Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] kids & cleaning
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/5/2004 5:01:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
So now I'm just concentrating on contentedly meeting the needs of my
family, and remembering that I love them and that I want to make
things peaceful and happy for them. And I'm not feeling like a
victim because I "have to" clean up. I'm mindfully reminding myself
every time I break a dish and have to sweet it up, or spill a drink,
or have to cut the grass that dealing with these things in life
doesn't make me a victim. They're not terrible, woeful things,
they're just a matter of fact part of life. <<<<<
Out LOUD!
Telling them out loud what you're doing and why won't hurt.
Not in a shaming way or in a guilting way. Just the facts, m'am.
I was out weeding one day. Cameron was 14, I guess. He was standing there
watching me. He asked whether I wanted him to help. I said, "No. Not unless you
*want* to help."
All his friends' moms MADE them help---and even recruited Cameron to help if
he were there too. Cam wanted to know *why* I didn't make him. I told him
that if I made him, he would do it ( *I* have the power!)----but grudgingly,
unhappily, without joy. I figured that *one* day, he would want to help me
because he would like to be with me and share with me and enjoy each other and
what we were doing. No helping until he was ready and wanted to. (Keep in mind,
he was schooled and traditionally parented up to this point.)
One day, he asked whether I'd like help. I said, "Only if you want to." He
got down and shoveled and weeded and pruned. We worked all day. While we
worked we talked. It was fun.
Now he joyfully takes out garbage, cleans the kitchen and den, helps Duncan
with Dunc's room, keeps his own room nearly spotless (better than mine!). He's
cleaned the bathrooms a few times, but really doesn't like that. He always
empties the dishwasher for me and often does the laundry. Never a complaint or
a "do I *have* to?"
Two years, though. That deschooling time. How long have you nagged? coerced?
bribed? whined? bitched? I'm sure there's some formula! <g> It may take a
long time, but I think it's worth it. They need to see (and hear) you joyfully
"doing" for them and for you and for the house.
Model joyful cleaning. "The dishes are calling my name!" "The compost says,
'Turn me!" "The kitchen floor needs me right now." And skip in to do it. (I'm
not joking!)
Glow in what you've achieved! Show your pride in what you've
accomplished----even if it's just clean dishes! "Soapy water feels so good!" "The garden is
weed-free and gorgeous!" " You could EAT off that floor!-----let's DO it!"
Say it out LOUD!
The more you do it, the better and easier it gets.
Making it fun only works if you're making it fun for yourself. Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. They'll catch it like a fever!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected] writes:
So now I'm just concentrating on contentedly meeting the needs of my
family, and remembering that I love them and that I want to make
things peaceful and happy for them. And I'm not feeling like a
victim because I "have to" clean up. I'm mindfully reminding myself
every time I break a dish and have to sweet it up, or spill a drink,
or have to cut the grass that dealing with these things in life
doesn't make me a victim. They're not terrible, woeful things,
they're just a matter of fact part of life. <<<<<
Out LOUD!
Telling them out loud what you're doing and why won't hurt.
Not in a shaming way or in a guilting way. Just the facts, m'am.
I was out weeding one day. Cameron was 14, I guess. He was standing there
watching me. He asked whether I wanted him to help. I said, "No. Not unless you
*want* to help."
All his friends' moms MADE them help---and even recruited Cameron to help if
he were there too. Cam wanted to know *why* I didn't make him. I told him
that if I made him, he would do it ( *I* have the power!)----but grudgingly,
unhappily, without joy. I figured that *one* day, he would want to help me
because he would like to be with me and share with me and enjoy each other and
what we were doing. No helping until he was ready and wanted to. (Keep in mind,
he was schooled and traditionally parented up to this point.)
One day, he asked whether I'd like help. I said, "Only if you want to." He
got down and shoveled and weeded and pruned. We worked all day. While we
worked we talked. It was fun.
Now he joyfully takes out garbage, cleans the kitchen and den, helps Duncan
with Dunc's room, keeps his own room nearly spotless (better than mine!). He's
cleaned the bathrooms a few times, but really doesn't like that. He always
empties the dishwasher for me and often does the laundry. Never a complaint or
a "do I *have* to?"
Two years, though. That deschooling time. How long have you nagged? coerced?
bribed? whined? bitched? I'm sure there's some formula! <g> It may take a
long time, but I think it's worth it. They need to see (and hear) you joyfully
"doing" for them and for you and for the house.
Model joyful cleaning. "The dishes are calling my name!" "The compost says,
'Turn me!" "The kitchen floor needs me right now." And skip in to do it. (I'm
not joking!)
Glow in what you've achieved! Show your pride in what you've
accomplished----even if it's just clean dishes! "Soapy water feels so good!" "The garden is
weed-free and gorgeous!" " You could EAT off that floor!-----let's DO it!"
Say it out LOUD!
The more you do it, the better and easier it gets.
Making it fun only works if you're making it fun for yourself. Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. They'll catch it like a fever!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Deb Lewis
***Making it fun only works if you're making it fun for yourself. Making
it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. They'll catch it like a
fever!***
Yesterday was David's birthday and we had guests. I left dishes in the
sink when I went to bed. I got up early with the dogs but then went back
to bed. When I got up later Dylan had done the dishes. He said " I know
you really like to do the dishes mom, so I hope you don't mind, but I
just felt like doing them." <g>
Dylan is twelve.
I *know* living life joyfully makes a difference in the way our kids see
us and the way they see the little things that make life better.
Deb L
it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. They'll catch it like a
fever!***
Yesterday was David's birthday and we had guests. I left dishes in the
sink when I went to bed. I got up early with the dogs but then went back
to bed. When I got up later Dylan had done the dishes. He said " I know
you really like to do the dishes mom, so I hope you don't mind, but I
just felt like doing them." <g>
Dylan is twelve.
I *know* living life joyfully makes a difference in the way our kids see
us and the way they see the little things that make life better.
Deb L
Julie Bogart
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@a... wrote:
unbeknownst to us, my daughter (7) cleaned my entire kitchen top to bottom without any
help as a suprise for me. She washed all the family dishes, started the dishwasher, put
away clean dishes, shined the sink, swept the floor, put away newspapers, emptied the
trash and left me a heart-shaped note that said, "Thank you Mom and Dad." I have no idea
why she was thanking us in her note when she was the one working.
But it blew me away. We've been unschooling about 20 months now and this was such an
amazing surprise.
Recently my son told me that he liked it when the family room stayed neat and he wanted
to be the one to make sure that everyone kept it up. He would make sure once a day. He's
made good on that promise.
Just wanted to report that they do catch on when they see that it's valued and appreciated
and allowed to be a choice.
Julie B
>What a timely post. Tonight my husband and I were talking with our oldest son,
> Two years, though. That deschooling time. How long have you nagged? coerced?
> bribed? whined? bitched? I'm sure there's some formula! <g> It may take a
> long time, but I think it's worth it. They need to see (and hear) you joyfully
> "doing" for them and for you and for the house.
unbeknownst to us, my daughter (7) cleaned my entire kitchen top to bottom without any
help as a suprise for me. She washed all the family dishes, started the dishwasher, put
away clean dishes, shined the sink, swept the floor, put away newspapers, emptied the
trash and left me a heart-shaped note that said, "Thank you Mom and Dad." I have no idea
why she was thanking us in her note when she was the one working.
But it blew me away. We've been unschooling about 20 months now and this was such an
amazing surprise.
Recently my son told me that he liked it when the family room stayed neat and he wanted
to be the one to make sure that everyone kept it up. He would make sure once a day. He's
made good on that promise.
Just wanted to report that they do catch on when they see that it's valued and appreciated
and allowed to be a choice.
Julie B
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/5/04 7:06:08 PM, kbcdlovejo@... writes:
<< Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.
Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling.
I have friends who are unhappy and feel justified in their negativity. It's
harmful to them and their families. When you feel negativity, and when you
try to learn how to replace it with "positivity," your life is better right
that second, and the next, and... until you let the negativity come back.
Sandra
<< Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.
Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling.
I have friends who are unhappy and feel justified in their negativity. It's
harmful to them and their families. When you feel negativity, and when you
try to learn how to replace it with "positivity," your life is better right
that second, and the next, and... until you let the negativity come back.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/5/04 8:49:32 PM, ddzimlew@... writes:
<< He said " I know
you really like to do the dishes mom, so I hope you don't mind, but I
just felt like doing them." <g>
. . . .
I *know* living life joyfully makes a difference in the way our kids see
us and the way they see the little things that make life better. >>
I've added this to the slowly growing "chores" collection, on this page:
http://sandradodd.com/chore/tales
For anyone reading this who wasn't aware of the page, it's here:
http://sandradodd.com/chores
Sandra
<< He said " I know
you really like to do the dishes mom, so I hope you don't mind, but I
just felt like doing them." <g>
. . . .
I *know* living life joyfully makes a difference in the way our kids see
us and the way they see the little things that make life better. >>
I've added this to the slowly growing "chores" collection, on this page:
http://sandradodd.com/chore/tales
For anyone reading this who wasn't aware of the page, it's here:
http://sandradodd.com/chores
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/6/2004 12:26:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
<< Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.<<<<<
Thanks. Clear. That's not usually my strong suit! <BWG>
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it.
I need to unpack from the trip. I'll wait to do it until I can really enjoy
it----OR until I need to so much that I'm looking forward to it! <G>
Like washing clothes----somethimes waiting until I really need clean clothes
makes me HAPPY to be doing them! I'm looking forward to clean clothes, so I
do it happily, eagerly.
There *are* ways to psyche yourself into some things! <G>
Fake it til you make it. Small steps. Small joyful steps! <G>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SandraDodd@... writes:
<< Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.<<<<<
Thanks. Clear. That's not usually my strong suit! <BWG>
>>>>Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling. <<<<No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it.
I need to unpack from the trip. I'll wait to do it until I can really enjoy
it----OR until I need to so much that I'm looking forward to it! <G>
Like washing clothes----somethimes waiting until I really need clean clothes
makes me HAPPY to be doing them! I'm looking forward to clean clothes, so I
do it happily, eagerly.
There *are* ways to psyche yourself into some things! <G>
Fake it til you make it. Small steps. Small joyful steps! <G>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have a Nice Day!
Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling.
*************
There is a saying that "love is a verb". And it is true (studies have been done) that show that when you pretend long enough, the feelings of "wanting to" follow.
There is value in pretending if after awhile, it can help it be sincere.
I think emotions are important, but I don't think they should be the determing factor in what we decide our actions will be. For children, that is an element of maturity, but it doesn't hurt for them to become aware of it when they are young.
Kristen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*************
There is a saying that "love is a verb". And it is true (studies have been done) that show that when you pretend long enough, the feelings of "wanting to" follow.
There is value in pretending if after awhile, it can help it be sincere.
I think emotions are important, but I don't think they should be the determing factor in what we decide our actions will be. For children, that is an element of maturity, but it doesn't hurt for them to become aware of it when they are young.
Kristen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have a Nice Day!
<< Making it fun
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.<<<<<
Thanks. Clear. That's not usually my strong suit! <BWG>
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it.
*******
LOL, I just got done writing something just like this, and then read your post.
Fake it till you make it. I forgot about that little phrase. I think I"ll put it on the fridge.
Kristen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
*just* to get them to do it for you only makes them resent your stupid
efforts! <g> Like playing a game so they'll learn math. It needs to be
real.
Actually take pleasure in what you're doing. >>
That's clearly put.
I was thinking it but it wasn't turning into words.<<<<<
Thanks. Clear. That's not usually my strong suit! <BWG>
>>>>Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling. <<<<No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it.
*******
LOL, I just got done writing something just like this, and then read your post.
Fake it till you make it. I forgot about that little phrase. I think I"ll put it on the fridge.
Kristen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Elizabeth Hill
** >>>>Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling.
<<<<
No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. **
I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile. So, in addition to trying
to smile and laugh naturally a lot, sometimes when life is dull, I do
the fake smile thing as an exercise for my face and brain. (It's hard
to do it without feeling silly.)
Betsy :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
<<<<
No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. **
I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile. So, in addition to trying
to smile and laugh naturally a lot, sometimes when life is dull, I do
the fake smile thing as an exercise for my face and brain. (It's hard
to do it without feeling silly.)
Betsy :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Kelli Traaseth
***No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. ***
<<<I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile.>>>
My dh does this every morning, to himself, in the mirror. This big cheesy grin. I saw him one morning and just kind-of stopped and said "what the heck are you doing?" He told me he does this every morning to get himself into an *up* mood. I just stared at him in awe. The guy is in sales, he has found a way to stay up. I learned something from him that day. :) <--- there, there's my smile. <g>
I choose joy and then it just permeates out.
Cool, I learned that from some wise people on this list and my dh.
Kelli~
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. ***
<<<I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile.>>>
My dh does this every morning, to himself, in the mirror. This big cheesy grin. I saw him one morning and just kind-of stopped and said "what the heck are you doing?" He told me he does this every morning to get himself into an *up* mood. I just stared at him in awe. The guy is in sales, he has found a way to stay up. I learned something from him that day. :) <--- there, there's my smile. <g>
I choose joy and then it just permeates out.
Cool, I learned that from some wise people on this list and my dh.
Kelli~
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Kelli T. wrote:
<<<<<< I choose joy and then it just permeates out. >>>>>>
And her sweet daughter Keara permeates joy as well!
Tell Keara HI from that weird lady who was doing origami with her in
the children's playroom at 2am. . . .
Mercedes
thinking she has probably misspelled her name :-(
<<<<<< I choose joy and then it just permeates out. >>>>>>
And her sweet daughter Keara permeates joy as well!
Tell Keara HI from that weird lady who was doing origami with her in
the children's playroom at 2am. . . .
Mercedes
thinking she has probably misspelled her name :-(
Kelli Traaseth
**And her sweet daughter Keara permeates joy as well!**
I told Kyra Hi!
She just beamed! :) Right now she's dancing around in a saree that her Grandpa brought back from India for her. Too cute!
We had so much fun that night. Ahhhh, the conference....
And for any of you who are wondering if you should go next year.... GO! (That means you Julie B. <g>)
Kelli~
mulwiler@... wrote:
Kelli T. wrote:
<<<<<< I choose joy and then it just permeates out. >>>>>>
And her sweet daughter Keara permeates joy as well!
Tell Keara HI from that weird lady who was doing origami with her in
the children's playroom at 2am. . . .
Mercedes
thinking she has probably misspelled her name :-(
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I told Kyra Hi!
She just beamed! :) Right now she's dancing around in a saree that her Grandpa brought back from India for her. Too cute!
We had so much fun that night. Ahhhh, the conference....
And for any of you who are wondering if you should go next year.... GO! (That means you Julie B. <g>)
Kelli~
mulwiler@... wrote:
Kelli T. wrote:
<<<<<< I choose joy and then it just permeates out. >>>>>>
And her sweet daughter Keara permeates joy as well!
Tell Keara HI from that weird lady who was doing origami with her in
the children's playroom at 2am. . . .
Mercedes
thinking she has probably misspelled her name :-(
"List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of this group.
Visit the Unschooling website and message boards: http://www.unschooling.com
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---------------------------------
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To visit your group on the web, go to:
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Julie Bogart
--- In [email protected], Kelli Traaseth <kellitraas@y...> wrote:
the trick.
Julie B
>you Julie B. <g>)
> And for any of you who are wondering if you should go next year.... GO! (That means
>Okay, okay! I want to come. I'm now planning on it. :) All the glowing reviews have done
> Kelli~
the trick.
Julie B
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/6/04 11:32:51 AM, litlrooh@... writes:
<< There is value in pretending if after awhile, it can help it be sincere. >>
I agree, and I'm the one who wrote
"Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling. "
I think people can pretend smiling, and pretend they're having fun, but I
don't think they can pretend joy. Joy isn't something others perceive. It's a
flush of something from inside ourselves, some biochemical release, that
changes the way we feel and see. People can learn to induce that, but they can't
fake it.
-=-I think emotions are important, but I don't think they should be the
determing factor in what we decide our actions will be. -=-
Emotions are a constant.
Someone can decide what an action should be but be incapable of performing
that action, because of emotion.
People can learn to manipulate their own emotions, though--to recognize
depression coming and to stave it off, to recognize frustration and breathe it
down, to recognize fear and regression (childhood voices overwhelming reason) and
to regain control of their own conscience.
Those aren't easy things to do and if one SAYS they can do it, but really
can't, then they really can't.
But yes, on a basic level, taking the steps to get there can involve playing
the role of a happier person and then finding others' responses are aids to
truly becoming happier.
Sandra
<< There is value in pretending if after awhile, it can help it be sincere. >>
I agree, and I'm the one who wrote
"Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling. "
I think people can pretend smiling, and pretend they're having fun, but I
don't think they can pretend joy. Joy isn't something others perceive. It's a
flush of something from inside ourselves, some biochemical release, that
changes the way we feel and see. People can learn to induce that, but they can't
fake it.
-=-I think emotions are important, but I don't think they should be the
determing factor in what we decide our actions will be. -=-
Emotions are a constant.
Someone can decide what an action should be but be incapable of performing
that action, because of emotion.
People can learn to manipulate their own emotions, though--to recognize
depression coming and to stave it off, to recognize frustration and breathe it
down, to recognize fear and regression (childhood voices overwhelming reason) and
to regain control of their own conscience.
Those aren't easy things to do and if one SAYS they can do it, but really
can't, then they really can't.
But yes, on a basic level, taking the steps to get there can involve playing
the role of a happier person and then finding others' responses are aids to
truly becoming happier.
Sandra
Have a Nice Day!
I totally agree Sandra, and you are addressing something I wasn't really thinking when I wrote that.
But its a good point.
Kristen
But its a good point.
Kristen
----- Original Message -----
From: SandraDodd@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 9:39 AM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] kids & cleaning
In a message dated 9/6/04 11:32:51 AM, litlrooh@... writes:
<< There is value in pretending if after awhile, it can help it be sincere. >>
I agree, and I'm the one who wrote
"Joy isn't pretend. You can't just grimace and call it smiling. "
I think people can pretend smiling, and pretend they're having fun, but I
don't think they can pretend joy. Joy isn't something others perceive. It's a
flush of something from inside ourselves, some biochemical release, that
changes the way we feel and see. People can learn to induce that, but they can't
fake it.
-=-I think emotions are important, but I don't think they should be the
determing factor in what we decide our actions will be. -=-
Emotions are a constant.
Someone can decide what an action should be but be incapable of performing
that action, because of emotion.
People can learn to manipulate their own emotions, though--to recognize
depression coming and to stave it off, to recognize frustration and breathe it
down, to recognize fear and regression (childhood voices overwhelming reason) and
to regain control of their own conscience.
Those aren't easy things to do and if one SAYS they can do it, but really
can't, then they really can't.
But yes, on a basic level, taking the steps to get there can involve playing
the role of a happier person and then finding others' responses are aids to
truly becoming happier.
Sandra
"List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of this group.
Visit the Unschooling website and message boards: http://www.unschooling.com
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
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a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
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Jessie
My almost 5 year old daughter has been asking for a "Gameboy" for the
last year as her big brother has one... She really wants to play games
like he does and so far has only played online computer games, namely
Sesame Street. So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!
Thanks,
Jessie
last year as her big brother has one... She really wants to play games
like he does and so far has only played online computer games, namely
Sesame Street. So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!
Thanks,
Jessie
Robyn Coburn
<<<My almost 5 year old daughter has been asking for a "Gameboy" for the
last year as her big brother has one... She really wants to play games
like he does and so far has only played online computer games, namely
Sesame Street. So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!>>>
I don't know anything about Leapster, but Jayn (4.75) has a Gameboy Advance
SP which has a lighted screen. This makes it much easier to use.
To be honest she seems to like the idea of it more than actually playing it
- and usually gets me to play it for her. The games she has are Disney
Princesses doing something or other, and Dora the Explorer. She also has a
couple of Dora TV episodes in that format that play on it.
Now our neighbor Jonah (5 last July) absolutely loves his Gameboy, and has
been accomplished at using it for at least 8 months. He likes the more
combat oriented games, and is always trading back and forth with dh, James.
Robyn L. Coburn
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last year as her big brother has one... She really wants to play games
like he does and so far has only played online computer games, namely
Sesame Street. So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!>>>
I don't know anything about Leapster, but Jayn (4.75) has a Gameboy Advance
SP which has a lighted screen. This makes it much easier to use.
To be honest she seems to like the idea of it more than actually playing it
- and usually gets me to play it for her. The games she has are Disney
Princesses doing something or other, and Dora the Explorer. She also has a
couple of Dora TV episodes in that format that play on it.
Now our neighbor Jonah (5 last July) absolutely loves his Gameboy, and has
been accomplished at using it for at least 8 months. He likes the more
combat oriented games, and is always trading back and forth with dh, James.
Robyn L. Coburn
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.752 / Virus Database: 503 - Release Date: 9/3/2004
Laura Johnson
So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of?
My five year old has a gameboy and has these games:
I SPY
Scooby Doo
A combo with pacman, dig dug, galaga and something else (retro games)
Piglet's Big Movie
Monkey Ball Junior (this one is hard though)
He really likes Mario Bros, he plays that one in Walmart. He's saving up for that I think.
I heard that Finding Nemo is good and there are a few others that we are looking at for later. Many of them involve reading, so we have to help him out at first. Though, he is picking up a lot of reading from the games.
I wasn't thrilled when he got one, I wanted to wait a few more years. We bought it as a distraction when he fell and had to get stitches. I was worried he'd play it a lot. He does when he first gets a game. Now, I see how much he has learned from playing. And it makes him happy.
Laura J
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of?
My five year old has a gameboy and has these games:
I SPY
Scooby Doo
A combo with pacman, dig dug, galaga and something else (retro games)
Piglet's Big Movie
Monkey Ball Junior (this one is hard though)
He really likes Mario Bros, he plays that one in Walmart. He's saving up for that I think.
I heard that Finding Nemo is good and there are a few others that we are looking at for later. Many of them involve reading, so we have to help him out at first. Though, he is picking up a lot of reading from the games.
I wasn't thrilled when he got one, I wanted to wait a few more years. We bought it as a distraction when he fell and had to get stitches. I was worried he'd play it a lot. He does when he first gets a game. Now, I see how much he has learned from playing. And it makes him happy.
Laura J
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli Traaseth
I would get what she wants.
We had bought a Leappad (don't know if that's the same as Leapster) prior to unschooling. I think Kyra was 5 at the time. We thought she'd enjoy it. She hardly touches it. Except for the 'Composers' book we got for it, she loves dancing to Tschaichowsky and listening to all the different kinds of music. <g>
This year we got her a Gameboy SP, she wanted her own handheld and had been playing the two older kids gameboys for the last 2 years. She doesn't play it as much as her brother, but still enjoys it when she does. She is just beginning to read words so I help her with it when she asks. Some games she has: Princess Collection, Barbie Detective, Rugrats, Jungle book. She also plays some of the pokemon ones. She loves battling pokemon on her gameboy. :)
Ella might be different from Kyra maybe she'd like the Leappad thingy. How about you show her the choices out there and let her pick.
Kelli~
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We had bought a Leappad (don't know if that's the same as Leapster) prior to unschooling. I think Kyra was 5 at the time. We thought she'd enjoy it. She hardly touches it. Except for the 'Composers' book we got for it, she loves dancing to Tschaichowsky and listening to all the different kinds of music. <g>
This year we got her a Gameboy SP, she wanted her own handheld and had been playing the two older kids gameboys for the last 2 years. She doesn't play it as much as her brother, but still enjoys it when she does. She is just beginning to read words so I help her with it when she asks. Some games she has: Princess Collection, Barbie Detective, Rugrats, Jungle book. She also plays some of the pokemon ones. She loves battling pokemon on her gameboy. :)
Ella might be different from Kyra maybe she'd like the Leappad thingy. How about you show her the choices out there and let her pick.
Kelli~
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jessie
Thanks for the advice! The Leapster thingy looks like a Gameboy but for
the younger set. Its not the same as a Leappad. But, perhaps she could
handle the Gameboy. I'll hav to look into it. Maybe we could get her
brother to give her one of his old ones to see if she likes it first. I
think he has an extra or two laying around at his mom's!
:)
Jessie
the younger set. Its not the same as a Leappad. But, perhaps she could
handle the Gameboy. I'll hav to look into it. Maybe we could get her
brother to give her one of his old ones to see if she likes it first. I
think he has an extra or two laying around at his mom's!
:)
Jessie
AlysonRR
We got Leapsters for my 2-1/2 and 5-1/2 year olds. The younger one can
do some of the games but gets frustrated by the pen its a bit touchy;
she also doesnt get the point of most of the games she just likes
pushing buttons and having things happen! The older one played
constantly (literally on at 8am off at 8pm) for about three weeks. We
have four of the cassettes and he did each one through the various
levels. Since then, hes barely touched the Leapster :-). Whenever
hes around someone playing with a game boy he gets very excited. Im
not saying we chose wrongly because Im perfectly happy he got so much
enjoyment out of it and if he never picks it up again Ill still feel we
got our moneys worth, but there are limited games available for
Leapster and theyre not coming out with new ones very quickly. On the
other hand, many of the multitude of GB games seem a bit too mature to
appeal to my naïve 5-y.o. I think Leapster was a good introduction to
handheld games and using the buttons its pretty user-friendly and
gives feedback if a child keeps pressing the wrong button. Hope some
of this helps you in your decision.
Alyson
Jessie wrote, in part: So my question is when did your kids start
playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
do some of the games but gets frustrated by the pen its a bit touchy;
she also doesnt get the point of most of the games she just likes
pushing buttons and having things happen! The older one played
constantly (literally on at 8am off at 8pm) for about three weeks. We
have four of the cassettes and he did each one through the various
levels. Since then, hes barely touched the Leapster :-). Whenever
hes around someone playing with a game boy he gets very excited. Im
not saying we chose wrongly because Im perfectly happy he got so much
enjoyment out of it and if he never picks it up again Ill still feel we
got our moneys worth, but there are limited games available for
Leapster and theyre not coming out with new ones very quickly. On the
other hand, many of the multitude of GB games seem a bit too mature to
appeal to my naïve 5-y.o. I think Leapster was a good introduction to
handheld games and using the buttons its pretty user-friendly and
gives feedback if a child keeps pressing the wrong button. Hope some
of this helps you in your decision.
Alyson
Jessie wrote, in part: So my question is when did your kids start
playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5
year olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something
else out there I've never heard of? I'd appreciate any info!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
James and Lari Johnston
We gave our then 4 year old a Leapster for xmas so she could me more like
her older brother who has a Gameboy. She loves it and still plays with it
all the time.
Lari in Indiana
her older brother who has a Gameboy. She loves it and still plays with it
all the time.
Lari in Indiana
----- Original Message -----
> My almost 5 year old daughter has been asking for a "Gameboy" for the
> last year as her big brother has one... She really wants to play games
> like he does and so far has only played online computer games, namely
>
>
>
>
> "List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of this group.
>
> Visit the Unschooling website and message boards:
http://www.unschooling.com
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
christy_imnotred
--- In [email protected], Jessie <bluebell@m...>
wrote:
had tried Gameboys at the store and had gotten very frustrated
because the buttons were small and there were so many of them. The
Leapster has bigger buttons and less of them, so it is easier to
use. However, there aren't that many games and they aren't really
action games. He loves the Spongebob game and plays it a lot, but
didn't care for the Dora game at all. We will be getting him a
Gameboy in about a year I imagine. I've been hoping to get one of
the old ones from someone after they upgrade to the SP.
Christy O
wrote:
> Thanks for the advice! The Leapster thingy looks like a Gameboy butfor
> the younger set. Its not the same as a Leappad. But, perhaps shecould
> handle the Gameboy. I'll hav to look into it. Maybe we could gether
> brother to give her one of his old ones to see if she likes itfirst. I
> think he has an extra or two laying around at his mom's!I got a Leapster for my almost 5 yo son a couple of months ago. He
>
> :)
> Jessie
had tried Gameboys at the store and had gotten very frustrated
because the buttons were small and there were so many of them. The
Leapster has bigger buttons and less of them, so it is easier to
use. However, there aren't that many games and they aren't really
action games. He loves the Spongebob game and plays it a lot, but
didn't care for the Dora game at all. We will be getting him a
Gameboy in about a year I imagine. I've been hoping to get one of
the old ones from someone after they upgrade to the SP.
Christy O
Beth
My 6yo got his first gameboy when he was 4 1/2. His sisters had requested
them for Christmas gifts, so he thought he'd like one too. I figured he'd
be way too young for it, but bought for him regardless. He was better at
the games than his sisters were...actually he still is. He plays a lot of
combat-type games (loves the LOTR games) and also Spongebob and Mario games.
It's been a great investment for us. The Gameboys were almost solely
responsible for helping us keep our sanity on the 13 hour drive to St. Louis
last year.
He got a LeapPad that same year for his birthday and might have played with
it twice. He gave it away to his 4yo cousin last week after sorting through
some of his things.
Beth
them for Christmas gifts, so he thought he'd like one too. I figured he'd
be way too young for it, but bought for him regardless. He was better at
the games than his sisters were...actually he still is. He plays a lot of
combat-type games (loves the LOTR games) and also Spongebob and Mario games.
It's been a great investment for us. The Gameboys were almost solely
responsible for helping us keep our sanity on the 13 hour drive to St. Louis
last year.
He got a LeapPad that same year for his birthday and might have played with
it twice. He gave it away to his 4yo cousin last week after sorting through
some of his things.
Beth
----- Original Message -----
So my question is when did your kids start playing hand
helds and what did they start playing? Are Gameboys geared towards 5 year
olds or would a Leapster be more appropriate or is there something else out
there I've never heard of?
Beth
Oh, that's right. I did see the new Leapster hand helds the last time we
were in Walmart. My kids haven't experienced them yet.
Beth
were in Walmart. My kids haven't experienced them yet.
Beth
----- Original Message -----
Thanks for the advice! The Leapster thingy looks like a Gameboy but for the
younger set. Its not the same as a Leappad. But, perhaps she could handle
the Gameboy.
Andrea Burlingame
No, but you CAN "fake it 'til you make it." You CAN pretend to enjoy
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. **
I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile. So, in addition to trying
to smile and laugh naturally a lot, sometimes when life is dull, I do
the fake smile thing as an exercise for my face and brain. (It's hard
to do it without feeling silly.)
============================
I'm catching up on my emails, so I'm just getting this, but I just had to
tell how I've been doing something similar with my little ones. When I'm
getting frustrated about some behavior and I'm about to be stern and "fuss"
at them, I have been catching myself, and instead smiling at them. It
starts out fake (since it doesn't match my frustration), but switches to the
real thing in microseconds, because that smile not only feels good (and
goofy!), but it makes my children smile too! When I see my children smile,
I can't help but have a real smile to give back. And I can feel my
frustration melt away and my real feelings of love and compassion come to
the front right away. It's an amazing little trick! I may still say, "What
are you doing?" or "I don't think (so-in-so) likes that" or whatever, but
it's said kindly and with love, and gets a much better response.
~Andrea
something until you do, but you have to be striving for it for it to
happen. You
have to WANT to enjoy it. **
I even read a blurb (somewhere) about a scientific study that showed
that making a large fake smile actually causes the release of some of
the same positive chemicals as a real smile. So, in addition to trying
to smile and laugh naturally a lot, sometimes when life is dull, I do
the fake smile thing as an exercise for my face and brain. (It's hard
to do it without feeling silly.)
============================
I'm catching up on my emails, so I'm just getting this, but I just had to
tell how I've been doing something similar with my little ones. When I'm
getting frustrated about some behavior and I'm about to be stern and "fuss"
at them, I have been catching myself, and instead smiling at them. It
starts out fake (since it doesn't match my frustration), but switches to the
real thing in microseconds, because that smile not only feels good (and
goofy!), but it makes my children smile too! When I see my children smile,
I can't help but have a real smile to give back. And I can feel my
frustration melt away and my real feelings of love and compassion come to
the front right away. It's an amazing little trick! I may still say, "What
are you doing?" or "I don't think (so-in-so) likes that" or whatever, but
it's said kindly and with love, and gets a much better response.
~Andrea
AnneO
When my kids were 4 and 8, I noticed how much they loved watching
other kids play gameboys.
So I got them one for Christmas ~ with a Pokemon game (it was 1998).
They opened it and kind of tossed it aside ~ since it wasn't a gift
they had asked for.
The next day I said, "Let's see what this is about..."
We opened it up, put in the Pokemon game, and my kids have been
lovin' it ever since.
There's a little boy that comes to my library program who loves
watching Jake and Sam play their Gameboy Advance SP's...his Mom
jokingly was *upset* with me because thanks to my boys (she claimed),
her son asked for a Gameboy SP for his birthday. She told me she was
thinking of getting him a LeapPad or whatever they are thingy instead.
I firmly said, "Get him the gameboy."
My God, it's what the child WANTED! How disappointed would he be to
ask for a gameboy and get something that is CLEARLY marketed as being
*educational*? And gameboys and other game systems have had more
*educational* and life-enjoyment value than any other *tool* in this
home.
In fact, I need to get one for myself...I bought myself a Pokemon
Fire Red game last week, and I'm not getting enough time on it by
*borrowing* my boys' Gameboys!
Bottom line, Jessie: Get the gameboy!
If she's fascinated by it, it's what her heart is drawn to...
They do make games for younger kids, so find out which games she
might like (go to a store that has a wide variety, like Toys R Us)
and go from there.
Be Well ~
Anne
other kids play gameboys.
So I got them one for Christmas ~ with a Pokemon game (it was 1998).
They opened it and kind of tossed it aside ~ since it wasn't a gift
they had asked for.
The next day I said, "Let's see what this is about..."
We opened it up, put in the Pokemon game, and my kids have been
lovin' it ever since.
There's a little boy that comes to my library program who loves
watching Jake and Sam play their Gameboy Advance SP's...his Mom
jokingly was *upset* with me because thanks to my boys (she claimed),
her son asked for a Gameboy SP for his birthday. She told me she was
thinking of getting him a LeapPad or whatever they are thingy instead.
I firmly said, "Get him the gameboy."
My God, it's what the child WANTED! How disappointed would he be to
ask for a gameboy and get something that is CLEARLY marketed as being
*educational*? And gameboys and other game systems have had more
*educational* and life-enjoyment value than any other *tool* in this
home.
In fact, I need to get one for myself...I bought myself a Pokemon
Fire Red game last week, and I'm not getting enough time on it by
*borrowing* my boys' Gameboys!
Bottom line, Jessie: Get the gameboy!
If she's fascinated by it, it's what her heart is drawn to...
They do make games for younger kids, so find out which games she
might like (go to a store that has a wide variety, like Toys R Us)
and go from there.
Be Well ~
Anne
Sondra Carr
That's so funny - I hadn't thought of these things in terms of unschooling
until I got on these lists. But I bought my kids gameboys when they wanted
them and then they wanted the leapfrog things, then computers, then it never
really ends. They played the heck out of the gameboys and then got bored and
moved to other things. There was no need to manage their desires.
-----Original Message-----
From: AnneO [mailto:ohman@...]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 3:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Re: Videogames: What age?
When my kids were 4 and 8, I noticed how much they loved watching
other kids play gameboys.
So I got them one for Christmas ~ with a Pokemon game (it was 1998).
They opened it and kind of tossed it aside ~ since it wasn't a gift
they had asked for.
The next day I said, "Let's see what this is about..."
We opened it up, put in the Pokemon game, and my kids have been
lovin' it ever since.
There's a little boy that comes to my library program who loves
watching Jake and Sam play their Gameboy Advance SP's...his Mom
jokingly was *upset* with me because thanks to my boys (she claimed),
her son asked for a Gameboy SP for his birthday. She told me she was
thinking of getting him a LeapPad or whatever they are thingy instead.
I firmly said, "Get him the gameboy."
My God, it's what the child WANTED! How disappointed would he be to
ask for a gameboy and get something that is CLEARLY marketed as being
*educational*? And gameboys and other game systems have had more
*educational* and life-enjoyment value than any other *tool* in this
home.
In fact, I need to get one for myself...I bought myself a Pokemon
Fire Red game last week, and I'm not getting enough time on it by
*borrowing* my boys' Gameboys!
Bottom line, Jessie: Get the gameboy!
If she's fascinated by it, it's what her heart is drawn to...
They do make games for younger kids, so find out which games she
might like (go to a store that has a wide variety, like Toys R Us)
and go from there.
Be Well ~
Anne
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
until I got on these lists. But I bought my kids gameboys when they wanted
them and then they wanted the leapfrog things, then computers, then it never
really ends. They played the heck out of the gameboys and then got bored and
moved to other things. There was no need to manage their desires.
-----Original Message-----
From: AnneO [mailto:ohman@...]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 3:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Re: Videogames: What age?
When my kids were 4 and 8, I noticed how much they loved watching
other kids play gameboys.
So I got them one for Christmas ~ with a Pokemon game (it was 1998).
They opened it and kind of tossed it aside ~ since it wasn't a gift
they had asked for.
The next day I said, "Let's see what this is about..."
We opened it up, put in the Pokemon game, and my kids have been
lovin' it ever since.
There's a little boy that comes to my library program who loves
watching Jake and Sam play their Gameboy Advance SP's...his Mom
jokingly was *upset* with me because thanks to my boys (she claimed),
her son asked for a Gameboy SP for his birthday. She told me she was
thinking of getting him a LeapPad or whatever they are thingy instead.
I firmly said, "Get him the gameboy."
My God, it's what the child WANTED! How disappointed would he be to
ask for a gameboy and get something that is CLEARLY marketed as being
*educational*? And gameboys and other game systems have had more
*educational* and life-enjoyment value than any other *tool* in this
home.
In fact, I need to get one for myself...I bought myself a Pokemon
Fire Red game last week, and I'm not getting enough time on it by
*borrowing* my boys' Gameboys!
Bottom line, Jessie: Get the gameboy!
If she's fascinated by it, it's what her heart is drawn to...
They do make games for younger kids, so find out which games she
might like (go to a store that has a wide variety, like Toys R Us)
and go from there.
Be Well ~
Anne
"List Posting Policies" are provided in the files area of this group.
Visit the Unschooling website and message boards: http://www.unschooling.com
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
AnneO
P.S. ~ The REST of the story...the little boy GOT his gameboy and now
he sits in the back of the kid's section of the library by my boys,
all of them playing their gameboys while listening to me reading
books to the kids! He couldn't be HAPPIER ~ this child SHINES as
he's playing next to my *big kids*!
Also ~ I told the story at the conference about my little English
friend (age 4) asking me to be his Mum ~ it came from his love of the
Gameboy and his family's frustration with his desire to play it so
much, and my UNDERSTANDING his desire to play with it so much!
I know this subject is a week old...but it caught my eye and I wanted
to share my experience!
Be Well ~
Anne
he sits in the back of the kid's section of the library by my boys,
all of them playing their gameboys while listening to me reading
books to the kids! He couldn't be HAPPIER ~ this child SHINES as
he's playing next to my *big kids*!
Also ~ I told the story at the conference about my little English
friend (age 4) asking me to be his Mum ~ it came from his love of the
Gameboy and his family's frustration with his desire to play it so
much, and my UNDERSTANDING his desire to play with it so much!
I know this subject is a week old...but it caught my eye and I wanted
to share my experience!
Be Well ~
Anne