Not all family fun has to come from technology
Well, the decorations are taken down and put away. The weather is cold, or rainy or just unpredictable. My grandmother called this “quiltin’” weather. I have vivid memories of her and momma cutting out quilt pieces. It always amazed me at the stories those quilts told.
My grandmother was an original recycler. If anything had a bit of use left, she could and would use it, including things like clothes she or my grandfather didn’t wear anymore and, of course, leftover bits of fabric from other sewing projects.
I watched as they cut the pieces and I would be reminded of my grandmother cooking Sunday dinners. I could see her at family reunions visiting with my aunts and uncles. As I sorted pieces into their proper places, memories would suddenly surface of stories my grandfather told about a favorite hunting dog while wearing a particular shirt. I could be carried away for hours at a time listening to momma and grandma talk and tell stories as they repurposed clothes.
There are times I believe the children of today are being cheated. They have more things than ever to occupy their time. At home children have game systems like Nintendo 360s, Wiis, Playstations, and cable or satellite TV with 300 or more stations. For children on the go, there are Nintendo DSs and younger and younger children are getting cell phones that can connect with the internet just about anywhere. I’m not saying this stuff is bad. In fact, I think it’s wonderful. I love to have the latest “gadget” as my momma and daddy call it.
However, I do think all this stuff has robbed our children of boredom. Yes, boredom. Why did I sort quilt pieces? There wasn’t anything else to do!
My grandmother’s TV received two stations, maybe three if the weather was just right. If I had had the opportunity to watch something or play a handheld game of some sort would I have? You betcha. Would I have missed out on some precious memories? Yes, I would have.
I’m not saying we should give up our electronics. However, I do think it’s important to make sure there are opportunities for our children to gather memories and connect with their past. Of course, there are many different ways to do that. I have found when we play games stories just seem to naturally occur.
Sorting through pictures is another terrific way to start discussions. I was going through jewelry one day when one of the girls asked where I had gotten a certain pair of earrings.
Another time I was researching an ancestor for one of my aunts and a discussion with one of my kids started with, “Can I have the computer?” and I responded with “No, I’m trying to find something for Aunt Janie.” The discussion grew from there.
As much as I think it is important to share our personal/family history with our children, we can’t force it. We have to find natural ways to share. If you just sit down and say, “Hey I want to tell you a story.” It is not going to work especially if the kids are close to teenage years. So look for those “teachable” moments like when you are cleaning out a closet or going through pictures.
I hope in this New Year to get a chance to share memories with your children and make some memories for them to some day share with their children. If you have a question or comment for Mom’s Corner, please e-mail it to: moms-corner@juno.com.
