Mothering Many

It’s birthday party time here at Chez Many, and while we usually indicate “no presents” for parties, we did not get the word out for Spidey’s party, and one of his guests brought him the coolest toy. Let me just say that what Corvette spoilers are to the man, so Hot Wheels accessories are to the boy. He got the V-Drop Super Velocity Track Set, and it was put together and played with at. the. party. Ice cream was left for this toy, ya’ll. By 8 year olds.

Obviously, I can’t speak as to longevity at this point, but for now, this toy is a winner.

Sometime ago, like in October, which was three lifetimes in the past, I attended some training sessions for my role as Cub Master. As part of that we covered the ages and stages boys go through as they move through scouting, and I knew at the time I wanted to discuss it here for ya’l, but as things tend to do, it just slipped through the cracks. Except!! I have been writing a massive to-do list (when I finally got started on it today, it totaled 6.5 pages, that’s practically a mattress ya’ll), and guess what? That’s right, typing this post was on it. Along with many other things, HA! Anyway, here we go.

Seven year olds have a very difficult time with time. They have no concept of “later”, life is now or never. They are also very literal.

Nine year olds are into verbal violence. Dork, retard, and I’m going to kill you are real high on their list of cute things to say (personal experience indicates that this phase can last well into the teen years).

Eleven years olds need clear instructions, preferably just a few steps at a time. “Clear the table” may be more than they can handle, but they can certainly handle the job if it’s broken down for them.

Thirteen year olds are all about the fair. They want to make sure that everyone is treated equally (experience indicated that this phase can begin as early as eight in some kids).

Sixteen year olds are able to understand rules and their function. They are good with younger kids and able to think of others.

Eighteen year olds are beginning to show even more adult skills. They can delay gratification, compromise and set goals (and work toward them).

Nope, this one is not a repeat of number one. It just so happens that when I went to get the Turtle Cookie Dough I had talked about previously there was none to be had in the store. There wasn’t even a slot for it. It was as if I had dreamed it or something, and I was sorely disappointed. In fact, I was sore right up until I hit the chip aisle, and saw chocolate and caramel chips. Like combined, with chocolate and caramel in the same chip. Umm-hmm, I said to myself. Oh yes, I said. And so I bought them. And I came home, and I followed the TollHouse cookie recipe, except I used the chocolate caramel chips and the roasted pecans I had made, and let me tell you: THIS IS A COOKIE! This may in fact be the world’s perfectest cookie. Truly.

Totally worth the plate real estate it occupies.