Sword play
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/28/02 8:14:27 AM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
, but after nearly ten years of a "no weapons" rule, I am finding it hard to
be positive about this. >>
That's the problem with blanket rules that kids have no say about.
Your pacifist views are not theirs, unless of course you believe your views
have to be shared by your children. In which case you are going to try and
force your views on them without open dialogue about how other people feel.
Being a pacifist does not mean your children will be, nor is it fair to force
that on them imo.
Mary is a pacifist, so maybe she'll have more useful ideas than I will....but
I am very against parents forcing their views on children.
I think they are more likely to respect your views if they aren't forced
anyway.
And sword play is terribly fascinating, AND a fabulous learning opportunity
for your children.
We are in a medieval group and sword fighting, archery and fencing are the
norm.
My children have made swords, shields and costumes for that purpose...they
know a lot more about that time period than I ever did as a child. Even the
babsy boy loves battling with his older siblings.
So maybe I'm not the best one to give advice here, I think sword play is
marvelous.
And my children are extremely compassionate human beings that think war is
awful and are very sensitive to meanness in the world.
I don't see how sword play is going to change that.
Ren
[email protected] writes:
, but after nearly ten years of a "no weapons" rule, I am finding it hard to
be positive about this. >>
That's the problem with blanket rules that kids have no say about.
Your pacifist views are not theirs, unless of course you believe your views
have to be shared by your children. In which case you are going to try and
force your views on them without open dialogue about how other people feel.
Being a pacifist does not mean your children will be, nor is it fair to force
that on them imo.
Mary is a pacifist, so maybe she'll have more useful ideas than I will....but
I am very against parents forcing their views on children.
I think they are more likely to respect your views if they aren't forced
anyway.
And sword play is terribly fascinating, AND a fabulous learning opportunity
for your children.
We are in a medieval group and sword fighting, archery and fencing are the
norm.
My children have made swords, shields and costumes for that purpose...they
know a lot more about that time period than I ever did as a child. Even the
babsy boy loves battling with his older siblings.
So maybe I'm not the best one to give advice here, I think sword play is
marvelous.
And my children are extremely compassionate human beings that think war is
awful and are very sensitive to meanness in the world.
I don't see how sword play is going to change that.
Ren
debi watson
>>That's the problem with blanket rules that kids have no say about.Your pacifist views are not theirs, unless of course you believe your views
have to be shared by your children.
Thanks for responding, Ren -- I was afraid no one would get to the end of that very long post. I guess I wasn't clear enough about the fact that I *don't* want to impose my views on them -- ten years old is old enough to be able to make decisions about which toys to play with. I guess I was just wondering about easing up on swords and arrows, while still keeping a "no guns" rule, as I just cannot find any redemptive value in pretending to spray someone with bullets.
>>And my children are extremely compassionate human beings that think war isawful and are very sensitive to meanness in the world.
I don't see how sword play is going to change that.
After careful consideration, I came to the same conclusion, but I just can't seem to get over my distaste for toy guns. Mary-the-pacifist, do you have any thoiughts on this? Anyone else?
Sword play and archery I have come to see the beauty in, especially for fantasy play, but I still don't want them aiming at each other. Obviously swords would be more satisfying in a duel, though ... and what about the merits of homemade over fake? You said your kids made swords and shields -- how did they do that? Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
marji
At 09:18 8/28/02 -0600, Debi wrote:
in fact, refused them a place in our home for years. My husband kindly
went along with me, but when I recently lifted the no-guns rule, he
confessed that he believes our son to be a gentle, loving person who is
fascinated with violent play, as many boys are, and as he was as a kid. It
is because I agree with my husband that I lifted that no-guns rule. My son
knows the difference between playing and fighting, and I trust that he has
enough respect for others' life and liberty that he would not use a gun to
interfere with those things.
Preventing him from playing with guns only increased their attraction in
his eyes and fixates him on them. When I stopped trying to prevent guns
from being in our home, his fascination evaporated! We don't have an
arsenal, either, but he has guns, if he wants them.
He loves to wrestle with his dad and they make all kinds of funny threats
to each other about how I won't be able to recognize either of them when
they're through with their match. My son says to his dad, "I'm going to
turn you into powder!" They have a terrific time. Many times, the
wrestling matches end up in kisses and hugs (at least ours do!). He still
won't step on an ant, but he'll blow you away just as soon as look at
you. The thing is, it's FUN for him. He has a sense of humor and this
fits in with it.
Kids know when they come to our house, you can have fun and do pretty much
what you want. There are minimal rules here. The rules revolve around the
Golden Rule, and the safety issues I have around the swimming pool. Also,
when kids are playing with guns and swords and such, they can only aim at
or involve another person who agrees to be in the game with them. Clothing
is entirely optional.
Good luck!
~marji~
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>After careful consideration, I came to the same conclusion, but I justMarji-the-Pacifist here. I had a great deal of trouble with toy guns and,
>can't seem to get over my distaste for toy guns. Mary-the-pacifist, do
>you have any thoiughts on this? Anyone else?
in fact, refused them a place in our home for years. My husband kindly
went along with me, but when I recently lifted the no-guns rule, he
confessed that he believes our son to be a gentle, loving person who is
fascinated with violent play, as many boys are, and as he was as a kid. It
is because I agree with my husband that I lifted that no-guns rule. My son
knows the difference between playing and fighting, and I trust that he has
enough respect for others' life and liberty that he would not use a gun to
interfere with those things.
Preventing him from playing with guns only increased their attraction in
his eyes and fixates him on them. When I stopped trying to prevent guns
from being in our home, his fascination evaporated! We don't have an
arsenal, either, but he has guns, if he wants them.
He loves to wrestle with his dad and they make all kinds of funny threats
to each other about how I won't be able to recognize either of them when
they're through with their match. My son says to his dad, "I'm going to
turn you into powder!" They have a terrific time. Many times, the
wrestling matches end up in kisses and hugs (at least ours do!). He still
won't step on an ant, but he'll blow you away just as soon as look at
you. The thing is, it's FUN for him. He has a sense of humor and this
fits in with it.
Kids know when they come to our house, you can have fun and do pretty much
what you want. There are minimal rules here. The rules revolve around the
Golden Rule, and the safety issues I have around the swimming pool. Also,
when kids are playing with guns and swords and such, they can only aim at
or involve another person who agrees to be in the game with them. Clothing
is entirely optional.
Good luck!
~marji~
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/28/02 10:33:21 AM Central Daylight Time,
debiwatson@... writes:
We once tried balsa wood, but when it broke there were splinters. So even
though the cardboard isn't as strong as we would like it is safer. We make
shields the same way. I get those fake plastic jewels and rhinestones and we
glue them to our cardboard shield. I attach a piece of fabric rope or leather
to the back for a handle. We also have crowns, *gold* money (bought at the
party supply store) which we keep in one of those purple Crown Royal bags,
and jewels. We also made a jewel encrusted treasure box out of an old shoe
box, plastic jewels and different colors of foil. Right now Moly is painting
a piece of paper with brown watercolor. When she is finished, I will burn the
edges for her and she is going to crumple it up and then make it into a map.
We have also dyed paper with tea. I go to my local scrapbook store for unique
papers and foils for Moly. I also frequent Hobby Lobby and pick up things
there. We made eye patches out of black leather and punched holes for an
elastic cord. I buy tulle (especially the kind with sparkles) on sale and the
kids just wrap themselves in it, for when they are playing the *rich* queen
or a fairy. I found these long stems with curls at the top, dipped in
glitter, at Hobby Lobby. (I think they are used for floral arraignments?)
Anyway, we use those as fairy wands. I attach silk ribbons and little bells
to them. (To me, it looks more authentic than those plastic wands with
glittery stars on the top.) Moly says she likes it better because she knows a
fairy wouldn't use a plastic wand, she would find a curly stick, dip it in
fairy dust and put *prettys* on it. (right now, she is more interested in the
guy parts, and doesn't want to play the little princess or fairy though <g>)
We have ballet slippers, old leather boots, long skirts, and old pants. You
can tuck an old pair of pants, two or three sizes too big, into the tops of
boots and blouse the pants to make them look like pirates, then tie a rope
for a belt. Add a little (or big sister, or baby brother...) sister dressed
in ballet slippers or bare feet and lots of tulle, don't comb her hair and
send them out to play!
~Nancy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
debiwatson@... writes:
> After careful consideration, I came to the same conclusion, but I just can'tMy kids like to make swords out of sturdy cardboard. We cover them in foil.
> seem to get over my distaste for toy guns. Mary-the-pacifist, do you have
> any thoiughts on this? Anyone else?
> Sword play and archery I have come to see the beauty in, especially for
> fantasy play, but I still don't want them aiming at each other. Obviously
> swords would be more satisfying in a duel, though ... and what about the
> merits of homemade over fake? You said your kids made swords and shields
> -- how did they do that? Debi
We once tried balsa wood, but when it broke there were splinters. So even
though the cardboard isn't as strong as we would like it is safer. We make
shields the same way. I get those fake plastic jewels and rhinestones and we
glue them to our cardboard shield. I attach a piece of fabric rope or leather
to the back for a handle. We also have crowns, *gold* money (bought at the
party supply store) which we keep in one of those purple Crown Royal bags,
and jewels. We also made a jewel encrusted treasure box out of an old shoe
box, plastic jewels and different colors of foil. Right now Moly is painting
a piece of paper with brown watercolor. When she is finished, I will burn the
edges for her and she is going to crumple it up and then make it into a map.
We have also dyed paper with tea. I go to my local scrapbook store for unique
papers and foils for Moly. I also frequent Hobby Lobby and pick up things
there. We made eye patches out of black leather and punched holes for an
elastic cord. I buy tulle (especially the kind with sparkles) on sale and the
kids just wrap themselves in it, for when they are playing the *rich* queen
or a fairy. I found these long stems with curls at the top, dipped in
glitter, at Hobby Lobby. (I think they are used for floral arraignments?)
Anyway, we use those as fairy wands. I attach silk ribbons and little bells
to them. (To me, it looks more authentic than those plastic wands with
glittery stars on the top.) Moly says she likes it better because she knows a
fairy wouldn't use a plastic wand, she would find a curly stick, dip it in
fairy dust and put *prettys* on it. (right now, she is more interested in the
guy parts, and doesn't want to play the little princess or fairy though <g>)
We have ballet slippers, old leather boots, long skirts, and old pants. You
can tuck an old pair of pants, two or three sizes too big, into the tops of
boots and blouse the pants to make them look like pirates, then tie a rope
for a belt. Add a little (or big sister, or baby brother...) sister dressed
in ballet slippers or bare feet and lots of tulle, don't comb her hair and
send them out to play!
~Nancy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
debi watson
<g!> Thanks, Marji. This is honestly the first time this has come up! There was absolutely *no* interest in weapons of any kind before this point, so I naively believed we had successfully passed that issue. I know when my dh first started wrestling matches with the kids, I was very uncomfortable because it seemed so violent, especially as that was the only way he was physical with our son (no cuddles or kisses; that's just not how he was raised). However, as time went on and our daughters were born, he "rassled them down to the ground" as well, but started being more physically affectionate too, even with ds. Now it's just a matter of course, and I have learned that the "rough housing" seems to serve a real need between the kids and their dad. I hope that's how the sword play evolves, too. Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
debi watson
Thanks for the neat ideas, Nancy! I would *love* to go wander barefoot through *your* dress up box! Dd (7) was reading the post, and now she is demanding to go to HobbyLobby too. Those fairy wands sound exquisite. I guess we're off! (Thanks for the heads-up about the balsa wood -- it was actually something I had considered). Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
debi watson
Thanks for the reassurance, Karin. I just hated to see my peaceful, fun-loving kids turn into bloodthirsty warmongers <g>. It's hard when you have a pre-conceived notion of cause and effect to shed that frame of reference, and instead remember who those kids really are, and trust in their sense of what is right and good. As I said, this was never an issue until now, so I immediately had visions of children bleeding and bruised from improperly handled swords, and an increase in bickering and resorting to fists instead of words. I guess though that if that was not who they were previously, a joust or two (or two hundred!) won't change that! Thanks again. Debi
Even though they do fight (as brothers do), they have never used their
weapons in a real fighting situation to hurt each other.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Even though they do fight (as brothers do), they have never used their
weapons in a real fighting situation to hurt each other.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Every year in Holly, MI we have a Renaissance Festival that we go to. They
have sword fighting and swallowing, jousting and all kinds of medieval
things. It's a great thing to experience if you have something like that in
your area.
Collette
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
have sword fighting and swallowing, jousting and all kinds of medieval
things. It's a great thing to experience if you have something like that in
your area.
Collette
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>It was much the same here. I refused my older boy guns, and he bit his
>Marji-the-Pacifist here. I had a great deal of trouble with toy guns and,
>in fact, refused them a place in our home for years. My husband kindly
>went along with me, but when I recently lifted the no-guns rule, he
>confessed that he believes our son to be a gentle, loving person who is
>fascinated with violent play, as many boys are, and as he was as a kid. It
>is because I agree with my husband that I lifted that no-guns rule. My son
>knows the difference between playing and fighting, and I trust that he has
>enough respect for others' life and liberty that he would not use a gun to
>interfere with those things.
toast into the shape of a gun, pointed it, and said, "Bow, Bow" at the age
of 2. At that point I relented and just refused to buy them myself. When
Rod and I started going out, he wanted to buy Noah a toy rifle. He hunts
for some of our food and wanted Noah to know about gun safety from a young
age. Noah had a friend whose parents refused to allow guns in their
house. Guess what Morgan *always* wanted to do at our house? To the point
where it was frustrating Noah. He wanted to play with other things, but
Morgan only wanted to play guns.
>Kids know when they come to our house, you can have fun and do pretty muchWhat an image! <g> We've had much the same rules here. You can't point a
>what you want. There are minimal rules here. The rules revolve around the
>Golden Rule, and the safety issues I have around the swimming pool. Also,
>when kids are playing with guns and swords and such, they can only aim at
>or involve another person who agrees to be in the game with them. Clothing
>is entirely optional.
gun at anyone who hasn't agreed to play.
All my kids have grown up to be anti-war.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
Karin
"debi watson" <debiwatson@...> wrote:
have any thoiughts on this? Anyone else?
swords would be more satisfying in a duel, though ... and what about the
merits of homemade over fake? You said your kids made swords and shields --
how did they do that? Debi >>
I have 2 boys who are now 9 & 11. When they were toddlers, I felt really
strongly about no guns or weapons as toys. I wanted to protect them from all
"that", and didn't feel comfortable with even play weapons of any kind. They
were so young and innocent, I really wanted to keep them like that and
thought that I could.
I don't know how or why, but even though they didn't have any weapons in the
house, my young boys did play-fighting anyway with their own pretend weapons
quite often. They were always picking up sticks outside and delighted in
finding ones remotely shaped liked guns and "shooting" each other. They made
their tinkertoys and other supposedly non-violent toys in the house into
weapons like guns and swords. The final straw came when my boys were around
3 & 5 and their grandfather (my FIL) took them on an outing to a local
western-theme town (Rawhide in Scottsdale, AZ) and as a surprise for the
day, he bought them cowboy gear complete with cowboy hats, boots, holsters
and toy GUNS. That was their first "real" toy weapon and darned if they
didn't look so cute dressed in their little costumes and grandpa looked so
proud. I just couldn't get mad and I decided they could keep their costumes
and toy guns.
Since then my boys have acquired a whole array of toy weapons for imaginary
play. Everything from guns to swords to lightsabers, bows and arrows, all of
that. Even though they do fight (as brothers do), they have never used their
weapons in a real fighting situation to hurt each other. They have made
several of their own swords out of a piece of wood, cut with a wood saw.
They have made several homemade bows and arrows when they get in the mood
for that. They really enjoy imaginary play fighting.
I have just learned to loosen up alot on my feelings about weapons. I found
that my boys made their own weapons when we didn't have any, so what was the
point of enforcing a no-weaopns rule? My boys are also very compassionate
people who are very sensitive to real-life death or killing or war
situations. Right now my youngest is very worried when he learned that all
boys who turn 18 (I think?) have to sign up for the selective service system
and possibly be called to fight in a war. Frankly, I'm a little worried for
him, too, but I don't dwell on that and I told him he shouldn't either.
Karin
> After careful consideration, I came to the same conclusion, but I justcan't seem to get over my distaste for toy guns. Mary-the-pacifist, do you
have any thoiughts on this? Anyone else?
> Sword play and archery I have come to see the beauty in, especially forfantasy play, but I still don't want them aiming at each other. Obviously
swords would be more satisfying in a duel, though ... and what about the
merits of homemade over fake? You said your kids made swords and shields --
how did they do that? Debi >>
I have 2 boys who are now 9 & 11. When they were toddlers, I felt really
strongly about no guns or weapons as toys. I wanted to protect them from all
"that", and didn't feel comfortable with even play weapons of any kind. They
were so young and innocent, I really wanted to keep them like that and
thought that I could.
I don't know how or why, but even though they didn't have any weapons in the
house, my young boys did play-fighting anyway with their own pretend weapons
quite often. They were always picking up sticks outside and delighted in
finding ones remotely shaped liked guns and "shooting" each other. They made
their tinkertoys and other supposedly non-violent toys in the house into
weapons like guns and swords. The final straw came when my boys were around
3 & 5 and their grandfather (my FIL) took them on an outing to a local
western-theme town (Rawhide in Scottsdale, AZ) and as a surprise for the
day, he bought them cowboy gear complete with cowboy hats, boots, holsters
and toy GUNS. That was their first "real" toy weapon and darned if they
didn't look so cute dressed in their little costumes and grandpa looked so
proud. I just couldn't get mad and I decided they could keep their costumes
and toy guns.
Since then my boys have acquired a whole array of toy weapons for imaginary
play. Everything from guns to swords to lightsabers, bows and arrows, all of
that. Even though they do fight (as brothers do), they have never used their
weapons in a real fighting situation to hurt each other. They have made
several of their own swords out of a piece of wood, cut with a wood saw.
They have made several homemade bows and arrows when they get in the mood
for that. They really enjoy imaginary play fighting.
I have just learned to loosen up alot on my feelings about weapons. I found
that my boys made their own weapons when we didn't have any, so what was the
point of enforcing a no-weaopns rule? My boys are also very compassionate
people who are very sensitive to real-life death or killing or war
situations. Right now my youngest is very worried when he learned that all
boys who turn 18 (I think?) have to sign up for the selective service system
and possibly be called to fight in a war. Frankly, I'm a little worried for
him, too, but I don't dwell on that and I told him he shouldn't either.
Karin
debi watson
That *does* sound like fun. I wonder if there's anything like that here in Canada. I'm not even sure we have SCA in Alberta. Debi
----- Original Message -----
From: rayvenne@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Sword play
Every year in Holly, MI we have a Renaissance Festival that we go to. They
have sword fighting and swallowing, jousting and all kinds of medieval
things. It's a great thing to experience if you have something like that in
your area.
Collette
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[email protected]
In a message dated 8/28/02 9:33:42 AM, debiwatson@... writes:
<< I just cannot find any redemptive value in pretending to spray someone
with bullets.>>
This might have been the starting point of all this (as I'm still reading
backwards) but there's a site about violent play linked from
http://sandradodd.com/games/page
It's not specifically about video games, or toys, or cartoons. It's about
boys, and about people.
It's worth a look! It's an interview with Gerard Jones.
<< I just cannot find any redemptive value in pretending to spray someone
with bullets.>>
Then don't play with guns. But your boys might find redemptive value, just
not know the term for it.
Sandra
<< I just cannot find any redemptive value in pretending to spray someone
with bullets.>>
This might have been the starting point of all this (as I'm still reading
backwards) but there's a site about violent play linked from
http://sandradodd.com/games/page
It's not specifically about video games, or toys, or cartoons. It's about
boys, and about people.
It's worth a look! It's an interview with Gerard Jones.
<< I just cannot find any redemptive value in pretending to spray someone
with bullets.>>
Then don't play with guns. But your boys might find redemptive value, just
not know the term for it.
Sandra
debi watson
Really interesting article. Definately stuff to chew over. I thought I had made all my decisions in these areas long before I ever had children, but obviously I need to do some reassessing. I do have scads more questions, but I'll see what I can find out on my own before coming back for clarification and further discussion. I sure appreciate everyone's input. Debi
It's not specifically about video games, or toys, or cartoons. It's about
boys, and about people.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>there's a site about violent play linked fromhttp://sandradodd.com/games/page
It's not specifically about video games, or toys, or cartoons. It's about
boys, and about people.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>One of the reasons I left the U.S. <g>
>I have just learned to loosen up alot on my feelings about weapons. I found
>that my boys made their own weapons when we didn't have any, so what was the
>point of enforcing a no-weaopns rule? My boys are also very compassionate
>people who are very sensitive to real-life death or killing or war
>situations. Right now my youngest is very worried when he learned that all
>boys who turn 18 (I think?) have to sign up for the selective service system
>and possibly be called to fight in a war. Frankly, I'm a little worried for
>him, too, but I don't dwell on that and I told him he shouldn't either.
As far as I know, though, there still is a conscientious objector
option. I helped a boyfriend through that process when I was in
college. One thing you could do now is to join a Quaker or Unitarian
church so they can say that they were raised as pacifists. It's harder to
get CO status if there is no pacifist religious background.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
Kelli Traaseth
Debi, If you are ever in MN, we have an awesome Renaissance (sp?) Festival down in Shakopee MN. Its running right now, Shakopee is near Minneapolis, St. Paul. Come on down, you can stay here en route! Kelli
debi watson wrote:That *does* sound like fun. I wonder if there's anything like that here in Canada. I'm not even sure we have SCA in Alberta. Debi
debi watson wrote:That *does* sound like fun. I wonder if there's anything like that here in Canada. I'm not even sure we have SCA in Alberta. Debi
----- Original Message -----
From: rayvenne@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Sword play
Every year in Holly, MI we have a Renaissance Festival that we go to. They
have sword fighting and swallowing, jousting and all kinds of medieval
things. It's a great thing to experience if you have something like that in
your area.
Collette
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
debi watson
Well, I know Nik would love to meet Alec in person! Maybe next August (car is in the shop). Debi
If you are ever in MN, we have an awesome Renaissance (sp?) Festival down in Shakopee MN. Its running right now, Shakopee is near Minneapolis, St. Paul. Come on down, you can stay here en route!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
If you are ever in MN, we have an awesome Renaissance (sp?) Festival down in Shakopee MN. Its running right now, Shakopee is near Minneapolis, St. Paul. Come on down, you can stay here en route!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/28/02 12:40:57 PM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
<< You said your kids made swords and shields -- how did they do that? Debi
not the end.
We made ours according to local SCA practice regulations. Out of pvc pipe (or
maybe it was abc, matters not), pipe insulation and duct tape.
You have the child (or anyone) stand straight with their hand at their side.
Make your hand flat, your fingers all point forward...that is the correct
height for the "sword".
You can cut 1/2" pvc pipe to the correct height for that person (it's very
easy to saw through with a hand saw or any electric one). Take the 1/2" pipe
insulation and wrap the "blade" part down to where you want the handle. Take
a small piece of pipe insulation (about 6 inches or so) for a cross piece
above the handle if they want it.
Take black duct tape and wrap the entire piece until it is fairly solid and
smooth.
You can use some colored electric tape to make a cutting edge. That isn't
necessary for home play though.
I just want to offer you some thought on the guns issue. I love shooting
guns, haven't done it much but find it very enjoyable. I am fascinated by
weaponry of all ages, not because I like the intent, believe me. But weapons
were not only about protecting oneself, but about survival. It's interesting.
I happen to eat a mostly vegetarian diet and am a very peaceful person. We
don't own guns, other than bebe guns, but I still like shooting.
So whether or not your kids want to shoot guns or any other weapon should be
up to them in my opinion.
Under the safety and guidance of an interested parent, this could be a
wonderful learning opportunity.
Your kids may grow up to be hunters. Is that really so bad? Interest in self
sufficiency and survival skills should be encouraged in my mind.
But it involves weaponry and often guns.
I'm glad you are taking the time to question your beliefs on this and ponder
the facts, not just have a knee jerk reaction to their fascination.
If you're interested in the homemade shield information, let me know. They
look really cool!
Ren
[email protected] writes:
<< You said your kids made swords and shields -- how did they do that? Debi
>>I really did read your whole post, promise. I just snipped from part of it
not the end.
We made ours according to local SCA practice regulations. Out of pvc pipe (or
maybe it was abc, matters not), pipe insulation and duct tape.
You have the child (or anyone) stand straight with their hand at their side.
Make your hand flat, your fingers all point forward...that is the correct
height for the "sword".
You can cut 1/2" pvc pipe to the correct height for that person (it's very
easy to saw through with a hand saw or any electric one). Take the 1/2" pipe
insulation and wrap the "blade" part down to where you want the handle. Take
a small piece of pipe insulation (about 6 inches or so) for a cross piece
above the handle if they want it.
Take black duct tape and wrap the entire piece until it is fairly solid and
smooth.
You can use some colored electric tape to make a cutting edge. That isn't
necessary for home play though.
I just want to offer you some thought on the guns issue. I love shooting
guns, haven't done it much but find it very enjoyable. I am fascinated by
weaponry of all ages, not because I like the intent, believe me. But weapons
were not only about protecting oneself, but about survival. It's interesting.
I happen to eat a mostly vegetarian diet and am a very peaceful person. We
don't own guns, other than bebe guns, but I still like shooting.
So whether or not your kids want to shoot guns or any other weapon should be
up to them in my opinion.
Under the safety and guidance of an interested parent, this could be a
wonderful learning opportunity.
Your kids may grow up to be hunters. Is that really so bad? Interest in self
sufficiency and survival skills should be encouraged in my mind.
But it involves weaponry and often guns.
I'm glad you are taking the time to question your beliefs on this and ponder
the facts, not just have a knee jerk reaction to their fascination.
If you're interested in the homemade shield information, let me know. They
look really cool!
Ren
Karin
> >Right now my youngest is very worried when he learned that allsystem
> >boys who turn 18 (I think?) have to sign up for the selective service
> >and possibly be called to fight in a war. Frankly, I'm a little worriedfor
> >him, too, but I don't dwell on that and I told him he shouldn't either.Thanks for that info. I'll keep that in mind.
>
> One of the reasons I left the U.S. <g>
> As far as I know, though, there still is a conscientious objector
> option. I helped a boyfriend through that process when I was in
> college. One thing you could do now is to join a Quaker or Unitarian
> church so they can say that they were raised as pacifists. It's harder to
> get CO status if there is no pacifist religious background.
> Tia
>
Karin
zenmomma *
>>but after nearly ten years of a "no weapons" rule, I am finding it hard toMary the pacifist, is that me?
>>be positive about this. >>
>>Mary is a pacifist, so maybe she'll have more useful ideas than I
>>will....but>>
I'm coming late to this conversation but I think all the advice given so far
has been about what I would have said. I don't like guns and weapons. My son
does. He's also gentle and sweet and can't hurt a fly. Literally. Rather
than ban something he was so interested in, I helped him and talked with him
and played with him. Sometimes we even had duels. I think all his weapons
play fufills a need he has to act out certain aggressions and emotions. It's
also led to lots of interesting learning.
Life is good.
~Mary
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