Author Information
Everytime
I heard a man say yesterday that his grandson needed more
Than just the toys and bric-a-brac that comes from some old store.
He said he needed discipline and responsibility.
He said that when he was a boy there was work to do, you see.
I wondered as I stood in line and heard that man bemoan
Advances of computer age, absence of mother from home,
Too many wives all out working, too many men don't stand up,
Too many kids with housekeys, too many wanting too much...
It came to mind as I listened and moved up my place there in line,
"What have YOU done, Sir, to change things?" But I kept my mouth shut tight this time.
I dont completely agree with you on the author comments. Having raised two of my own, I know how crucial it was no matter how tired, no matter not feeling good to make the time to spend with the kids. My dtr is a single mom with 8yr old. I know she has to work to support them,but I hear constant excuses of not going out throwing a ball,going to the park, etc. I see too much playing of gamboy,using computers,using t.v. as electronic babysiter.Yes I like my computer but children need to be read to,played with,taken for walks,given things that challenge thier creative talents ,their intellect,their fantasies.The old man was right. I do agree one can help the single parent but there are times they pass the buck with using people to babysit so as not to have to deal with their own child and that is wrong!I know I kept a fulltime job,but I took kids to park,beach,picnics,played puppet shows with their stuffed animals,read to them,played board games,did finger and paintbox painting,did arts and crafts with sponges, construction paper-things that are NOT computerized,no battery activated. Sure it takes some effort but it's a necessity.You choose to have a child ,then you take on responsibility 24/7 .There are no vacas from parenthood.
Yep, too many people with all the answers, too few willing to implement. Good job, Jessica.
Kim
Last Saturday we had a rummage sale. A single-mom came by & brought her 3-yr old son. He saw my lawn-mower, ready to be used, & he said "I mow, too". He saw my Dew can, & said "I like Dew, too". He saw me relaxing in my rocker in the shade, monitoring the sale, & he said "I rock you, too?" I grabbed him up, held him & rocked him, barely not bawling, & almost wished I could be his Daddy (he HAS a father, but he really just needs a "DADDY"). Your piece, Mrs. Martin, is really a commentary on this sad, sad world which we MUST try to make better, one heart, Une Coeur, at a time.
"Poe" I'm not, nor "Rich" am I,
but I'll be famous, b'ye and b'ye !