Where's the Magic?
[email protected]
I am ususally quite well prepared for most questions my kids ask but this one
got to me. Maybe because I, too, feel the same way sometimes.
Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it were
real."
Help?
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
got to me. Maybe because I, too, feel the same way sometimes.
Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it were
real."
Help?
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/20/2004 3:53:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
b229d655@... writes:
why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the
Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it
were
real."
<<<
Yeah----me too. I HATE when some books end because it's like I'm losing
friends. When M*A*S*H went off the air too. There are some movies that I just
hate to leave---_Troy_ was like that. I really like the characters: I want to
stay in my seat and see what they do next!
No advice! Sorry.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
b229d655@... writes:
why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the
Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it
were
real."
<<<
Yeah----me too. I HATE when some books end because it's like I'm losing
friends. When M*A*S*H went off the air too. There are some movies that I just
hate to leave---_Troy_ was like that. I really like the characters: I want to
stay in my seat and see what they do next!
No advice! Sorry.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelly Muzyczka
Introduce the kid to fan fiction!
Kelly
Kelly
Dana Matt
> Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life soHow about "Me too! How about we go to Mexico? (or
> boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
> like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry
> Potter and Lord of the Rings
> and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the
> adventures I have when we
> read together and tell stories but when it's over, I
> feel sad cuz I wish it were
> real."
>
> Help?
Yellowstone park, or the farmer's market, or a new
store we've never been to, or the animal shelter, or
the auto parts store......)"
My 6.5 yo LOVES when we play adventure games on
regular days--Ah, look! In the distance I see a
camel! It's so hot and dry--we need to reach the
oasis before we are overtaken by thirst! Look above
us! The vultures are circling already!--just on a
walk to the mailbox or through the mall ;)
Just some ideas....
Dana
in Montana
__________________________________
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Yahoo! Mail - 50x more storage than other providers!
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[email protected]
In a message dated 7/20/2004 6:51:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
hoffmanwilson@... writes:
that or whatever..." But I don't want to make life more boring by saying,
"well, there's just no such thing as...so that's why we pretend and use our
imaginations and read, etc".
?
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
hoffmanwilson@... writes:
> How about "Me too! How about we go to Mexico? (orI don't want to lie to him and say, "well, maybe there is a real this or
> Yellowstone park, or the farmer's market, or a new
> store we've never been to, or the animal shelter, or
> the auto parts store......)"
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
>
> Well, that's kinda why I wanted help with this one cuz we do that kinda
> stuff all of the time. Like yesterday we played Quidditch in the pool. And we
> play Treasure Hunt in the house where we build obstacles and leave hints to
> find a treasure. And too much to really list here. So we do this kinda stuff
> frequently so neither of them (6.5 and nearly 3) really lack in imaginative
> play.
>
> But what can compare to the world of, say, Harry Potter? Or Star Wars?
> Even Jimmy Neutron?
>
> He wants there to be a real Hogwarts Castle and space ships, etc. I just
> wonder if the books we read and the TV we watch make life boring for him, as he
> said. I don't know where to go with it. I talked to him about pretending
> to be whatever he wants and that every time we read or watch something or go
> somewhere that it is an adventure. That's why we like to read so much. But
> he just says, "it's not the same".
that or whatever..." But I don't want to make life more boring by saying,
"well, there's just no such thing as...so that's why we pretend and use our
imaginations and read, etc".
?
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dawn Adams
Pamela writes:
Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it were
real."
Stories don't have to end just because the book or movie does. You can go on to tell her more (Once you've read a book or watched a movie, it's yours. Bend, tweak, revise, add on as you wish). Listen to stories she might tell. Draw pictures about it together (my daughter and I just drew a female character for her for Warriors of Might and Magic, she's been watching DH and I play it for days on the PS2). One of the best times babysitting I ever had was when I took the kids outside, everybody grabbed a stick (sword) and we bashed through the woods nearby for an hour or so in character on a fantasy adventure (This winter my kids and I spent time exploring the south pole in our backyard). Play related computer, gamesystem, roleplaying (these are like living the story, I don't know how kids grow up without them) and board games. Sew up some story related costumes for Barbies or stuffed animals. Make paper dolls. Sing songs. Visit websites. Build the world of the story with lego or wooden block (My daughter was constructed Might and Magic enviroments out of lego yesterday, soooo cool to watch). Simply be a character for awhile and play as you do your normal housework. Share any dreams or daydreams that were neat stories.
I milk stories for everything I can and plan on sharing that with the kids. :)
Dawn (who knows where the magic is. It's everywhere)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh, I
like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when we
read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish it were
real."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This is why I have Star Wars stories from my teenage years where a thinly veiled me becomes a Jedi Knight and has certain blonde guy from Tatooine fall for her. :)
Stories don't have to end just because the book or movie does. You can go on to tell her more (Once you've read a book or watched a movie, it's yours. Bend, tweak, revise, add on as you wish). Listen to stories she might tell. Draw pictures about it together (my daughter and I just drew a female character for her for Warriors of Might and Magic, she's been watching DH and I play it for days on the PS2). One of the best times babysitting I ever had was when I took the kids outside, everybody grabbed a stick (sword) and we bashed through the woods nearby for an hour or so in character on a fantasy adventure (This winter my kids and I spent time exploring the south pole in our backyard). Play related computer, gamesystem, roleplaying (these are like living the story, I don't know how kids grow up without them) and board games. Sew up some story related costumes for Barbies or stuffed animals. Make paper dolls. Sing songs. Visit websites. Build the world of the story with lego or wooden block (My daughter was constructed Might and Magic enviroments out of lego yesterday, soooo cool to watch). Simply be a character for awhile and play as you do your normal housework. Share any dreams or daydreams that were neat stories.
I milk stories for everything I can and plan on sharing that with the kids. :)
Dawn (who knows where the magic is. It's everywhere)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/20/2004 8:37:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Wishbone@... writes:
I thought I did too.
Andrew is moving onto Lego Creator on the computer and the Harry Potter games
on PS2 right now, so that is helping because he is the character and can
control the environment.
We do extend the stories. Right now, Harry Potter is his thing and we talk
about the rest of Harry's life and the other character's. It was actually
funny because he asked why aren't any of the professors married or have families
and kids? It was kinda interesting to hear a 6.5 year old ask this. But this
is also the kid who has said repeatedly that he will live with us forever but
once he has a wife and kids, we'll need a much bigger house.
I think this actually bother's me more than him cuz I wish I could give him
all those wonderful things.
I think we'll try focusing on what magic we can make. I was just really
thrown off with this one.
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Wishbone@... writes:
> Dawn (who knows where the magic is. It's everywhere)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I thought I did too.
Andrew is moving onto Lego Creator on the computer and the Harry Potter games
on PS2 right now, so that is helping because he is the character and can
control the environment.
We do extend the stories. Right now, Harry Potter is his thing and we talk
about the rest of Harry's life and the other character's. It was actually
funny because he asked why aren't any of the professors married or have families
and kids? It was kinda interesting to hear a 6.5 year old ask this. But this
is also the kid who has said repeatedly that he will live with us forever but
once he has a wife and kids, we'll need a much bigger house.
I think this actually bother's me more than him cuz I wish I could give him
all those wonderful things.
I think we'll try focusing on what magic we can make. I was just really
thrown off with this one.
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Pam Hartley
> Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? Imean, ahhhh, I
> like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord ofthe Rings
> and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I havewhen we
> read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz Iwish it were
> real."When Brit was just about the same age, she came to me and
>
> Help?
asked, in a despairing but maybe-Mommy-can-pull-off-one-of-
her-miracles way, "Mama, Pokemon aren't real... are they?"
You can imagine how much I wished I could take her to the pet
shop to pick out a Pikachu. :}
One thing that helped was telling her stories (The Adventures of
Princess Brittany and Princess Michael-Anne, her sister) with
them as the heroes, and letting them tell me stories, too, and
writing some down, and letting them illustrate them or cut out
pictures, etc.
It passes, or maybe just grows into something different.
Pam
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/20/04 8:19:45 PM, b229d655@... writes:
<< It was actually
funny because he asked why aren't any of the professors married or have
families
and kids? >>
That's a fairly common thing with some of the dedicated, long-history
boarding schools, for there to be single teachers who live there all their lives, or
before they're married and then again after they're widowed. Tell him about
Catholic schools, with priests, monks and nuns as teachers. Tell him about the
earlier 19th C. one-room country schools, taught by single women, who would
quit the job if they got married and other single women (or maybe men) would
come along for a while.
As to magic, maybe seek out tales in eye-witness to history books. Pliny the
Elder telling about the eruption of Vesuvius long ago, that buried Pompeii
(he was from another town nearby). Then of people finding Pompeii so long
after. The discoveries of some of the Egyptian tombs. Of Sutton Hoo. The Mary
Rose. I think archeology is about as magical as it comes sometimes. Though
some of it is drudgery for years, there are those moments of discovery where
history just pours out. In Kansas City there's the museum of a recovered
wreck from the 19th century, a paddle boat with freight bound for general stores
up the river sank, and the stuff (and part of the boat, and the history of the
recovery) are all there in the museum. It's a wonderous bit of history.
"Like a 19th Century Walmart," one of the narrations says. <g>
In the 1970's (or early 80's?) a little boy in England found a medieval
sword in a little stream. '70's too, someone walking in the desert near El Paso
found a long knife some Spanish explorer dropped hundreds of years before.
Its in the museum in Albuquerque.
There's an e-mail newsletter called Explorator with links once a week to the
newest discoveries around the world.
Another kind of magic is music. We just watched Edward Scissorhands, and the
score is by Danny Elfman, and it's amazing, the texture and emotion he puts
in there with that music.
Sandra
<< It was actually
funny because he asked why aren't any of the professors married or have
families
and kids? >>
That's a fairly common thing with some of the dedicated, long-history
boarding schools, for there to be single teachers who live there all their lives, or
before they're married and then again after they're widowed. Tell him about
Catholic schools, with priests, monks and nuns as teachers. Tell him about the
earlier 19th C. one-room country schools, taught by single women, who would
quit the job if they got married and other single women (or maybe men) would
come along for a while.
As to magic, maybe seek out tales in eye-witness to history books. Pliny the
Elder telling about the eruption of Vesuvius long ago, that buried Pompeii
(he was from another town nearby). Then of people finding Pompeii so long
after. The discoveries of some of the Egyptian tombs. Of Sutton Hoo. The Mary
Rose. I think archeology is about as magical as it comes sometimes. Though
some of it is drudgery for years, there are those moments of discovery where
history just pours out. In Kansas City there's the museum of a recovered
wreck from the 19th century, a paddle boat with freight bound for general stores
up the river sank, and the stuff (and part of the boat, and the history of the
recovery) are all there in the museum. It's a wonderous bit of history.
"Like a 19th Century Walmart," one of the narrations says. <g>
In the 1970's (or early 80's?) a little boy in England found a medieval
sword in a little stream. '70's too, someone walking in the desert near El Paso
found a long knife some Spanish explorer dropped hundreds of years before.
Its in the museum in Albuquerque.
There's an e-mail newsletter called Explorator with links once a week to the
newest discoveries around the world.
Another kind of magic is music. We just watched Edward Scissorhands, and the
score is by Danny Elfman, and it's amazing, the texture and emotion he puts
in there with that music.
Sandra
TreeGoddess
On Jul 21, 2004, at 11:58 AM, Andy Holly Clarke wrote:
almost understand "why". And she seemed to have endured more
"monsters" than she was herself. It's not an easy movie to watch, but
it's probably not how you think the story goes either.
JMHO ;)
-Tracy-
> [ and you certainly can't tell me that there is no such thing asI saw that movie and though what this woman did wasn't right, you can
> monsters!
> look at the movie call monster (which i refuse to see). that depicts
> a real
> life monster right there. ]
almost understand "why". And she seemed to have endured more
"monsters" than she was herself. It's not an easy movie to watch, but
it's probably not how you think the story goes either.
JMHO ;)
-Tracy-
[email protected]
<< There's an e-mail newsletter called Explorator with links once a week to
the
newest discoveries around the world. >>
Forgot to include this:
Read the latest Explorator on the web at:
http://www.atrium-media.com/rogueclassicism/categories/explorator
Past issues of Explorator are available on the web at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explorator/messages
To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to:
mailto:[email protected]
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explorator/
the
newest discoveries around the world. >>
Forgot to include this:
Read the latest Explorator on the web at:
http://www.atrium-media.com/rogueclassicism/categories/explorator
Past issues of Explorator are available on the web at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explorator/messages
To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to:
mailto:[email protected]
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explorator/
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/21/04 7:25:31 AM, ahclarke@... writes:
<< et him know that halloween and christmas are hallmark or religious
holidays. >>
Cultural holidays more than anything.
I hope you're not denying your children all traditional culture.
-=- but with things like santa that in
many ways can't be proved or disprove, i just tell him how i feel about it
and that they needs to make up their own mind about it.-=-
Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
Sandra
<< et him know that halloween and christmas are hallmark or religious
holidays. >>
Cultural holidays more than anything.
I hope you're not denying your children all traditional culture.
-=- but with things like santa that in
many ways can't be proved or disprove, i just tell him how i feel about it
and that they needs to make up their own mind about it.-=-
Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
Sandra
J. Stauffer
<<<<< I don't want to lie to him and say, "well, maybe there is a real this
or
<grin>).
Real life people have fantastic wonderful exciting adventures. Many of them
are written in books, in movies. My kids loved "Shackleton" and so did I
since I had read his personal account.
I think even without movies and books, people have lots of adventures and
quests.....some of us just have to try harder to see it. Most people in
their lives have at least a moment when they have to decide whether to stand
up to evil or let it win. Granted it probably doesn't look like a fire
breathing dragon to anyone but the person facing it down. They have to
decide if they are willing to make sacrifices for a friend, they have to
search out the truth for themselves. I think this is no less magickal than
attempting to return a ring to a mountain.
I think I would point out to my son that most of the heroes in his stories
are older than 6 and perhaps his adventures are waiting for him in the
future, to keep an eye out for them.
Julie S.
or
> that or whatever..." But I don't want to make life more boring by saying,our
> "well, there's just no such thing as...so that's why we pretend and use
> imaginations and read, etc".>>>>>Personally, I think real life is magickal (Of course, being a witch helps
<grin>).
Real life people have fantastic wonderful exciting adventures. Many of them
are written in books, in movies. My kids loved "Shackleton" and so did I
since I had read his personal account.
I think even without movies and books, people have lots of adventures and
quests.....some of us just have to try harder to see it. Most people in
their lives have at least a moment when they have to decide whether to stand
up to evil or let it win. Granted it probably doesn't look like a fire
breathing dragon to anyone but the person facing it down. They have to
decide if they are willing to make sacrifices for a friend, they have to
search out the truth for themselves. I think this is no less magickal than
attempting to return a ring to a mountain.
I think I would point out to my son that most of the heroes in his stories
are older than 6 and perhaps his adventures are waiting for him in the
future, to keep an eye out for them.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: <b229d655@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 6:36 PM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
> In a message dated 7/20/2004 6:51:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> hoffmanwilson@... writes:
> > How about "Me too! How about we go to Mexico? (or
> > Yellowstone park, or the farmer's market, or a new
> > store we've never been to, or the animal shelter, or
> > the auto parts store......)"
> >
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
> > --------
> >
> > Well, that's kinda why I wanted help with this one cuz we do that kinda
> > stuff all of the time. Like yesterday we played Quidditch in the pool.
And we
> > play Treasure Hunt in the house where we build obstacles and leave hints
to
> > find a treasure. And too much to really list here. So we do this kinda
stuff
> > frequently so neither of them (6.5 and nearly 3) really lack in
imaginative
> > play.
> >
> > But what can compare to the world of, say, Harry Potter? Or Star Wars?
> > Even Jimmy Neutron?
> >
> > He wants there to be a real Hogwarts Castle and space ships, etc. I
just
> > wonder if the books we read and the TV we watch make life boring for
him, as he
> > said. I don't know where to go with it. I talked to him about
pretending
> > to be whatever he wants and that every time we read or watch something
or go
> > somewhere that it is an adventure. That's why we like to read so much.
But
> > he just says, "it's not the same".
>
>
> I don't want to lie to him and say, "well, maybe there is a real this or
> that or whatever..." But I don't want to make life more boring by saying,
> "well, there's just no such thing as...so that's why we pretend and use
our
> imaginations and read, etc".
>
> ?
>
> Pamela
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> "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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Andrea Burlingame
I agree with Tracy. This is a "make you think" movie, although not a very
easy to watch one. And while there were several times when I thought, "I
think I'll turn this off--I'm dwelling on some pretty dark stuff here..." I
just couldn't, because I was completely sucked in by one of the most amazing
performances I have ever seen. Charlize Theron has some intensely good
acting chops!
~Andrea
easy to watch one. And while there were several times when I thought, "I
think I'll turn this off--I'm dwelling on some pretty dark stuff here..." I
just couldn't, because I was completely sucked in by one of the most amazing
performances I have ever seen. Charlize Theron has some intensely good
acting chops!
~Andrea
>
> > [ and you certainly can't tell me that there is no such thing as
> > monsters!
> > look at the movie call monster (which i refuse to see). that depicts
> > a real
> > life monster right there. ]
>
> I saw that movie and though what this woman did wasn't right, you can
> almost understand "why". And she seemed to have endured more
> "monsters" than she was herself. It's not an easy movie to watch, but
> it's probably not how you think the story goes either.
> JMHO ;)
> -Tracy-
>
>
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/21/2004 9:07:39 AM Eastern Standard Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
Thanks for the Explorator. Sounds interesting.
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SandraDodd@... writes:
> Another kind of magic is music. We just watched Edward Scissorhands, andFun movie and we have the soundtrack.
> the
> score is by Danny Elfman, and it's amazing, the texture and emotion he puts
> in there with that music.
Thanks for the Explorator. Sounds interesting.
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Andy Holly Clarke
well, it can be to an extent. can't it?
i think the real difference is in those stories you don't hear about all the
down time or prep time or bathroom time, etc. LOL
for example
he is only 6.5 and harry potter's life was pretty mundane if not miserable
until he was 10
that is not to say that he will discover he is a wizard at 10 like harry
potter, but he will make discoveries about himself and others throughout his
life.
just some thoughts,
holly
i think the real difference is in those stories you don't hear about all the
down time or prep time or bathroom time, etc. LOL
for example
he is only 6.5 and harry potter's life was pretty mundane if not miserable
until he was 10
that is not to say that he will discover he is a wizard at 10 like harry
potter, but he will make discoveries about himself and others throughout his
life.
just some thoughts,
holly
----- Original Message -----
From: <b229d655@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 12:46 PM
Subject: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
> I am ususally quite well prepared for most questions my kids ask but this
one
> got to me. Maybe because I, too, feel the same way sometimes.
>
> Andrew (6.5) asks me, "Mama, why is real life so boring? I mean, ahhhh,
I
> like my life but why isn't real stuff like Harry Potter and Lord of the
Rings
> and why can't I be part of it? I like all of the adventures I have when
we
> read together and tell stories but when it's over, I feel sad cuz I wish
it were
> real."
>
> Help?
>
> Pamela
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> "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
>
>
>
>
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/21/2004 10:49:51 AM Eastern Standard Time,
jnjstau@... writes:
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
jnjstau@... writes:
> I think I would point out to my son that most of the heroes in his storiesNice, I like that.
> are older than 6 and perhaps his adventures are waiting for him in the
> future, to keep an eye out for them.
>
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Andy Holly Clarke
life can be an adventure for him. who knows where he will go and what he
will do.
i understand wishing there was a hogwarts, etc., but who is to say that they
don't exist? maybe we just don't know where it is because none of us are
witches and wizards?
it is like santa clause. i am a big miracle on 34st fan. i like christmas
a lot. i used to like halloween and am starting to again. but when my son
was first born i started thinking that i need to be honest with him. let
him know there is no such thing as santa, there are no monsters or boogymen.
let him know that halloween and christmas are hallmark or religious
holidays.
but what is wrong with still believing in santa? and you certainly can't
tell me that there is no such thing as monsters! look at the movie call
monster (which i refuse to see). that depicts a real life monster right
there.
i guess i am honest with my children, but with things like santa that in
many ways can't be proved or disprove, i just tell him how i feel about it
and that they needs to make up their own mind about it.
probably tmi, sorry
holly
will do.
i understand wishing there was a hogwarts, etc., but who is to say that they
don't exist? maybe we just don't know where it is because none of us are
witches and wizards?
it is like santa clause. i am a big miracle on 34st fan. i like christmas
a lot. i used to like halloween and am starting to again. but when my son
was first born i started thinking that i need to be honest with him. let
him know there is no such thing as santa, there are no monsters or boogymen.
let him know that halloween and christmas are hallmark or religious
holidays.
but what is wrong with still believing in santa? and you certainly can't
tell me that there is no such thing as monsters! look at the movie call
monster (which i refuse to see). that depicts a real life monster right
there.
i guess i am honest with my children, but with things like santa that in
many ways can't be proved or disprove, i just tell him how i feel about it
and that they needs to make up their own mind about it.
probably tmi, sorry
holly
----- Original Message -----
From: <b229d655@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:36 PM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
> In a message dated 7/20/2004 6:51:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> hoffmanwilson@... writes:
> > How about "Me too! How about we go to Mexico? (or
> > Yellowstone park, or the farmer's market, or a new
> > store we've never been to, or the animal shelter, or
> > the auto parts store......)"
> >
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
> > --------
> >
> > Well, that's kinda why I wanted help with this one cuz we do that kinda
> > stuff all of the time. Like yesterday we played Quidditch in the pool.
And we
> > play Treasure Hunt in the house where we build obstacles and leave hints
to
> > find a treasure. And too much to really list here. So we do this kinda
stuff
> > frequently so neither of them (6.5 and nearly 3) really lack in
imaginative
> > play.
> >
> > But what can compare to the world of, say, Harry Potter? Or Star Wars?
> > Even Jimmy Neutron?
> >
> > He wants there to be a real Hogwarts Castle and space ships, etc. I
just
> > wonder if the books we read and the TV we watch make life boring for
him, as he
> > said. I don't know where to go with it. I talked to him about
pretending
> > to be whatever he wants and that every time we read or watch something
or go
> > somewhere that it is an adventure. That's why we like to read so much.
But
> > he just says, "it's not the same".
>
>
> I don't want to lie to him and say, "well, maybe there is a real this or
> that or whatever..." But I don't want to make life more boring by saying,
> "well, there's just no such thing as...so that's why we pretend and use
our
> imaginations and read, etc".
>
> ?
>
> Pamela
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> "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
>
>
>
>
>
pam sorooshian
On Jul 21, 2004, at 8:46 AM, Andy Holly Clarke wrote:
me a little surge of something nice to read that!
-pam
National Home Education Network
<www.NHEN.org>
Serving the entire homeschooling community since 1999
through information, networking and public relations.
> that is not to say that he will discover he is a wizard at 10 likeVERY inspiring and nice thoughts - thank you for those, Holly. It gave
> harry
> potter, but he will make discoveries about himself and others
> throughout his
> life.
>
> just some thoughts,
me a little surge of something nice to read that!
-pam
National Home Education Network
<www.NHEN.org>
Serving the entire homeschooling community since 1999
through information, networking and public relations.
Dawn Adams
Sandra writes:
Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
So a question...I would like the Santa thing to end with Cahterine and not have Harry believing it as well. Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess after their child already believed?
I know this will confirm with my relatives that I'm a hippie freak and with my in-laws that I'm out to spoil all the fun but I'm finally getting to the point where their opinions don't mean diddly where it runs counter to my daughter's interests.
Dawn (in NS)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>That's what I've been thinking lately. Of course this comes after I already had my daughter believing in Santa Claus. She loves fantasy and is always to blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy but she likes to know the boundaries first. I'm feeling pretty guilty that I've constructed this false character for my daughter. It doesn't mesh with the honesty and trust that are part of unschooling for me.
So a question...I would like the Santa thing to end with Cahterine and not have Harry believing it as well. Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess after their child already believed?
I know this will confirm with my relatives that I'm a hippie freak and with my in-laws that I'm out to spoil all the fun but I'm finally getting to the point where their opinions don't mean diddly where it runs counter to my daughter's interests.
Dawn (in NS)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/21/04 10:23:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
lie to my child(ren). Not just in the typical "don't tell lies" way. But
with all the little things many of us grew up hearing...ex. Santa, Easter Bunny,
just all those little things.
SO.... as he got old enough to understand celebrating xmas and such, I just
never said a word either way. We decorated, celebrated, did the family
things.... but I never once told him "Hurry and go to sleep, so Santa will come" or
anything like that. Once we moved in with hubby and his 2 children, who DID
believe in Santa he came and asked me "Is Santa real???" He was about 4 years
old. I said, "Well, we've always celebrated xmas, and you know that Santa is a
fun part of the xmas decorations we use, but what do YOU think Joshua?" He
didn't miss a beat, and said, "Well, I don't want to make anyone sad, but I'm
not sure I believe he does, but I think it's fun to make believe" I gave him a
huge hug and kiss and told him, "Then lets just leave it at that then" He's
never brought it up again, nor have I. And we've maintained the same thing
with little sister who's now 3.
Emily
Wife to Chris, Mom to Joshua(8) and Stephanie(3)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SandraDodd@... writes:
> Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?Almost 9 years ago, when my son was born, I made a concious decision to never
>
> Sandra
>
lie to my child(ren). Not just in the typical "don't tell lies" way. But
with all the little things many of us grew up hearing...ex. Santa, Easter Bunny,
just all those little things.
SO.... as he got old enough to understand celebrating xmas and such, I just
never said a word either way. We decorated, celebrated, did the family
things.... but I never once told him "Hurry and go to sleep, so Santa will come" or
anything like that. Once we moved in with hubby and his 2 children, who DID
believe in Santa he came and asked me "Is Santa real???" He was about 4 years
old. I said, "Well, we've always celebrated xmas, and you know that Santa is a
fun part of the xmas decorations we use, but what do YOU think Joshua?" He
didn't miss a beat, and said, "Well, I don't want to make anyone sad, but I'm
not sure I believe he does, but I think it's fun to make believe" I gave him a
huge hug and kiss and told him, "Then lets just leave it at that then" He's
never brought it up again, nor have I. And we've maintained the same thing
with little sister who's now 3.
Emily
Wife to Chris, Mom to Joshua(8) and Stephanie(3)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 7/21/2004 12:21:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Wishbone@... writes:
it". By this I mean, last year they just really didn't bring the "big guy" up.
When her youngest asked if Santa was coming she said something like, "well,
I'm not sure, once we all grow up a little, he doesn't visit anymore, just like
Mama and Daddy don't get stuff from him. We just give eachother things".
I think she did this to "test the water" and see if the kids would dearly
miss him or if it would be understood and they'd move on. Well, they did move
on. I was amazed and I'm not sure why they weren't traumatized like I thought
they'd be, but it worked. Her youngest was 7 and oldest 11.
I think mine would've asked, "well, how come they (the older kids) got
presents from him last year and they were older than me and I don't get any now"?
Anyway, she just tried that and they still made lists of things they'd enjoy
and the prospect of still getting a few goodies helped, I'm sure.
Now if you were gonna go all out and say that there just isn't a Santa and
that all these years, the gifts have been from Mom and Dad or whoever, then I'd
say just do it honestly. Explain the "tradition" of it all and that it's just
something people have done for a long time and it makes X-mas even more
special than it is. And that you just thought you'd like to let them know that
they'll still have a wonderful holiday but you didn't want to have them hear it
from someone else and have them be disappointed without an explanation. It's a
tradition and it may not last forever.
I still get stuff labeled from Santa and in our family somebody always sends
something but only labels it Santa and we never really find out who sent it.
And I'm almost 33 :o)
And then, they may just figure it out on their own, which I think mine will,
at least Andrew (6.5) because he is a "thinker" and even last year he asked
how the elves can make all the toys there are and I said I guess he sends them
out to shop, that I really didn't know. But he was thinking it over and
eventually he'll probably just "know".
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Wishbone@... writes:
> Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess after their childI don't know if it's a good thing but my aunt helped her kids "grow out of
> already believed?
it". By this I mean, last year they just really didn't bring the "big guy" up.
When her youngest asked if Santa was coming she said something like, "well,
I'm not sure, once we all grow up a little, he doesn't visit anymore, just like
Mama and Daddy don't get stuff from him. We just give eachother things".
I think she did this to "test the water" and see if the kids would dearly
miss him or if it would be understood and they'd move on. Well, they did move
on. I was amazed and I'm not sure why they weren't traumatized like I thought
they'd be, but it worked. Her youngest was 7 and oldest 11.
I think mine would've asked, "well, how come they (the older kids) got
presents from him last year and they were older than me and I don't get any now"?
Anyway, she just tried that and they still made lists of things they'd enjoy
and the prospect of still getting a few goodies helped, I'm sure.
Now if you were gonna go all out and say that there just isn't a Santa and
that all these years, the gifts have been from Mom and Dad or whoever, then I'd
say just do it honestly. Explain the "tradition" of it all and that it's just
something people have done for a long time and it makes X-mas even more
special than it is. And that you just thought you'd like to let them know that
they'll still have a wonderful holiday but you didn't want to have them hear it
from someone else and have them be disappointed without an explanation. It's a
tradition and it may not last forever.
I still get stuff labeled from Santa and in our family somebody always sends
something but only labels it Santa and we never really find out who sent it.
And I'm almost 33 :o)
And then, they may just figure it out on their own, which I think mine will,
at least Andrew (6.5) because he is a "thinker" and even last year he asked
how the elves can make all the toys there are and I said I guess he sends them
out to shop, that I really didn't know. But he was thinking it over and
eventually he'll probably just "know".
Pamela
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
J. Stauffer
<<<<I would like the Santa thing to end with Cahterine and not have Harry
believing it as well. Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess
after their child already believed? >>>>>
But she might not want the Santa thing to end. I think I would try to work
things to give her the option to still believe. I know I believe in Santa.
He is a very magickal energy that changes the world for about a week or two
every year.
I might not be quite as sneaky with the arrangements. I might talk to the
kids in an off-hand kind of way about how magickal Christmas/Yule is and how
not all things that are real can be seen. In the same manner, I might talk
about how sometimes when you can't see something or explain it exactly,
people imagine what it might be like and make up stories to explain things.
julie S.
believing it as well. Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess
after their child already believed? >>>>>
But she might not want the Santa thing to end. I think I would try to work
things to give her the option to still believe. I know I believe in Santa.
He is a very magickal energy that changes the world for about a week or two
every year.
I might not be quite as sneaky with the arrangements. I might talk to the
kids in an off-hand kind of way about how magickal Christmas/Yule is and how
not all things that are real can be seen. In the same manner, I might talk
about how sometimes when you can't see something or explain it exactly,
people imagine what it might be like and make up stories to explain things.
julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dawn Adams" <Wishbone@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
>
> Sandra writes:
> Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
>
> Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> That's what I've been thinking lately. Of course this comes after I
already had my daughter believing in Santa Claus. She loves fantasy and is
always to blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy but she likes to
know the boundaries first. I'm feeling pretty guilty that I've constructed
this false character for my daughter. It doesn't mesh with the honesty and
trust that are part of unschooling for me.
> So a question...I would like the Santa thing to end with Cahterine and not
have Harry believing it as well. Has anyone else dug themselves out of the
Santa mess after their child already believed?
> I know this will confirm with my relatives that I'm a hippie freak and
with my in-laws that I'm out to spoil all the fun but I'm finally getting to
the point where their opinions don't mean diddly where it runs counter to my
daughter's interests.
>
> Dawn (in NS)
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> "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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
[email protected]
<< Has anyone else dug themselves out of the Santa mess after their child
already believed? >>
What I wrote was:
Sandra writes:
"Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?"
"Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?"
I was trying to suggest letting them have and do all the traditional bits of
those holidays, not trying to give anyone an easy path to dumping them
altogether.
We never had much of a "Santa mess." I never told them any elaborate
stories. Didn't tell them Santa was real, just said "They say..." and "I've never
seen," and "Those guys at the store are just guys dressed up so the parents can
hear what their kids want, and some kids think it's really fun." If they
asked me directly I'd say "What I know is, when I was a kid I put a stocking out
and in the morning there was stuff, so I think you should put one out and see
what happens."
Sandra
already believed? >>
What I wrote was:
Sandra writes:
"Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?"
"Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?"
I was trying to suggest letting them have and do all the traditional bits of
those holidays, not trying to give anyone an easy path to dumping them
altogether.
We never had much of a "Santa mess." I never told them any elaborate
stories. Didn't tell them Santa was real, just said "They say..." and "I've never
seen," and "Those guys at the store are just guys dressed up so the parents can
hear what their kids want, and some kids think it's really fun." If they
asked me directly I'd say "What I know is, when I was a kid I put a stocking out
and in the morning there was stuff, so I think you should put one out and see
what happens."
Sandra
[email protected]
<< what i was trying to say was that when my ds was first born i wanted to try
to stick to the facts and not fill his head with santa and candy and
costumes and gost and christmas trees.
<<NOW i think it is better to have all those things (like the mom and daughter
ended up believing in santa at the end of miracle on 34 st)
<<we really enjoy culture, religion, imagination around here. i am not
denying ds or dd anything.
<<does that make more sense? >>
It makes the same sense as the first. Christmas trees are facts. Costumes
are facts. Candy is real. Santa has more reality than lots of fictional and
mythological characters because he produces cargo (as it were, and if anyone's
interested in bizarre anthropology and history and religion, look up "cargo
cults").
And a great deal of "fact" of science and history has changed within my
lifetime. Yet there are still Christmas trees and costumes, as there have been for
a long time. Sometimes non-scientific reality is WAY more real than the the
oretical declarations of scientists and analysts, who are proven wrong by
scientists and analysts who follow them.
Sandra
to stick to the facts and not fill his head with santa and candy and
costumes and gost and christmas trees.
<<NOW i think it is better to have all those things (like the mom and daughter
ended up believing in santa at the end of miracle on 34 st)
<<we really enjoy culture, religion, imagination around here. i am not
denying ds or dd anything.
<<does that make more sense? >>
It makes the same sense as the first. Christmas trees are facts. Costumes
are facts. Candy is real. Santa has more reality than lots of fictional and
mythological characters because he produces cargo (as it were, and if anyone's
interested in bizarre anthropology and history and religion, look up "cargo
cults").
And a great deal of "fact" of science and history has changed within my
lifetime. Yet there are still Christmas trees and costumes, as there have been for
a long time. Sometimes non-scientific reality is WAY more real than the the
oretical declarations of scientists and analysts, who are proven wrong by
scientists and analysts who follow them.
Sandra
Andy Holly Clarke
what i was trying to say was that when my ds was first born i wanted to try
to stick to the facts and not fill his head with santa and candy and
costumes and gost and christmas trees.
NOW i think it is better to have all those things (like the mom and daughter
ended up believing in santa at the end of miracle on 34 st)
we really enjoy culture, religion, imagination around here. i am not
denying ds or dd anything.
does that make more sense?
holly
to stick to the facts and not fill his head with santa and candy and
costumes and gost and christmas trees.
NOW i think it is better to have all those things (like the mom and daughter
ended up believing in santa at the end of miracle on 34 st)
we really enjoy culture, religion, imagination around here. i am not
denying ds or dd anything.
does that make more sense?
holly
----- Original Message -----
From: <SandraDodd@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 7:18 AM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
>
> In a message dated 7/21/04 7:25:31 AM, ahclarke@... writes:
>
> << et him know that halloween and christmas are hallmark or religious
>
> holidays. >>
>
> Cultural holidays more than anything.
> I hope you're not denying your children all traditional culture.
>
> -=- but with things like santa that in
>
> many ways can't be proved or disprove, i just tell him how i feel about it
>
> and that they needs to make up their own mind about it.-=-
>
> Why can't they make up their own minds about everything?
>
> Why is Santa better than Christmas trees or candy or costumes?
>
> 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 Links
>
>
>
>
>
Andy Holly Clarke
i am glad i clarified even though you apparently didn't need me to because
your explanation made more sense to me the second time around
LOL
holly
your explanation made more sense to me the second time around
LOL
holly
----- Original Message -----
From: <SandraDodd@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 6:52 AM
Subject: Re: [UnschoolingDiscussion] Where's the Magic?
>
> << what i was trying to say was that when my ds was first born i wanted to
try
>
> to stick to the facts and not fill his head with santa and candy and
>
> costumes and gost and christmas trees.
>
>
> <<NOW i think it is better to have all those things (like the mom and
daughter
>
> ended up believing in santa at the end of miracle on 34 st)
>
>
> <<we really enjoy culture, religion, imagination around here. i am not
>
> denying ds or dd anything.
>
>
> <<does that make more sense? >>
>
> It makes the same sense as the first. Christmas trees are facts.
Costumes
> are facts. Candy is real. Santa has more reality than lots of fictional
and
> mythological characters because he produces cargo (as it were, and if
anyone's
> interested in bizarre anthropology and history and religion, look up
"cargo
> cults").
>
> And a great deal of "fact" of science and history has changed within my
> lifetime. Yet there are still Christmas trees and costumes, as there have
been for
> a long time. Sometimes non-scientific reality is WAY more real than the
the
> oretical declarations of scientists and analysts, who are proven wrong by
> scientists and analysts who follow them.
>
> 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 Links
>
>
>
>
>