A Child's Best Friend....Epinions Helping Hands ~*~Write-Off~*~
Nov 04 '00
This review is done as part of a write-off called Epinion’s Helping Hands. Thank you bgoodday for hosting this wonderful write off.
All of the participants have so generously decided to contribute all money earned from this write-off to help someone in need. They have written in a variety of areas but the common denominator is that we will make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate then ourselves. All the monies that I receive for the months of November and December will help bring happiness to a 4-year-old little girl’s Christmas morning.
If you would like to help someone in need this year but were not able to participate in this write-off, you can do so by reading as many of these reviews as possible. Please take a minute out of your day to help another.
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This is a memorial to 4 very special friends in my family’s life. Jessica, Fred, George, and Inky Ert…Inky Ert, now that is an odd name for a person. Oh wait…these aren’t people, they are objects, I tend to forget because they have brought such happiness, humor and love into our home.
Jessica was my oldest daughter’s favorite blanket as a toddler. She was a warm fuzzy pink blanket with the soft satin edges. Jessica went every where Sissy went. To Nan’s to spend the night, on car trips, to the doctors, through mud puddles, and even in the bath tub a couple of times. Sissy would bury her little face in Jessica’s softness to hide her fears, to stifle a giggle, to dry her tears, and to nestle down for the night. Today, Jessica sits upon my daughter’s pillows, lovingly folded free of wrinkles yet definitely showing her age.
Fred was my sixteen-year-old son’s fuzzy teddy bear. Until my son was 6, Fred was by his side through thick and thin. My son didn't want a pillow when he was younger, Fred fit the purpose just fine. While sleeping in the middle of the night, if Fred fell out of bed, Nate would sleep on the floor with him. Fred joined us for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He had to have his own high chair at McDonald’s, and if Fred needed a bath, my son would patiently wait by the washer and dryer until Fred was done. Today, Fred is lacking his soft fur and only has one eye, but he sits proudly on a shelf amongst trophies and ribbons.
OHHH…good old George! Even with those long dangling legs, droopy ears, cotton tail and innocent eyes, he was the family’s nightmare. He was the co-conspirator to my 12-year-old son’s talent for getting into trouble. What Billy didn’t think of doing, George did. Ask Billy who broke the radio, George did. Who gave the cat a bath in toilet, good old George again. Who dried the tear from all the scrapes, cuts and bruises, loving George. George and Billy shared many exciting adventures and at night, George slept peacefully in my son’s arms. Today, George still gets blamed for things (my son likes to tease), he no longer sleeps in my sons arms, but sits quietly on a chair to keep an eye on his co-conspirator.
The terrifying Inky Ert…This little guy has sent grown adults in a mad scramble, flipping cushions, crawling on their hands and knees. Our children running through the house calling Binky Alert! So, Michael started calling his friend the pacifier, Inky Ert. We had Inky Ert1, Inky Ert2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. Each one owned this house when it came to sanity of the parents and the happiness of one little boy. At nap times, bed times, fussy times, and boo boo times, Inky Ert was called to duty. If my son wasn’t using it, it was neatly placed in his pocket. He liked the comfort of knowing Inky Ert was there. Then one day, Michael became a big boy and Inky Ert left our lives to go live with our son’s new cousin.
Each one of our children’s friends was an important part of their lives and our family. Our children learned how to care for their friends, cherished them, and in a way learned how to be responsible for them. We, as their parents, never had a problem with childhood security blankets, toys, and pacifiers. They can help a child through a scary night, a small bump or bruise, or a sad day. Nor did we have a set rule when they were to old to have their security blankets, toys or pacifiers.
When did we wean them from their friends? When the items became a hindrance to our children’s well being. With our pacifier baby, I was afraid it would affect his speech. Before my sister’s new baby came, we talked a lot about Michael being the big boy, left him help box all of his old things for the new baby, and what babies need. The day he gave Inky Ert up, was the day my nephew was crying and Michael took it out of his pocket and gave it to the baby. I will admit he was to old to have a pacifier (18months) but Inky Ert mainly was in his pocket until he gave it to the baby. I didn’t force him, but I am convinced all of our little talks helped in his decision.
As for the blanket, teddy bear, and gray rabbit, my children weaned themselves. Slowly their interests changed from security items to Tonka trucks, tricycles, and roller skates. As children grow, they begin to understand their surrounding and situations. They become comfortable and start to replace these items by themselves. If your child is happy and secure with their blanket or toy, why disrupt their little lives because someone thinks they are to old for it? Your child will out grow it when the time is right for them. One way to look at it, Have you ever seen a child graduate school with a security blanket? Smiles, weaning will be much easier and relaxed on a child if “HE” is ready to part with his crutch. For parents, talk about being the big boy or girl, and how a baby needs things because they are little. After you child falls asleep, remove the item to a chair or nightstand. This way if your child wakes up they will see it. Weaning is a slow process. Main thing is give your child time to adjust and the separation will be easier.
I am honored to present you with the list of people who have decided to participate with me in this Helping Hands Write-Off.
alwaysstubborn, amykhar, argonut, bgoodday, bluehawg, bluesky2, bmcnichol, bops_mom, broadwaybaby, bunnyjav, caleo, canne, ceeJay62, cntaur5, conradd, cutie_pi, cyndiA, dani257, dannyzmom, darkmistress, diverpam, dreamcatcher39, dunkjam, emeleel, francesca57, frani49, gracef, grumpifrog, gypsyrose75, jcellis, jenni1396, jimdaisy, jo.com, joubert, katetpz, kelly60, kimmiekg, kristennc, kyhiera, lildev, maddi, meanbeast, merlot, mimi369, mmounsey, monicaL2me, mskills, mspooh5, MumMumMum, pantazis5, pianomam, prepoia, rmartin_cpa, roadiem, shanny21, soxfan, sugarbugg23, suzig, taurusmoon, thinkerlady, tipu, viper1963, wavesandshells, wickedgood, and wildbillm.
Thank you all for reading and for helping us to help another.
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Epinions.com ID:
maddi
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Maddison_chaos
Location: Small town, Ohio
Reviews written: 78
Trusted by: 78 members
About Me:
Smalltown USA girl, loves to travel, comfortable in cowboy boots, loves Lobster and J.ROGET!
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