Kids

POSTED BY: boris
UPDATED: Sunday, May 18, 2008 01:27
VIEWED: 5290
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SPACEANJL

Friday, May 16, 2008 2:03 PM

I know about the smelling fear thing. It's like cats and allergies.

The odd thing is, if I'm anywhere with a bunch of kids, it's me they zero in on, and follow about, not the folks who make a fuss of them. I remember having a hilarious time in a bookshop where I worked - a solemn small boy who wanted to discuss which book to buy with me, while his mother tried to drag him off into the little kiddy books, to our mutual annoyance. (Look, I read 'The Hobbit' at the age of seven, didn't do me any harm, right? So I don't see why a moderately bright kid should have to read about hugs and puppies if they want something with swords in it.)

TRAVELER

Saturday, May 17, 2008 12:11 AM

I can say children have helped me beyond words.

Give a child a chocolate malt and a slice of pizza and you have a friend for life.

I believe it is an adult's purpose in life to place smiles on childrens' faces. There is nothing more honest then a happy child.

It is one of the reasons I believe in God. It takes a real intellect to know life requires childhood.

You can't be over 21 on Sugar Mountain, but that does not mean you can't help those who are under 21 enjoy Sugar Mountain to its fullest.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

SIMONWHO

Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:18 AM

I love kids but I could never eat a whole one in a single sitting.

Actually, I always get on well with kids, mostly because I treat them normally (I think I was annoyed with people "Oooo, did yooooou?" by the time I was four) and I'm pretty childish myself. I find them fascinating because you never know what you're going to get.

BORIS

Saturday, May 17, 2008 5:01 AM

Aha! Kids are psychic. If they zero in on you, you must be either a)an exceptionally interesting person, or b) seriously afraid of them, ...next time it happens, think about the language they use when trying to communicate with you...is it the kiddy speak they use to talk to average/mediocre adults, or do they use similar language to yours? If it's the latter they want to connect with you as an equal. If it's the former they are just niggling you coz you are afraid of them, in the same way a cat would. there's a Far side comic that sums up what I'm suggesting: in the first picture there are cows near a road, standing around smoking, talking, and drinking...one of them says "car" and in the next picture, the cows are on all fours eating grass.

SPACEANJL

Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:21 AM

Well, actually, I always treat kids normally, 'cos I too hated that dummy talk...reminds me of a time I used to babysit (three boys, the oldest was 11 or so, but not old enough to mind his little brothers. So the little ones went to bed, and I used to help him with his homework...anyway, history teacher stopped me in the corridor at school and asked 'do you know X?', and when I admitted it, he said, 'Thought so; he came out with something unusual, accurate and totally disgusting in the class, and you're the only other person I know who knows things like that!' )

BORIS

Sunday, May 18, 2008 1:27 AM

I've been accused of exerting a similar influence on kids over the last twenty years...I think they are good at taking the info they need and applying it. It all depends on the quality of the input they get.
I used to manage a large afterschool care program, my biggest achievment was feeling like I facilitated an environment of intelligent and accepting exchanges. Every child was spoken to normally regardless of age or presumed intelligence. staff that "baby talked" or dumbed down to talk to the kids, were swiftly re-educated (usually by the kids) all children were encouraged to try every experience we presented them with, and to question, debate, and investigate. No one was stifled...though I did insist on a high level of respect and courtesy. I still get feedback from the kids who are now adults, and feel their time at "afters" expanded their parameters. It's a good feeling. Most of the rotten kids I've met are like that because their parents have not set up appropriate guidance and boundaries despite their best efforts. (and most parents are doing their absolute best, but sometimes don't have the guidance or support they need. damn! can you tell I miss my job? maybe I do need to find some relevant meds!

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