Here we go with bling again

Keira's best buddy is coming around soon for a play. Since learning this, she has been running around, finding tiara's, necklaces, bracelets, (clip on) earings etc to adorn herself. This friend is a BOY. I am fairly certain if I'd've said a GIRL was coming, she wouldn't have gone to as much trouble. I am certain that at this age, this eagerness to please and impress is innocent and harmless. I would cringe a little if she is doing the same thing in twenty years time. Or shouldn't I? What's wrong with looking nice, especially for a friend? Maybe I've been schlubbing around too long.

When going to church can actually be entertaining

Yesterday, as we were all up, the kids and I accompanied mum to mass. As Keira has not been in a very long time, I was interested to see what she’d make of the experience. Like any other kid, after about 5 minutes she got wriggly and was more than relieved when it was over. What I found hilarious was the running commentary: “Mum, where’s Nan going?” (My mother was on every ‘job’ going, like doing readings and offertory. If you don’t know what that means….well, in sum they’re some of the many rituals that make up a Catholic Mass.) “Mum, look, pottys!” (I don’t think the priest would be amused to hear his confessional rooms as likened to a row of public toilets.) This was the clincher: “Mum, look, a PRINCESS!” “No, Keira, it’s a statue of Mary.” Pause. “MARY POPPINS?!?” “No…” Oh, God, how to explain? “Just Mary Mum.” There were people sniggering to themselves all around us. To give Keira some dues, anyone to her in long, flowing robes could very well be a Princess – one of those ones I’ve talked about before – and so she just came to a quick conclusion. Of course, by that reasoning, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, the Dalai Lama, and the Pope could all be ‘princesses’. Let’s hope not. Ok, to the events of the past few days, and this is a mini ‘Things I don’t understand Friday’ (albeit late) 1) Why does your baby decide to fall asleep in the plane the very second it touches down in its destination? 2) Why, when I’d been packing all week, did I not pack enough pants for Riley or t-shirts for Keira? I’m sure I put more in. Where did they go? So, we’re been washing every few days… …oh, which reminds me, I’ve got to hang some out on the line!

“The Power of Marketing Compels You!”

I’m writing this lightly, as I tend to do with most posts, but deep down I think we all know how serious this subject can become. Anyone with children over the age of about two will be able to tell you the power advertising starts to have. Television ads, once only admired for their colours now take on a deeper significance. Once Keira hears a McDonalds one, for example, she will come running from the other end of the house to see what new toy they have to accompany their Happy Meals. Part of the crime here, for me, is that I know from working there that these toys may cost us about 60 cents, but only probably cost five cents in truth. Some kids grab at whatever product or character which most appeals to their personality. Now for Keira, it’s the Disney Princesses. After a few deep breaths, I can deal with this, especially now Adam and I have discovered a covert strategy for helping us deal with the times Keira becomes difficult. For example, Supernanny over here advertises for Continental. If Keira doesn’t like what we’ve served her up for dinner, we just say, ‘Oh, but its Supernanny Rice!’ or ‘Supernanny Soup’ and decides that that’s OK and she yums it down. I wonder sometimes about the lack of honesty we’ve resorted too—because generally she’s an excellent eater—but an empty-plate usually trumps all other considerations: especially when it’s the end of the day, and we’re all tired and just waiting for bedtime to roll around. How do you coerce your kids to do as they’re told? More importantly, do you ever feel guilty that you have to?