Making a Big Deal Out of Everything

Posted on 05 16, 2006 under The Manual by foodad | Comments

This is a reprint of an article we published May 2006.

When your kids are little, you do not need to spend a lot of money on fancy vacations to Disney, Wally or any other world to impress them.  Even though you know that two years old is way too young to appreciate a Red Sox/Yankees, Browns/Steelers, Habs/Bruins or Arsenal/Man Utd game I understand that they are tempting.

One thing I have noticed about my kids is their acute awareness of their surroundings and their sense of wonder. The cliché is that they’d rather play with the wrapping paper than the toy.  Think about it though.  The paper is shiny! It crinkles! It changes shape. It’s easy to rip in half! They notice the minutia like the rice krispy on the floor (that they then eat) or when you have just eaten a piece of chocolate that you did not share with them.  Given these facts, why break out the lobster and caviar when chicken lugnuts and macaroni and cheese will do the job?

 

I think you already know that they would love to go your local Museum of Science or Children's museum, but have you considered these? [aside: my daughter thought that "The Science of Star Wars" exhibit was awesome and she's only 3! YES!]

How to make something a big deal:
Hype it up. 
Tell them everything that goes on during the activity so that when they get there, they will be able to identify with it.  They will most likely recall what you told them (assuming they’re old enough). Give them some responsibility.

Ideas!
Activities:
Away Game – Take your kids to an age appropriate playground that you do not usually go to.  Tell them the night before that you have a special activity planned.  Maybe go out for doughnuts in the morning and then head to the playground.  They will think this is awesome.
Library – Kids who like books love to explore the library. Most of them have a children’s section.  You will score extra points if you let them pick out their own books.  If your <insert life partner> takes them there already, they will think it is awesome to show you the ropes.  Read them a book in the story area. These may seem like minor events to you, but remember that you have seen the entire Star Wars series and about 20 or so World Series and Superbowls.

Errands Can Be Fun
Watering Plants – Kids want responsibility and many of them love (to play in) the water. If you have a slow action, light duty watering can this will be a winner.
Going to the Post Office – They get to put the mail in the letter box and meet a postal worker. NEWMAN!

Local Events
Any event in your town or church that caters to kids is sure to please.  When I was a kid, I lived for the stupid elementary school carnival. You know the one where you buy tickets and play lame games for lamer prizes.  I remember the nerf field-goal game where you had to convert a four yarder.  Kelly Grambowski asked me to kick one for her. I nailed it. She was like all smiley and stuff. I never ever did nail… Where was I going with this? Oh yeah! One of the best activities of the year was the Boston Marathon.  Preschool helped because they started the hype. That’s another tip. Wow! I’m full of them today.  Pay attention to what is going on in pre-school. If they’re talking about animals, go to the zoo. If they’re talking about fire safety, take your kids to the fire station.  If they’re talking about the marathon and having their own pretend marathons where they win medals that they made in school, TAKE THEM TO THE MARATHON! 

Any kind of fair.
World’s fair, state fair, the Big E or even a stinky little craft fair!

Local Landmarks
I have been to Niagara Falls at least a million times. It is truly spectacular. If you live near the Liberty Bell or Walden Pond or Central Park Zoo or the Golden Gate Bridge or Old North Church or the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas. I do not care how many times you have been there, take your kids there!

 

Related Posts

Viewing 3 Comments

    • ^
    • v
    It\'s true. You can make a big deal out of everything but you can also put undo pressure on them to like everything and then get burned.

    Last year, I took my, then 2 1/2 year old, to a Red Sox versus Athletics game in Oakland. \"My first Red Sox game with my daughter\" I thought. \"She will enjoy herself as much as I will enjoy myself\" I played up the sights, the history, the rules of the game in a way she could relate. And that lasted all of barely 1 inning. There is only so many hot dogs you can cram into a little kids mouth before she just reaches her breaking point. The result? Having to carry her around and occupy her for the next 5 innings. And my fear that I have scarred my little girl from Red Sox Nation forever. All because i rushed her initiation into the club. I won\'t make that mistake again. I will wait a few more years with my son.
    • ^
    • v
    Nice observation Foo and Noo you are absolutely right, it doesn\'t always work and you have to know when to say when.

    I got a good laugh out of the baseball story. Foo is talking about planning activities for your children to enjoy and you are relating your first attempt to indoctrinate your child into your sport. :grin

    My dad did the same thing to me with Alabama football and nascar. :p
    • ^
    • v
    My daughter and I were watching last night\'s Sox game and she started to ask questions about the game. Of course I was thrilled. Manny was up and I told here \"That\'s Manny, honey.\"
    \"Manny? I like Manny.\"
    \"Me too. He\'s my favorite\" and then BOOM! Manny jacks one out! We were both going nuts even though she previously had no idea what a homerun was. It was awesome. A couple batters later, Trot Nixon (Mommy\'s favorite) did the same. Her first inning of baseball will be hard to top!
 

Trackbacks

(Trackback URL)

close Reblog this comment
Powered by Disqus · Learn more
blog comments powered by Disqus