Post by EmmieB1025 on Aug 28, 2013 10:16:10 GMT -5
I like them too, but agree that there is a lot of pressure to have an over-the-top birthday party or a fantastic Elf on the Shelf plan. Kids' sports are out of control in my area, and it's honestly something I don't look forward to doing with E because it's not "just a game" anymore. Pinterest is my ultimate time-waster!
Post by breezy8407 on Aug 28, 2013 10:18:36 GMT -5
In a lighthearted way, I mostly agree with them. Especially Pinterest. I stopped going on because it makes me feel bad that I don't have time to do All The Awesome Things.
And I am in no way trying to start an organic vs. non-organic war here, I try to buy organic when possible, but I also read a really interesting article about how organic foods aren't without their flaws, too. Basically, we can't win.
As for sports, it was like that growing up, so to me that hasn't changed.
lol @ tattoos on bananas. I remember when it was exciting just to get one with the Dole or Chiquita sticker. (And we liked it! We loved it! Hallelujah!)
With the organic clothing and diaper bags and stuff, yes, it is partly a marketing thing, but for some it is part of an overall philosophy, about environmentalism and sustainability, etc. It doesn't matter that we aren't going to eat it.
I agree with her in general, though. We make things harder on ourselves than the need to be. The internet makes it a lot easier to compare ourselves to and perpetuates the Pinterest myth that everyone does everything to the nth degree. I guarantee there are more people out there doing a good old fashioned run around the backyard and get dirty birthday party than a themed princess tea party, but they don't pin that shit. However, I do think our parents' generation probably had their own hangups. I know my mom felt bad that she couldn't be as involved as other moms or put me in as many activities because she worked.
I agree. My mom still talks about her guilt in having us in daycare and working so much. I always tell her I think I turned out okay. I also don't envy the time in which she started being a working mom. I think her generation had it very hard in terms of balancing a career and not having husbands/partners do their share. I know my Dad is a prime example. She did ALL the housework, laundry, cooking etc. Now, I have my husband to share those duties with and there are no traditional male/female roles in our house when it comes to that stuff.
I agree with everything but kids sports, I was way involved in sports and I hope Macy will be too, although of course not to an extent that they're doing it every day. Especially when they're little.
The elf on the shelf creeps me out, not bringing that into my house!
I liked that article a lot. But, the sports insanity IS a parent problem. They encourage multiple practices a week for 3 year old soccer and allow their kids to miss family dinner for club swimming at age 8. I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with either of those scenarios (that is a lie. no 3 year old needs 2 practices a week) but I think we need to be honest with ourselves that our generation isn't changing the game when it comes to games.
I really don't want to do elf on a shelf. The whole thing is just way too high maintenance for me.
I was talking to some MOOKs about it this weekend and one of them goes all out and even the parents aren't allowed to touch it so when it fell one day she took her kids upstairs and texted her neighbor to come over to the house to put the elf back so her kids wouldn't know.
I am not an organic everything person, but it bothers me when people "mock" organic stuff like this article seems to do. I see organic as half healthy/half good for the environment. No, you don't need an organic cotton bag for your health, its just so much better for our environment.
IDK she just sounds bitter to me. Like Tamb said, I think there are plenty of parents who are more laid-back than that, and plenty (like Trudy) who do those things but don't find it stressful. I think the author hasn't come to terms with her own parenting style.
I am not an organic everything person, but it bothers me when people "mock" organic stuff like this article seems to do. I see organic as half healthy/half good for the environment. No, you don't need an organic cotton bag for your health, its just so much better for our environment.
For the most part, I agree with this. All of these things are nice ideas, but they tend to be taken too far. My sister is always complaining about being so busy, because between her job and her husband's job, and the kids' busy athletic schedules, she feels like they're always running around. I just want to say, then just let the kids not participate in a sport for one season!
I get that themed birthday parties are fun, but I do think people can go all out too much. We did Abby's last birthday at Chuck E Cheese. I sent my MIL and SIL to the dollar store to get some candy for goody bags. They came back with $30 worth of stuff! It all had to be princess themed, they had crowns, party hats, princess toys, princess bubbles, candy, princess paper plates, princess forks and princess napkins (despite the fact that Chuck E Cheese supplied quite a bit). They insisted everything had to "match."
My favorite birthday memory? When my mom accidentally poured an entire jug of red Kool-Aid on a girl I hated. I remember nothing of decorations or games. Just that.
I am sad that I may not be able to let my kids go play outside without adult supervision. I'm not talking about right now, but in a few years. Playing outside all summer with my friends was so great and we always knew to be aware of anything unusual.
This really bothers me, when I was a kid in the summer my parents would say we had no business being inside and would kick us out for the day, we would ride our bikes all over with the other kids from the neighborhood, explore through the woods, etc. Those days were so much fun, I am sad that Macy most likely won't have that.
I really don't want to do elf on a shelf. The whole thing is just way too high maintenance for me.
I was talking to some MOOKs about it this weekend and one of them goes all out and even the parents aren't allowed to touch it so when it fell one day she took her kids upstairs and texted her neighbor to come over to the house to put the elf back so her kids wouldn't know.
I am not an organic everything person, but it bothers me when people "mock" organic stuff like this article seems to do. I see organic as half healthy/half good for the environment. No, you don't need an organic cotton bag for your health, its just so much better for our environment.
WTH? Why wouldn't she touch the damn elf? Does she actually believe in it?
I really don't want to do elf on a shelf. The whole thing is just way too high maintenance for me.
I was talking to some MOOKs about it this weekend and one of them goes all out and even the parents aren't allowed to touch it so when it fell one day she took her kids upstairs and texted her neighbor to come over to the house to put the elf back so her kids wouldn't know.
I am not an organic everything person, but it bothers me when people "mock" organic stuff like this article seems to do. I see organic as half healthy/half good for the environment. No, you don't need an organic cotton bag for your health, its just so much better for our environment.
WTH? Why wouldn't she touch the damn elf? Does she actually believe in it?Â
No, they made the mistake of telling the kids that no one could touch the elf or it would lose its magic and didn't think to exclude themselves from that. When the elf fell her kids wigged out and thought he was dead and her daughter was actually crying because he would lose his magic if they touched him.
WTH? Why wouldn't she touch the damn elf? Does she actually believe in it?
No, they made the mistake of telling the kids that no one could touch the elf or it would lose its magic and didn't think to exclude themselves from that. When the elf fell her kids wigged out and thought he was dead and her daughter was actually crying because he would lose his magic if they touched him.
Omg, lol. I always thought elf on the shelf was cute but that sounds nutty!
yeah I mean, again its kind of skewed. What if you CAN afford organic, what if you actually ENJOY photoshoots and planning parties and elf on the shelf and such? what if pinterest is fun for you?
I agree with some of it, we are a bit too uptight these days and mommy guilt is everywhere. However we also have a lot more INFORMATION these days and there's no need to discard it simply because we turned out just fine.
No, they made the mistake of telling the kids that no one could touch the elf or it would lose its magic and didn't think to exclude themselves from that. When the elf fell her kids wigged out and thought he was dead and her daughter was actually crying because he would lose his magic if they touched him.
Omg, lol. I always thought elf on the shelf was cute but that sounds nutty!Â
I feel like you have to be an excellent on the go liar to do it because the kids think he is real. The MOOKs basically explained that Santa and elf on a shelf lead to lies upon lies because your kids will ask a million questions, so be prepared to make up answers!
I don't plan to do elf on the shelf because I'm lazy and forgetful. I never heard of it until recently! My parents always said "santa is watching" which seems like much less work so I think I'll just do that
Post by Faevantastic on Aug 28, 2013 10:43:38 GMT -5
I never agree with these. Stop blaming other people because you feel pressured for doing something that you've decided to do. No one is holding a gun to your head. If you feel inadequate as a parent because of it, that is YOUR own doing. Own up to it. There's no need to ridicule or berate the things other people enjoy doing. Isn't this how mommy wars start?
my boss told me that he did it with his kids and it sounded like he, his wife and the kids all enjoyed the whole thing immensely. So in that case I feel like, why not, its working for them right?
that's why being all bitter about things being too hard/too much work is a bit silly because everyone's situation, capacity for things and likes/dislikes can be different.
I don't go to pinterest because when I was planning M's party I checked it out and I knew instantly it was not for me/not for my style.
Post by breezy8407 on Aug 28, 2013 10:47:01 GMT -5
I had a birthday party at Burger King. The only thing I remember is that I had to invite ALL the kids from pre-school even the mean boys, and I didn't like that they were at my party.
one of these days somebody is going to post a link to blog post about parenting and I'm going to be like "YES, YES I AGREE!!" instead of my usual reaction of: or ^o) or sometimes
Also, with the birthday paties, half of my friend's parties were at McDonald's. I'd LOVE to see that now.
Come the boys' 4th birthday, it will probably be there b/c oh HELL no am I inviting all their friends to come mess up my place lol. And we're poor. And will probably still be poor.
I totally agree w this article but I think the organic thing is more the attitude than the act that's annoying. Don't be a douche about it and be reasonable -- that's all. It really is better in a lot of ways and like PPs have said, not just for eating.
Omg, lol. I always thought elf on the shelf was cute but that sounds nutty!
I feel like you have to be an excellent on the go liar to do it because the kids think he is real. The MOOKs basically explained that Santa and elf on a shelf lead to lies upon lies because your kids will ask a million questions, so be prepared to make up answers!
This is why we don't do Elf on the Shelf (that and the creepy "he's watching you" thing). I wasn't even comfortable with Santa, because it essentially involves lying to our kids. However, that one was a little hard to overcome with everyone around us insisting on Santa's existence.
I'm cool with santa and I guess I don't see the problem with lying to my kid(s) in general.
Nope all the candy is gone! It won't hurt, it's just the dentist he's a jolly friendly fella, lots of fun to be had there! If you don't do your chores santa will know!
How early in the year can santa law be invoked? lol
I was just saying to hubby that we already lie to her when we do the peekaboo game, because we say "where is daddy? I don't know? I don't know where he is?!!! do you?" and since she also shakes her head no, we are teaching her to lie also!
Didn't someone here do elf on the shelf but in a non creepy way? devonpow maybe?
We love Elf on a Shelf! We do it more as a game to have Henry find him each morning and think up funny places to put him. Once I had him up on our surround sound speakers and in the middle of the day while H was playing right there Whizby (the elf) fell off - boom! - right into the middle of the floor like a dead body. Henry freaked! And yes, the book says no one is allowed to touch him or else he loses his elf magic. Since kids take these things as gospel, I had to improvise and pick up Whizby with a pair of salad tongs then put him back, lol.