Entries
Grandpa terrorizes the Kids!
Sep. 30, 2008 Posted in Comments
The reasons that Grandfathers (grandpa) terrorize children are simple and practical. One, it gets their attention. Two, it shifts their focus to you. Three it causes them to be unsure of what is going to happen next. Consequently, they are now in a receptive mood.
I feel that grandpas must help our kids overcome the instant gratification patterns society attempts to program into them.
Children are not idiots! They do a mighty good job of raising their parents. If you want to feed them myths about the Easter bunny, Santa Claus, or the tooth fairy, even Halloween; they will happily oblige you. The prime lesson they take away from all of that is that you lied! No, wonder they never received the gifts they wanted. Parents want to buy clothes, shoes not the good stuff like toys!
So, if a successful relationship between grandpa and tommy is going to develop, someone must be in charge. It is preferable that the person in charge is the Grandpa. Children have quickly learned to tune out anything or a person they don't want to listen to. Don't fall into the educational rationale that children are little understanding adults. That we must reason with them. Children may have the faces of angels but they are pure evil. A baby is the classic definition of human nature. Give me what I want, when I want, how I want and standby!
When the children are over, playing in the kitchen, a glass breaks on the floor. Upon investigation of how or what happened. I find that the darlings are lying to me or Idon'tknow is a person's name.
Kids help clean up and learn what to do around sharp objects. I have found out that kids love to be told what to do unless it is go to bed, go home, or take a bath.Children want to learn and learning is easy and all around them. Most adults have stopped seeing the world through the eyes of a child.
"How come you don't drive fast like daddy?" Tommy asks.
"A man needs to know his limitations!" I reply.
"There was I time was faster and stronger than your dad. But, you slow down as you age." I growl.
"You know, your dad was once as old as you are doing the same things." Though you might do them better. Show the kid where food comes from, not the supermarket. Also tell him or her to keep their mouth shut and learn when you take them somewhere. They can ask any questions when we leave. They need to see that poverty is an equal opportunity keeper downer. Poverty creates victims!
At some point the child figures out that you are old. (smile) Basically, that you are the one to go to the next place after death. You will have a conversation about religion, God and gods. Kids will obey you for three reasons:
- Fear
- Respect
- They always have.
I live for the moments when my son asks me, "Did I ever do that?"
"Yep", I reply.
"Why?" he queries.
I always figured you were brain damaged, but you out grew it!
Children ask questions, many questions, incessant questions until you learn to call a timeout.
"Why is the sky blue?" Tommy asks
"You have something against blue?" I reply.
This causes the boy to reflect and formulate mental questions for later. One dimension of learning is memorization or as Tommy puts it, remembering in the first place. Mnemonics is a good tool for a child to learn. It is easy to teach and fun to do. Why wife tells him what's on her grocery list and he and I go get it.
When I stop for ice cream or soda he always reminds me "This is not on the list."
"I always tell him that not what I heard."
Stay tuned for part II, The Kid Is crazy!!
Post A Comment!<- Last Page :: Next Page ->