(My kid-in-a-box)
Why does Toys “R” Us have to run this annoying commercial 24/7? WHY?
And why does my child run to the TV each time it airs? WHY?
And why must I endure the torture of listening to said child end every sentence with a husky baritone: “WHY! WHY! WHY!”
Guess which company I won’t be patronizing this holiday season?
You know WHY?
Why would I want to shop there now? WHY?
Oh. Right. All those fabulous deals on toys that will hopefully keep my kid’s attention at least until New Year’s Eve… or until she sees another commercial advertising the latest and greatest piece of dust-collecting plastic.
If I could get back a fraction of the money I’ve spent on Christmas trinkets that my daughter is now completely disinterested in, I’d be the proud owner of the ultimate Mommy toy–a Dyson.
All that money I shed blood, sweat and tears to earn, so that I could turn around and spend it on pricey playthings… WHY?
I could have just as easily given my kid an empty box and she’d been just as happy.
Earlier this evening, NBC Nightly News race a piece on how parents need to get a clue when it comes to keeping their kids entertained. According to the subjects featured in the story, there’s no need for moms and dads to drain their wallets purchasing $150 Ninjago Epic Dragon Battle Lego sets, $200 Leap Pad Explorers, and $300 remote control helicopters.
Just give kids a big, empty box and let their imaginations soar.
A CHEAP, big, empty box that they can turn into a house, castle, hotel, school bus, igloo or operating table.
Don’t think I’m not contemplating putting a few of the cardboard wonders under the tree this year.
Of course, there’s always the chance my plan could backfire. After all, what kind of emotional scars will I be causing if I force my kid to admit to her classmates that all she got for Christmas was a gigantic U-Haul wardrobe box minus the metal rod?
Professional counseling is very expensive.
On second thought, maybe I will spring for that iPad.
(Thinking inside the box)
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