Not having a television inspires viewing immediate surroundings for entertainment, information, amusement, enlightenment. (That tv does not necessarily give this is likely why I don’t have it.) Was watching parents and their kids in various restaurants across the weekend. Psychology plays such a huge part in child rearing – by both the adults and the youngsters. Seems to me the most enjoyment (and, lord, raising kids should be fun!) is had by those families who treat a child as an addition to the family, not some alien who has to be coped with or catered to. I do admit, though, that the transition of going from a couple to a family with that first kid does have aspects of otherworldness! But ongoing total focus child rearing does not benefit child, parents or society. Watched a couple of instances where the parent (and so wonderful to see fathers taking an active role!) needed to modify a kid’s behaviour and did so with calm firmness, distraction and humour. Treated the child as a person but not as an adult. Acknowledged any over-reaction of the kid as a normal attempt to control or manipulate but did not respond likewise.
It can be stressful socializing children in a restaurant atmosphere. These occasions that I witnessed were delightful and a video of the ‘performances’ would have been a marvellous tool for other parents accepting that challenge.
Watched a magic show last night. How does he do it???!!! I was so amazed and impressed that I had to combat feelings of being tricked, that somehow I had ‘looked away’ and ‘missed’ something. What fun.
Not the sort of act I expected to find at the Victoria Folk Music Society but it made up for not having the chance to singalong during the regular program as usually happens.