My boys in a hole (2009)
Next year, we are planning to surprise the boys with their first trip to the Florida theme parks and I have no doubt that they will be over the moon with excitement… but they were also giddy with joy today because it was movie and PJ day at camp.
We spent an afternoon at the playground this weekend and enjoyed a visit from a beautiful yellow lab and the young woman who was walking her. Our smiling 6-year-old watched as they walked away across the field and said,
We hope he was talking about the dog…
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Posted in Funny things my kids say
Tagged Dog, Funny, humor, humour, kids, Labrador Retriever, Pets
Lord of the Flies (1990); movie adaptation of William Golding’s novel
Generally, I believe kids need to be left alone to play, without interference from adults.
On our side of the block, we have a total of seven boys between the ages of 5-9. (Take a moment to contemplate what this means in terms of noise.) We, the involved parents, let the boys work through their issues and only step in when someone gets hurt, either physically or emotionally. Even then, if it is minor, they are usually able to sort things out on their own.
This isn’t because we’re lazy — although it is a royal pain to have to stop whatever you’re doing to be the referee — but by sorting out their own disputes and bruised feelings, they learn how to compromise and make amends.
A few days ago, a recent empty-nester across the street told The Husband how much she enjoys sitting on her porch watching our group of boys. She specifically commented on how well they arbitrate their play and how quick they are to ensure injured parties received remediation.
As my boys get older and more involved in team sports and group activities, these skills are becoming more and more important. From the sidelines, I’ve seen them join a team where they knew no one and quickly make a place for themselves. I’ve also seen them welcome a new kid into a team and help them find their bearings.
It might sound like I’m bragging, which is not my intention, so allow me to add some counter-balance; I’ve also seen my kids act like complete assholes. Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged Behavior, behaviour, civilized society, discipline, Family, kids, Lord of the Flies, Parenting, Playground, rules
Photograph by Spacepleb
My children have discovered the magical burning properties of concentrated sunshine through a magnifying glass. I’m worried the 8-year-old now wants to be an arsonist when he grows up. The other day he showed me a piece of wood covered in charred pock marks and said,
Previous: Funny things my kids say #2
Posted in Funny things my kids say
Meatballs – Canadian camp comedy starring Bill Murray (1979)
CJ left today for a two night camp with BDN’s son. My son’s a very easy-going kid who makes friends quickly and adapts well to new situations. He’s been away at Beaver camp a couple of times and had plenty of sleepovers. The minimal preparations went smoothly and he was driving up with his buddy — nothing to worry about.
Until I forgot about the letter… Continue reading
The boys are in a great summer program that keeps them busy with a variety of activities. Every Tuesday is beach day. Today they hopped on the Metro Transit and headed to Chocolate Lake.
Much to ET’s dismay, this is not Halifax’s Chocolate lake.
Image: Making Fiends
Posted in General
Tagged beach, chair umpire, Health, heat, heat stroke, kids, officiating, soccer, tennis
Image: David Phillips
A couple of months ago we had “The Talk” with CJ. He had just turned eight, but that was just circumstantial. It had nothing to do with his age, it had everything to do with his curiosity.
I do this Mommy-thing where I remind the boys that I “made” them. Do you know what I mean?
Kid: Waaaa… I fell of my bike and there’s blood!
Me: Please stop ruining your knees… I worked very hard to make those!
Kid: Don’t look, you might see my bum!
Me: Oh please, I made your bum.
It’s not just me who does this… or is it?
The Husband said it was because of these constant reminders of his creation, that CJ persistently asked the question, “How does a woman make a baby?” Perhaps he was right, but it was the only Ace I had and I was going to keep playing it.
Posted in Family
Tagged Funny, how babies are made, kids, sex talk, the birds and the bees
Photograph by Elijah van der Giessen
The 8-year-old as I grumbled about a fellow driver this morning.
Previous: Funny things my kids say #1
Image: Christian LaForce, Chronicle Herald Staff
We live in a fantastic country and it feels good to celebrate how lucky we are.
Happy Canada Day!
Warning – I’ve quoted some stuff that is pretty offensive. I’ve chosen not to censor the language.
Earlier this week, my friend Heather sent me this article by Andrea Warner. It was posted on the CBC Music blog.
Misogyny makes a comeback: Kanye, Robin Thicke and degrading women
Before reading this article, I had never heard the three songs that Ms. Warner specifically discusses; Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O”, Kanye West’s “On Sight” and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”. I have since listened to them all and have purposely not provided links.
Posted in General
Tagged explicit lyrics, Kanye West, kids, music, Robin Thicke, U.O.E.N.O
Escaping Elegance 