Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a beloved film from 1968. It’s been made into a musical. It’s lauded as family-friendly fun.
Over the years some people have raised concerns about it’s darker themes. Most often, this has centered around the Child Catcher – the admittedly very creepy villain who, as his name suggests, captures and imprisons children.
But that is not what creeps me out about this film.
Adding to the list of ‘stupid things adults have said to my kids recently’ is the line of questioning a dear friend subjected my daughter to.
‘ BabyGirl, do you have a boyfriend?’
‘BabyGirl, do you want a boyfriend?’
‘BabyGirl, are there any nice boys in your playgroup?’
Here’s the thing, I’m guessing it was not when you were a baby. Yet I recently saw this item of clothing being marketed to the 0 – 24 month set.
Let’s let that sink in for a moment.
Continuing from my most recent post on how it is not my children’s job to entertain visitors, I have another, more serious, observation: my children’s affection is not a commodity.
Out with some friends, my children were subjected to a barrage of requests for faux affection.
Sometimes, two things are incongruous for a reason. The photo below shows this all too clearly.
Photo sourced from style.com
Sometimes, other adults seem to have no idea how to treat children.
Recently, we met up with some friends. Some of whom have their own children. And my mother-in-law.
I was appalled at how some of the adults felt that it was the job of my children to entertain them.
From the front lines of the gender divide in Toyland, I bring you this new report.
Recently, I wanted to order some personalized puzzles for BabyBoy and BabyGirl. There are several companies out there which will make a puzzle out of the letters of your child’s name, which I thought was both cute and mildly educational. Continue reading
Blame it on society, guilt or some weird conspiracy to keep women in their place (!)….but there’s no denying that there is a pervasive concept that motherhood is somehow all-fulfilling for women, and that a ‘good mom’ is one who sacrifices herself, her time, her health, her being for her kids.
(Ever hear that about fatherhood? But I digress.)
But, and I cannot stress this too strongly, that is a myth. Continue reading
Over the past year I shifted my post-pregnancy weight. Quite dramatically apparently – everyone comments on it.
And these does two things. Continue reading
It’s one of the most pivotal things you can model for your children – if you want them to love their bodies, you’ve got to love your own.
At least in front of your kids.
afterninemonths 