Newfoundjoye honors the man of rhyme

Today, I hope you take out time,
To celebrate the man of rhyme,
Whose books I read as a child,
With mouth agape, eyes round and wild.

Of course, I speak of this one man—
Dr. Seuss—of whom I'm a fan.
If you have never tried to read
A book of his, how sad indeed.

Maybe during your break for lunch,
You can try this little Hunch
To find the tale that's right for you.
Now I must work, reader, toodle-loo.

Dr. Seuss Books - get personalized recommendations at Hunch.com

Thursday Traffic | 25 February

Here's some Thursday Traffic fresh from the daily commute. Traffic on the road sucked and there were some issues on the metro, but I am still to work on time and in one piece. "What has my mind wandered into during my commute?" you might ask. I am so glad you asked. I pondered over quite a few things, but one thought in particular seemed like it was worthy of sharing.

I was speaking with a friend about kids "nowadays" earlier this week. First you might argue that at 23 I'm too young to talk about kids nowadays, but there is a big difference between my childhood and the childhood this generation is having. I am part of the generation when parents still talked about walking fifty miles in the snow just to get to school—and in socks or something ridiculous like that. However, since people from my generation are having these kids, they are raising them quite differently than I remember being raised.

The changes are many, but they are really not the kids' faults. Most of today's parents are making up for their childhoods by giving their own children a "good start". Yes, it is good to want the best for your kids, but people have taken it to the extreme. Those who were picked on or bullied about weight and such have almost effectively banned field days and friendly competition in schools. Obesity is like the elephant in the room, but it won't change unless people stop indulging their children and feeding them fast food and other unhealthy dishes. Instead of discipline, it is encouraged to let kids be "unique" and "express" themselves. You can say whatever you want, but a child speaking back to an adult is bad manners. No one is paying to watch a show. Those kids can express themselves on a stage, not when it is inappropriate. This brings me to drugging kids up for being overactive and excited. How long will we medicate children and call that parenting? Of course kids are active. They have more energy than adults do and thus require more attention and work.

Then there is this notion that everything will hurt a kid. I have fallen from several different heights, knocked into doors, slipped down stairs, tripped over my own feet and more in my 23 years of living. Somehow, kids are invincible like that. Don't be so overprotective. I do know that there are dangerous people out there who have the worst intentions for your children, but not everyone wants your kid (I certainly don't). Don't keep them from experiencing life to keep them "safe". Let them take a risk or two, you did, didn't you?

Image via Refined Designer

Wal-Mart will clown around

How fitting, I like clowns as much as I like Wal-Mart. However, who thought that this was a good idea? Am I supposed to feel like shopping there now?

Over-parenting ruins the world

This is what has completely and utterly ruined the world's fun. If you've ever checked out icantbelieveable, you'll be aware of the idea of ugh-dults. If not, read this post, then come back here.

Anyway, I was on Time magazine's website and I ran across an article about "over-parenting". I believe that this has truly changed our society. This generation of parents have become serious worry-worts. The crazy things they did as kids are suddenly off limits for their children. The foods, environment and life they led is too dangerous for their children. Basically, it has become a way to suppress children's imaginations and curiosity. Yes, you should keep an eye on your kids and make sure they are safe, but you can let them have some breathing room.

Image Markus/onesixright

Sunny days

Two words that begin a song that has been running for 40 years as of today. It's Sesame Street's birthday today. The ever-popular kid's show is still running and has been making several changes for the times. Cookie Monster is becoming a vegetarian, there is an AIDS muppet, Elmo always refers to himself in the third person and Oscar isn't as grouchy as he used to be. Although I hate these changes, the idea of the show has remained the same. It is one that I hope is still around when I have kids. This way, I don't have to watch Dora the Explorer or even worse—Yo Gabba Gabba.

This post was brought to you by the letter "N" and the number 13 (just kidding).

Dads

Dads and kids make such a great pair. Something about a dad taking care of a child makes a nice picture and there are several nice ones at DirJournal.

Film Spotlight | 12 and Holding

OoooOooo...the first "film spotlight" on NewfoundJoye! Isn't that lovely? Sorry to burst your bubble, but this isn't a happy-go-lucky film. Instead, what I have to share is a movie about rejection, change, frustration, difficulty, coming-of-age and death. I know, those are some heavy thoughts for a Tuesday. However, 12 and Holding is a very great film—one that is easily overlooked unless you catch it during a moment of channel surfing. I recommend watching it if you get a moment. Perhaps, you will decide to share it with a family member or friend.

Where the stars are...

You know a niche that most people don't realize celebrities are all over? Kid's shows! For example, I was watching The Backyardigans this morning—don't ask—and Alicia Keys was the voice of the martian. While I haven't found a good video of the whole thing, I have found good audio which is below.

Childhood memories | "It" rhymes

Honestly, kids are really great at making up stupid rhymes and such for choosing the person who is "it" during games. The following are my favorites:

Eenie meenie miney mo, Catch a tiger by the toe; if he hollers let him go, eenie meenie miney mo. My mother told me to pick the very best one and you are not it.

Johnny had a booger and it tastes like sugar, what color was it? (person selected chooses color and it is spelled it out)...And you are not it.

Bubblegum, bubblegum in a dish, how many pieces do you wish? (person selected chooses number and it is spelled out)

Did you have a different rhyme? Share it with me.