Took the kids to the playground today. Hate that. Not the playground itself, but the theatre that goes on amongst parents. They just can never behave normally. At least in my local parks. They are always so hyper, on an almost E-induced ecstasy when it comes to their offspring's little physical activities. It's always all so super, so well done, and fanstastic, so wow, you are a star, so great everything. And no matter if it is only a few swings by a drowsy tod, no matter if it's some clumsy and half-way-brought-to a halt attempt on a 20 inch slide, anything the little 'brats' do always have to be accompanied by louder than usual gushes of excitement. All produced by the parents, naturally. The children normally remain either silent or get fits of tantrums. And who wouldn't?
Is that how little kiddies are being brought up to be confident grown-ups in the UK? I suspect that is the intention. To bring up children who truly, no matter what the truth is, believe in themselves, and believe in being a great star (food for thought for Simon C.? :-)
And the results of it all? Dubious, I would say, at the very least. Having lived in England for more than 10 years, I'd say the English are rather shy and uncertain of other members of public, the smile is OK but words are intrusion mentality must have something to do with the traumatic amounts of embarassment they endured at the tender age of playground games.
By the way, I don't play that 'wow, you're so great' game with my own kids. All they hear from me is: get on with it and be careful not to break your leg, or neck, or your arm, and don't let go cause you'll smash your tender skull in smithereens. He he he ....hope the conspiring universe won't take it as a wish..
