“Grown ups don’t have as much Fantasie [German for imagination] as children do, Mammy”
“That’s right love. Did you learn that at school today?”
“No, I just know it. Like if there is a cardboard box you say “Don’t play with that. It is junk” but we can make marvellous things from it”.
This conversation took place at the kitchen table the other evening with Number One. As we chatted, he and Number Two were getting their own homemade ice pops ready for the freezer. Red grape juice with strawberry Tic Tacs and fresh raspberries in them, not a combination an adult would come up with too easily. Case in point. Adults lack imagination.
Recognising the truth in what Number One had just said, I asked him for his opinion on what adults should do to become better parents. At that he turned a little bit shy, but went on to list the following points over the course of the next hour or so.
1. “Grown ups shouldn’t use their phones so much because the children want to play catch or something and the grown ups just want to make phone calls”.
2. “Grown ups shouldn’t make food that they made one time before and the children said they didn’t like”.
3. “Children should get treats after anstrengende [German for strenuous] things like school or Kindergarten and they should be given cool drinks after sport”. (Apparently the drinks I give them are not good enough because they are room temperature).
4. “Grown ups shouldn’t say bold words and the children learn that and think it is the way to treat people”. (I am the guilty party here. Bad drivers are the cause. The Bavarian manages to keep his cool and not swear when the children are around).
5. “Do fun things. Fun for the children. Not always things that grown ups like”. (Ehem! Our trip to Playmobil Fun Park, our canoe trips, our upcoming camping trip? Not fun? Hmm).
6. “Don’t get cross with children if they just want to…em..if they ask for something that the grown ups don’t want to do. Like if the grown ups want to read the paper and the children ask them to play with them”. (For “ask” here read “nag and whinge and not stop till they annoy the grown up so much that they snap”).
So there you have it. Six simple steps to being a good parent. Do let me know how you get on, should you chose to follow them all. As for me, I am working on implementing points 1, 4 and 6. Point 3 was put into action straight after school the following day when the boys were allowed eat their homemade ice pops after school and Kindergarten.
An interesting perspective! I have two sons and two grandsons so have some experience. What I have learned is that 1) A mother's place is in the wrong, 2) be kind, 3) set out the rules before embarking on a excursion e.g. We will not be buying any sweets when we go to the supermarket
I could go on but too many rules spoil the broth or something like that. Lovely to read the wisdom of youth and thanks for your comment on my blog and the invitation to visit yours, I have enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks for coming over for a browse Janice and for your parenting tips too. That one about setting out the rules is a very good one. I try to do it, especially when heading out on my own with the three boys, but I don't always remember.
I am sure my son would agree with all those points! Good to see the other side of the story sometimes!
Yes, he came up with very child-friendly policies. Thanks for dropping by Emma.
Bless. I'm too scared to ask mine! Thanks for linking up to #FridayFrolics
Yeah, it was a bit of a risk really. But he did come up with some sound advice. Thanks for hosting Claire!
What great tips! Children are so wise sometimes x
solid advice here
Aren't they? I think I'll ba asking his little brother too in a couple of years' time.
Glad you think so Jeremy. I'll pass your praise on to the young man.
I feel he has a lot to teach me. 😀
Alice x
#ftmob
Something tells me these are not the last pearls of wisdom he'll give us.
Thanks for popping over Alice.
I love it when children share their insights into what they think would make us better parents – it is so eye-opening. I too am guilty of 1, 4 and 6. I love the comments on grown-ups lacking imagination and the truth in how our junk can be the basis of children's make-believe – very insightful and something that we so easily fail to see as adults. Thank you for linking up to #ftmob.
How true. I am really glad we got into conversation about this. He did give some quite good tips.
Aww, lovely post! I could do with learning a lesson or two from here as well (1,4and 6!) Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx
I felt so guilty but then thought I'd look on the bright side and just try to improve 🙂
Thanks for visiting!
Nice post!
Thanks Paul.
Nice post!
Thank you!