Jan 19 2007
Toys and a Story (Pic of the Week)
(Note: There’s a new fiction afoot, a sequel of sorts to my well-received “Apartment Life.” More on that in a moment.)
You ever love something and hate it at the same time? That’s how I feel about this alphabet puzzle.
It’s great because Ben can learn to match shapes, name the letters, and do some freestyle design. It acts as a sort of tumbling pad, too, which is very handy when I want to break out in a handspring or a throwback demonstration of the centipede (my testicles still haven’t forgiven me for the one breakdancing move I was willing to attempt).
It’s not so great because, good Lord does it have a lot of pieces. That’s about the only con, and it seems trivial when I write it down. Just, sometimes, even if you pride yourself on being a better parent than many of the folks you’ve met in the past (but nobody from right now — nope, couldn’t happen), you don’t feel like 1) waiting while the kid picks up the toys, or 2) telling the kid he can’t play with that toy the next day if he doesn’t help put it away right now. It doesn’t pay to be lazy, but sometimes you just want to blow it off, don’t you? Just tell the kid, “You know what, let’s live in a royal mess for a while.”
Give them an inch, and they won’t be happy until it’s a mile. So, we soldier on in our consistency. It’s better for all of us that way.
New Story
I’ve started a new story. It features Ronnie, the kid from “Apartment Life.” I’ve decided I have to choose — lengthy blog entries, or a new fiction. I simply can’t do both anymore. I’m not sure how often the later chapters will come out, but I’ll tell you here when they’re ready.
Unlike my Christmas story, this is not suitable for little ones, and I’m starting it on my story blog right out of the gate. Click here to begin.
Yippee! :-) This story will be my new “after- school (work)” treat.
Cool! I’ll check it out soon… too busy today!
Have a great weekend bud.
Dave
That doesn’t seem like a small negative at all. I’ve been in too many living rooms that are in a constant state of toy pandemonium. Toys like this really add to the temptation to go that route. But, I note that you’re still fighting the good fight. Getting out the cumbersome, multi-piece behemoth because you know it’s good for Ben…and making sure the juggernaut finds its way back to its proper place at night because it’s good for Ben and you. I say good work…go right ahead and love/hate that thing.
Any video of that breakdancing?
Mark, there are some (very few) things that you should never mention in a blog post. Your manly dangly bits are one of those. (Never mind the fact that I’ve done the same; we’re talking about you here.)
There are a number of toys of Declan’s that have been relegated to the basement until such time as he’s a bit older and can be cajoled and/or threatened into cleaning up after himself. One of them is actually a bin of foam thingies much like those above, but only about four square inches each — nicely hand sized. And edible for the dogs. And easily lost in couch cushions. And down heating vents. And (very nearly) swallowed by babies.
Linda - I hope you do enjoy.
Dave - Work, work, work.
Moksha - We have Ben pick up his toys each night before bed (we help some). It might be completely trashed by noon the next day, but at least we woke up to some semblance of order.
No video. Sorry. We didn’t have a video camera back then (and I’m glad for that).
Simon - In this day of ever-changing gender roles, sometimes my dangly bits are all I have left of my manhood. Don’t take that away from me!
We, too, have packed away toys in a strategic move meant to thwart a) the boy’s death, and b) our insanity.
Yeah, we try that with Norah…but she pretty much just stares at us and smiles until we clean up her toy mess. Ungrateful, I tell ya.