigh. (and ouch)
Gretchen's Mom almost 11 years ago
Where does NightGaunt49 get Lynn’s Notes? Inquiring mind wishes to know.
For Better Or For Worse Strip Fix
loves raising duncan almost 11 years ago
You forgotten what it’s like to be small and in a non-friendly kid place, Elly! If they get bored and end up in trouble, guess who you’ll blame!
Deborah N Lurie almost 11 years ago
Can you subscribe to Strip Fix? It is fun to read!
Wilderness1111 almost 11 years ago
Flashforward to 2013 and all the kids are sitting at the dinner table with independent electronic gadgets and the parents don’t have any problem with this at all because they are busy “being social” by sharing the same table while they each play with their own little electronic gadgets.
JanLC almost 11 years ago
I grew up in the 50’s, and even then my grandparents had a small cupboard full of toys for the kids. They had some wonderful things to play with that we didn’t have at home. It was understood that these were “playing at Grandma’s toys”. I still have one of those toys, as do my brothers and cousin. Such grand memories.
transylvanian almost 11 years ago
I always remember getting dragged to an aunt and uncle in law’s house and it was all “Sit down and be quiet.” I remember I accidently knocked a picture off the wall once. (not a fancy picture, just one of those little plastic ones.) But OMG!!! You swear I’d have put a hole in the wall. Still, I loved her cooking. :)