Totalitarianism for the new century!

Parenting For Others

We were at a Christmas party tonight. It was a church function, so it was fairly casual: kids everywhere, in a gym- pretty standard. As we were (enjoying) the (talented) performances that were prepared for us, Henry decided that he wanted to do some dancing with a little buddy of his, Mark.

It was pretty freaking cute. They were doing a little Irish jig together, jumping up and down and generally having a very nice time together. They're both 2.

I got a couple of sneaky looks from people during the fun. Not glares per se, but definite 'why don't you do something to shut your kid up' kinda looks.

It made me think about the things that we do to our children to appease the people around us. I made a great effort to calm Henry down, and he wasn't happy about it. He just wanted to dance with his buddy in the gym-- have a great time!

But because I was sensitive to the people around us, I felt the need to disrupt the fun. If we were in my living room or in the backyard I would have laughed and gone about my day, happy that my son was enjoying his life.

I find this interesting. It makes me feel bad. I don't think that you can let your children run wild in the streets, don't get me wrong. But if the boys are having fun, why not let them have fun? We weren't in the middle of an opera or a church service: this was a Christmas party in the gym.

Anyhow.... I guess we need to make an extra effort to parent the way we want to, and not worry so much about the people around us.

Politicians Wanted:

Here is a listing of Canadian politicians who should be put against the proverbial brick wall, blindfolded and shot:

1) Stephen Harper :  It is the role of a minority government to work with the other parties to govern. The mandate you were given on October 14 was not unlimited. The only way you are to govern with the confidence of Parliament as a minority is to negotiate, compromise and work with the other parties. If you fail to do this, you need to step aside and let the other kids play.

2) Stephane Dion: Great timing, Dr. Dion.  Just when consumer and investor confidence are at the lowest level in recent years, let's throw a little bit of POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY into the mix, and see what that does, shall we? I am very sorry that you lost, and that everyone made fun of your accent and that interview on CTV, but this is neither the time or place for political intrigue. A government needs more than 6 weeks to gain the confidence of Parliament. You're a smart guy, start acting like it.

3) Jack Layton: If you think that the Liberals are any farther from the 'boardroom table' and any closer to the 'kitchen table' than the Conservatives, keep looking. The Liberal party is just as buttressed by big business, and you do your party and your supporters a disservice in the name of political opportunism. I know that this might be your one and only chance for a Cabinet post, but let's try to put the interests of the country first, ok? Also, your mustache makes me want to vomit.

4) Ed Broadbent & Jean Chretien: Go home. We don't need you anymore. Go play cribbage with the other folks at Shady Acres.