The Ellendale Days parade has always impressed me, not for it’s grandeur but because of hometown effort with people and floats and other attractions from their own community.
I know it's the fun thing for the children, but throwing candy has always been debatable for me. It could be a safety issue, plus I think that treats should be given out by hand. I question the practice of throwing candy in the street. What are we teaching the children?
We are told to remove our shoes at the door in people’s homes because of the high rate of bacteria they bring into our homes. We also teach our children not to pick up food items from the floor and eat it.
When we take them to a parade we allow them to scoop up goodies by the handful from the dirty street. Yes, I know they are wrapped and clean, but it is contrary to what we teach our children. Isn't it?
The kids are so busy looking for the candy that may be thrown that they are not looking at and appreciating what is in the parade.
In an effort to stop childhood obesity, we tell them that candy isn't good for them because it is loaded with sugar, and yet we allow them free candy as a part of the parade. We also send our kids out trick or treating on Halloween for candy. Yes, we can ration out the treats over a period of time. But do we?
Also, depending on where we let them go (and one should always go with them) what does, "Don't talk or take anything from strangers," mean? Yet, in a sense, we often break the rules so to speak because we may know the people that are offering them treats but the kids don't.
Once again, the kids get so interested in the candy treats that are being offered to them they don't really acknowledge the person handing it out. We could try giving something inedible and safer, but those little beggars or scavengers have been brain washed since toddlers to expect sweet treats.
I have noticed that the stores have been winding up with an over abundance of goodies. Are they buying more or selling less? Are people acknowledging the not-so-healthy eating habits?
Kids will think I am a real killjoy, spoiling their fun, but I haven't even started in on the qualities of soda pop. How do we teach them to appreciate the good taste of sparkling water?
A good science project would be showing how much sugar is in flavored beverages and how much damage that sugar can do — and I am not talking about the added weight it way cause.
Save those things for a treat? Never call them a treat. It makes them think it is something special; an award.
In the old days, the rule was to clean your plate. That has changed for the better. We tend to put smaller portions on plates and only suggest that our children eat bites to try.
When a friend of mine had problems with her picky little eater and asked the doctor what she should do, he told her not to worry. Better to have good food available and limit it to that.
He said they’ll eat when they are hungry. The more fuss we make about eating habits, the kids will use their powers that be to push us.
Children aren't dumb. You can talk to them and they understand why some foods aren't their best bet. The waitress almost dropped her teeth when my little granddaughter, Morgan, ordered broccoli for dinner.
Never say, “Ick," about food you want your kids to eat. If papa doesn't want it, junior won't either.
Same thing goes for things they should eat. If mama makes it and papa eats it, more than likely princess will too. But of course we catch ourselves serving things we like best!
When the kids wouldn't eat something my mother always said, “I guess you aren't old enough to like that yet,” thinking that they would want to try it. The child answered, "I'll just wait ‘til I am old enough."
It is no surprise that we have to look to the younger generation for help with electronic devices. They've known since birth how to manipulate Mom, Dad and the grandparents.
It just comes natural and let's face it — we love it! Nothing is more precious than your children except their children.
Habits too! Don't expect kids to clean up their mess, put things and clothes away, brush teeth and hair and go to bed on time if you don't. If you want your child to drink water, do the same. It isn't going to hurt you!
Then there is that little one who is anxious not to leave her parents lap so she sits quietly watching the others having a free for all. Meanwhile, everyone tries to coax them from their security lap to join the others. Adults at the same time are admonishing the livewires to be quieter and less aggressive.
Let's face it: there's only one perfect child in the world, and every family has it.
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If you have news please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405
• Thursday, August 9th: Warren & Solveig Sorenson, Aaron & Mickki Heimer, Linda Wayne, Mavis Knudtson, Steven LeRoy Christensen, Cherie Halla, Karen Holmes, Amber Nordland, Angie Reichl, Dustin Jepson, Sierra Ellen Misgen, Josiah Jeffrey Schei, Christopher Quentin Haberman.
• Friday, August 10th: Lynn Arends, Linda Weckwerth, Teresa Wright, Jeff Olson, Vernon Cornelius, Michelle Brandt, Richelle Butler Chapman, Melisssa Cornelius Large, Dustin Dobberstein, Thayne Nordland, Cheyenne Bergerson, Ross & Kathie Lein, Steve & Kathy Nelson, Darrin & Linda Stadheim.
• Saturday, August 11th: Nicole & Dallas Loken, Brian Broulik, Vicki Humburg, Jeremy Kaiser, Mike Plunkett, Kris Simon Freitas, Sharon Sorenson, Kim Anderson Schneider, Brian Thostenson, Irvin Jensen Jr., Kevin Avery, Luke Clark Wangsness, Pagie Sophia Kromminga.
• Sunday, August 12th: Linda & LaVerne Stieglbauer, Shawna Robertson, Tessa Christensen, Kristine Schroeder, Cindy Oswald, Cindy Nelson, Cynthia Crabtree, Thomas Smith, Ross Swearingen, Genie Hanson, Amy Tasker.
• Monday, August 13th: Dennis Deml, Tim Enzenauer, David Haddy, Bob Brandt, Lisa Dummer, Megan Dummer, Janet Hope, Kellie Petranek, Sylvia Jepson, Saxton Chad Ritz.
• Tuesday, August 14th: David & Carrie Paulson, Mark Sorenson, Lucille Nechanicky, Gretchen Oswald Thompson, Peter Kasper, Leah Berg, Wes Neidermeier, Alison & Chad Muilenburg.
• Wednesday, August 15th: Roger Wayne, Obert Osmundson, Kaye Dee Hanson, Nancy Nelson, Stephanie Peterson, Rhonda Shelton, Cade Shelton, Brian Warnke, Dorrie Horan, Michael Suelter, Larry & Kathleen Jensen, Kellie Benning, Brian Warnke, Maverick Harold Knutson.
Wishing you much happiness on your special day!
