A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Jun 11 2009

A mama's perception

Category: Kids & Growing Up

Recently I met with several school officials to determine Nathan's need for speech therapy services for his stuttering. After evaluating him, the school psychologist, told me he's planning to call Nathan up in 15 years and ask for stock tips. He felt Nathan had the intelligence, personality, and drive to be a successful business person. In fact, Nathan tested so highly that he would recommend him for a gifted and talented program if his school had one. (It doesn't. Instead the kids are ability grouped so that they're always challenged.)

Nathan's teacher replied that she felt Nathan should be a judge due to his strong sense of justice and that he always points out when classmates are not following the rules. Nathan's principal thought he'd be the next Tiger Woods after having seen Nathan play at the school's charity golf tournament. We all had a good laugh at the predictions.

I'm somewhat taken aback by how others perceive Nathan compared to the way I do. They spot a business person or a judge and I see a smart-ass and a tattle-tale. He's evaluated as gifted and talented, yet I think he's just a regular kid with age-appropriate skills. They mention Tiger Woods, and I believe him to be a good player with a lovely swing. I'm concerned at my lack of perception. Maybe it's because I don't want to be one of those annoying, competitive parents who think their child is smarter, more talented, and better looking than everyone else when they truly aren't?

Paul always tells me that I don't appreciate what a great kid we have. Maybe it's because as a mama I'm too close. All I see is the boy who fights with his sister, doesn't listen to his mother, and regularly knocks food onto the floor. Since I believe there's room for improvement, I push Nathan to do better. I see the potential in him to strive forward, to become smarter, kinder, and improve his behavior. After all, he's only six. There's so much more growing and learning to do -- for both of us. Maybe my mama's perception is right on after all.

 

Jun 10 2009

That's my boy

Category: At Home

Nathan has a behavior chart. When he's good he gets a sticker for the day, and so many stickers equal a reward, like going swimming at the rec center. On February's chart, with no prompting from his father, Nathan decided 10 stickers equaled buying his mother a Valentine's Day gift.

Awwwwwww.

But it doesn't stop there. If you let most boys of six go shopping for their moms, they'd probably come back with a Hot Wheels car. (These are the same kids who grow up and buy their wives toasters for Christmas.) Instead, Nathan asked his dad to take him to the antique store so he could buy me a copper necklace. (I collect vintage jewelry from the '40s and '50s.) That boy's getting to be as awesome a present shopper as his old man.

So here's a little shout out to my first born. You've made your mama proud.

 

Jun 9 2009

Toys, toys, toys

Category: Just Me

Seeing the holiday toy commercials this year, I know I'm done with expensive toys. Nathan and Lucie are getting books, board games, and clothing instead.

Besides being tired of brightly colored plastic monstrosities taking over my home, I know my kids rarely play with these kinds of toys. (An exception is when they're at other people's homes, where they can't get enough of brightly colored, plastic, battery powered toys.) The several hundred dollars worth of Thomas the Tank engine train tracks and cars sit in a large plastic bin in my living room. Three years after buying him the set, Nathan has yet to build a track on his own. In fact, it's gotten more use from friends coming over or Paul setting it up. It's just a matter of time before I list it on eBay.

I'm tired of the toy companies promising that their expensive, electronic toys will teach your kids their colors, numbers, or letters, too. Believe me, I used to think that the toys would do it all for you. My kids have learned from inexpensive card games like UNO or books much more than educational, electronic gadgets. In reality, parents need to play games and do activities with their kids so they learn.

Also, there's something to be said for the theory that the more expensive the toy, the less time kids spend with it. Lately my kids have more fun playing with boxes, bubble wrap, paper, stickers, and crayons than anything else. Plastic dishes, funny hats, and thrift store finery have been a big hit, too, along with toys coming from fast food meals.

But their favorite toy costs under a dollar. Nathan and Lucie received it as a gag gift at a birthday party. It's a jar of neon colored plastic goo. When you stick your fingers into it, it produces loud flatulence sounds. Both kids break into a fit of giggles when it "farts." It's been so popular, that Nathan and Lucie showed it to Miss Mary, Nathan's speech therapist. Luckily she has two almost grown boys, and can relate to potty humor.

So don't be surprised when I tell you Santa will be bringing the kids whoopee cushions this year. Santa's no dummy. He knows my kids love that kind of stuff.