So, C.’s 8th birthday is coming up in about a month. And since a certain grandmother asked me what he wants, I had to start pressuring him to come up with some birthday wishes. This is usually hard for C.. Because most of the time, he can’t think of anything. Or he thinks of things he will never have (such as a TV for his bedroom. Uh…no. House policy – no TVs in kids’ bedrooms). And so, we began the yearly process of me throwing out suggestions (how about a book? maybe a Lego set?) and him saying, “Um….no, I don’t think so.”
But clearly, technology and the spoiled-ness of some kids at school (I’m talking 2nd-graders with cell phones! That have service!) have been influencing him this year, although he has kept part of the “simple C.” intact. Here’s what he had to say:
“Well, I know one thing that I’d like, but I don’t think I’ll be getting it.”
“What would that be?”
“An iPod.”
“You’re right. You probably won’t be getting it.”
“Okay, then. How about a portable DVD player?”
“Huh?”
“You know, then I could have one of those in my room to watch DVDs on.”
“Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you probably won’t get that either.”
“Okay. I didn’t think so. Then I’d like 10 pieces of 3-foot-long wood.”
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I guess if you can’t have the latest that technology has to offer, you might as well run away and build a log cabin in the back yard. A very small log cabin. Say…3 feet by 3 feet?
I hate those gift pressure questions. I mean, I appreciate them, because the list of what is wanted or needed is often long, and so it’s great to pass around the privilege of filling that list, but I often forget or the child who is always asking for things can’t come up with something. I try to keep a running list.
Yeah, Amanda thinks that she should have a TV, and a computer, in her bedroom. We have enough TVs (3) in different spots that she doesn’t need one in her room, too. And the computer isn’t a problem now, but I know in the next few years it could be.
Wood. That’s a good one. And one you never would have thought of on your own.
We might be able to swing the lumber, but I am not sure if our home owner’s association allows shanty towns being built in the back yard.
Have to check the contract
I love boys! The wood is just the beginning – soon it will be on to rope and pocket knives. Dangerous, manly things that no boyhood is complete without.
Methinks you need to get a woodburning insert for your fireplace, and send that boy over to our house to partner with Mike in the great woodgathering adventure!
Wood. Now that’s resignation. Ya gotta try for the big stuff first, huh? That is so funny.
When my oldest son was 4, we went to see Santa at Babyland General. He obviously had not been mentally preparing his wish lish in advance, because when Santa asked what he wanted, he replied, “A bucket of rocks.” My grandfather thought that this was so funny that he gave him a bucket of rocks for Christmas. He played with it for a long time!