Go Fetch By Linda Stowe
When I was a kid one of my primary uses was to open the gate or garage door or to go fetch things. It didn’t matter who the adult was who needed these things opened or fetched, whatever kid was in the vicinity would be called into service. No use complaining about it, that was how things were.
I thought about this yesterday as I was reading an article about common traits of children of helicopter parents. This was not an in-depth study of the topic, but it was probably on target. Children raised by parents who were over-involved in their upbringing are more likely to struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, and a lack of self-reliance and coping skills. This can lead to difficulties with decision-making, problem-solving, and navigating adult life.
Asking a kid to open a gate or go find a screwdriver lets the child develop a sense of accomplishment and the feeling of being a depended upon member of the group. I wonder what lessons the children of helicopter parents will teach their own children.
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Polly here.
You know? I had forgotten about this, but it was true in our household too. “Get out of the car and open the garage door, Polly. Change the channel on the TV, Polly. Go downstairs and get a hammer, Polly.”
We were called upon to do things, no matter the time or the place. I bet Linda is right when she said that this gave us a sense of what it was like to see a task to completion. Even though these things were small.
Today, if parents ask kids to do something, they grumble and complain. At least, in my small window of experience. There seems to be a great movement called entitlement. I think so many young people believe that they deserve certain privileges, special treatment, or rewards. Whether or not they’ve actually earned them.
I think there is a lot to be said for earning our way. I think the world would be a better place if more people took responsibility for themselves and their actions.
