Friday, December 05, 2008

Want this. Want this one.

Nothing like a little greed to start the holiday season.

The youngest member of our family has recently undergone a classy word explosion. Want this. Mine. I want this. Want this one. Awesome. Mama, want this. Mine. Mine. Mine! Want this one. Want this awesome. Mine. I hear it all day long. Just in time for the holidays.

I have been scratching my head all week long trying to figure out how she stumbled across those phrases. "I want this one" has never come out of my mouth (ahem, well, at least not in her presence) and she's practically attached to my hip.

As I was cleaning up after dinner yesterday I glanced over and saw all three kids quietly glued to the television watching the holiday Shrek special I recorded. And then the commercials rolled.... Polly Pockets Race to the Mall "Mama, I want that" Lola screamed and then a Ben 10 watch commercial "Awesome, Mom. I want that" and then a commercial for baby life insurance and Fifi squeaked "Want this" and also a very animated "aaaaaawesome.... baby."

They have been told that their letters have already reached the North Pole to which Lola suggested that we send Santa an e-mail with revisions to which I replied that Santa doesn't get a good Internet connection in the North Pole. I think I am safe, for now. As their mother, I know that they aren't greedy just a little excited since they don't get toys outside of their birthdays or special events like surgeries and when mommy skips town alone without them. Jay and Lola both know that their lists have to be perfect because of this.

"Mine" has also made it's debut from the mouth of Fifi, probably because nothing is really hers. It's either Jay's Legos or Lola's Barbies and the Fifi just ping pongs between them both searching for her own place. All three kids were invited to a neighbor's birthday party the other day and all three received goody bags. This was Fifi's very first goody bag.

"Mine?" Fifi asked when presented with a purple tote. "Tank you."

"Mine!!!" She screamed as I tried to take it away from her at bed time. "Want this awesome. Mine!!!" I did manage to remove the necklace for her personal safety while sleeping, but the rest she slept with and religiously carried the next day.

Sorry for the blown out photo. Try taking a picture of a mischievous third child minutes before bath time, It proves to be difficult. Speaking of pictures. I have revealed my 2008 Christmas photo card here and you can enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Pear Tree Greetings by leaving me a comment here.

19 more days of hearing "want this" and "want this one" could possibly result in a full head of gray hair. I could turn the TV off each afternoon, during that lovely bewitching hour before bedtime that I count on it for, but that would result in me pulling out all of my hair.

Do you know of any fables, stories, poems, or books for younger children that focus on greed? Or perhaps a store where I can purchase a classy hat for the meantime? I could also rock a blonde wig.

Because. I want. I need.

58classy comments:

Unknown said...

My darling is using the phrases "I want!" and "mine" at least a hundred times a day. I am just glad he's finally talking, but he needs to expand his vocabulary a bit before I go crazy with the "I want's"!

Val said...

When my youngest was 3 it was driving me crazy, him asking for everything he saw. I just started saying put it on your list. Ever since that's what he does. No whining, fighting or anything. He knows it's on his list. Whether he gets it or not I don't think he really cares, just to know it's on his list. Oh yeah, the list carries over to his birthday in Feb.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

We have a Mercer Mayer book called "Just a Toy". Its pretty good.

I'm dreading the day Will starts saying things like "mine". Right now I love it that he's the quiet one...soon, though, very soon!

(I love that she calls it an 'awesome' - not a pretty, an 'awesome'. I need me some more awesome!)

Rhea said...

A classy hat and a blond wig?! I'm intrigued.

Fifi is adorable. And it is cute how the kids want every single commercial they see...cute for the first day or so.

I'll keep an eye out for greed books.

Dennis and Leslie said...

She is sooo cute with her matching bow!!! How can you tell that face no????

Caroline C. Bingham said...

They learn so young. sniff. sniff. Just be thankful it's still polly pockets and not ipods.

Melissa ♥ Spoiled Mommy said...

Yep-I have a 2yr old...well she will be 3 in Feb. thats says the same thing...so I am in the same boat as you!! Thanks to the lovelt commercials she wants the "baby that pees, that comes w/a toilet, & brushes her teeth". Thats what I hear everyday & more!
So if you find that magical book-let me know! ;)

Rachel said...

But she's precious mommy. ;-)

We are very non material and yet they frequently use those phrases and want it all. Our materialistic society soaks through everything.

Keep up the good fight darlin'.

Cynthia said...

Ugh...I am in exactly the same boat with Miss Peach. She wants everything:P
It is exhausting saying "no" all day...exhausting. This is why my hair is going grey...bummer:(

AutoSysGene said...

Ah yes, it's that most wonderful time of the year again, huh?

I just have to say that picture of Fifi whether blown out or not is adorable....if she looked at me with those big eyes and said "I want" I'm pretty sure she would get..:)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I am exactly in the same boat you are...I hear "mine" more times in a day than anyone can count!!

I will be watching your comments for book suggestions!

Just went over and checked out your card.....BEAUTIFUL!! I love it and it is so you!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I almost forgot...I am loving the chocolate brown and white polka dot attire on Fifi. I am a sucker for anything polka dot!!

JustADad said...

One of my favorite stories about "want" is "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble." It is actually more of a "be careful of what you wish for" story, but it might work...

I am SO glad I stumbled upon your blog oh so long ago...as I recall, you had me at "Syrah."

Anonymous said...

I think you said it perfectly- it is not greed, it is excitement. There is a big difference.

I just have to laugh at my kids with the commercials because they take them so literally. They very seriously report to me the wonders of things I might need like carpet sweepers and pancake makers.

Flea said...

Rent the Muppet's Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a wonderful character. There's also the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't it Midas and the golden touch? That focuses on greed.

Kat said...

Scrooge, yes! That's a good one.

tiarastantrums said...

ha ha - very cute indeed! I hear from baby girl - "Mama, can I buy dis"

Anonymous said...

Commercials are killer. So is Fifi with her adorable bow in her hair and a purse in her hand. Cute!

Zoeyjane said...

What about taking the kiddos to the toy store for the specific purpose of picking out a toy for Toys for Tots or something like that. Making a lesson out of giving to someone who isn't going to get a whole list chance? I dunno. I'm pretty lucky, not having the commercials kicking around - we just do DVDs and VHS, so that whole marketing towards children thing has resulted in her only wanting the things that are MINE or OURS or already 'SOs!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I love, love, love that she throws 'awesome' into everything! That is just adorable.
We're having to get Spiderman out of this habit of wanting everything. I know his mother didn't buy him stuff all the time, but for some reason every time we go into a store he asks for something. I explained to him that it just doesn't work that way!

Anonymous said...

I think we do the same style in parenting, where we only give gifts during Birthdays and Christmas, right? I find that the anticipation is mounted for that reason. Though making them more grateful. Just So Stories by Rudyard Kippling has one in the compilation about greed. I will quiz brainiac about which on it is.

Unknown said...

It is so old school but check out the Bernstein Bears series...def. would have one that is appropriate to the situation :)

amanda said...

i have to agree with loads of other commenters. I LOVE the brown outfit...and matching bow of course! So cute. maybe it's because we don't do santa, but our girls haven't really gone crazy over toys on tv. who knows. all i know is that i'm glad they don't!! :0)

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Corinne shouts out "Santa's buying dat for me! And DAT! OOOOH and dat one!" Yes. It is rotten. And in stores, we have the same conversation"

"Oooh! I want that! I want that for Christmas!"

To which I reply that it sounds rude and greedy. They need to say "That looks cool! I would LIKE that." Sounds less spoiled...

I love how she talks. I want that awesome... :)

Lisa said...

I dunno about a book. I'll rack my tired Mama brain & try to think of one....but in the meantime, your kids are just normal. Everyone's getting a little starry eyed over the greed they see at Christmas. I know you are a wonderful mom that teaches them daily what it's really all about....and that's what they'll take away!

GypsiAdventure said...

Oh - they grow up so quickly, especially with older siblings...
~K

Courtney said...

Love all the commercials this time of year so all I hear is, "Hey I want that!"

Tyne said...

I am with you...

Anonymous said...

Yes, Peanut who is 2 is also saying "it's mine" or "I want". She is not really exposed to commercials but she hears Pookie saying this so she picks it up. I think it is also born into them when they turn two everything is theirs.

We are giving a bunch of stuff away to charity and I am cleaning out the girls older toys that they do not play with anymore to give to children who don't have anything.

One thing I tried to do was have Pookie go through her animals and dolls that she never plays with and give something away. No, she screamed then she sat in the floor and cried. I did get her to give her sleeping bag away. She has not used it in years and it is practically new.

I want to know how you get your kids to give their stuff away. Maybe at six I am asking too much but she has five dolls she never plays with and 30 or more stuffed animals. I just think you should donate some of those to children who would enjoy playing with them.

Any suggestions?

I want to to promote that generous, giving spirit all year long but especially at he holidays. I have 8 or 9 bags of clothes, toys and other things that are very nice. It is hard to let go sometimes but I love giving and since money is tight and we have an abundance of stuff it is another way to give. I pray my girls will get that same "giving spirit".

mwshores@bellsouth.net

Unknown said...

So cute. Her words and her picture.

I remember how taken I used to be with the toy commercials when I was a kid.

And these days, I still have a lot of "Want this awesome. Mine" items myself... ; )

Stephanie said...

What a cute little fifi! Love the bow!

My Punky has decided everything on TV is what she wants for Christmas, her latest is the Disney princess talking nursery...OH MY WORD, $150 for that!!! When I tell her she will probably get many other fun things other than that, she says, "But Mommy, I want to open THAT on Christmas." HEARTBREAKING! But still no.

And if it's a boy toy, she'll say, "Mommy, CHICKEN wants that for Christmas!" Yet, Chicken rounds the corner wearing her tutu and dress shoes...somehow I doubt.

justsomethoughts... said...

i guess youre stuck then. it sounds like it's either grey hair or no hair. personally i'd go for the grey. sinead o'cconnor wasn't my cup of tea...

Anonymous said...

I have nothing. But you made me chuckle with the wig thing.. I think you know why.. :)

Don Mills Diva said...

Blown out or not that picture is awesome.

Girl has attitude in spades.

Marmarbug said...

I am experiencing the SAME thing. Blame advertisers. Bean wants EVERYTHING he sees. Funny enough he even wants the girl stuff. So yes. EVERYTHING!
Ay-yi-yi

Unknown said...

I'll write you a fairy tale, over the weekend and send it to you on Monday. Just because I love you and I don't want to see you bald. Or in a wig. or with that crazed, glassy-eyed look that Moms seem to acquire this time of year. Maybe Sunday. Maybe I'll send it on Sunday. Just because.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Your card is precious.

I've tried to convince Izzy that "mine" and "my" are bad words. She doesn't agree.

When you find that book/poem, etc, please let me know. We're going to need it here, too!

Tara R. said...

I still have those "I want" issues with my son, it's just bigger toys now.

Fifi looks adorable with her Goody Bag treasures.

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

Its cute that you think it will only last til Christmas!!! I am still waiting for my 9 year old to stop and she's passed a lot of Christmas Days!!!

Blessings From Above said...

I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but unfortunately I am in the same boat.

Fifi looks absolutely adorable with the brown bow in her hair. Little girls are so much fun to dress.

Anonymous said...

There is a book called The Christmas Orange that focuses on what you discussed in your post. It's by Don Gillmor.

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

Oh, been there.

There is a fun Elmo movie that talks about sharing, it's Elmo in Grouchland. It has really lovely songs in it, too! And then there is a lovely book I got recently, I had to look it up because I couldn't locate the book but now I found it, it's called "Kiki's Hats". It's a really nice book and easy for young children, too :-) I hope this helps!

Miss Lisa said...

There's Veggie Tale episode called "The Toy that Saved Christmas" it might help your older kids but there's not too much you can do for a toddler :(
She looks cute though!

carrie said...

Dude, if I hear "I want" one more time, I will be joining you in the hair pulling out ritual otherwise known as "mommy's lost her ever-lovin' mind!"

I do love that part about the letters having alread reached the North Pole, therefore no more asking . . .

Jennifer said...

your little girl is such a cutie pie:P

dianna said...

I am feeling you on this one*!*
My 2 yr old is starting to understand what happens on Christmas (not the actual meaning yet) and yep, I'm starting to hear all of those same comments. All I can say is thank goodness for NoGGIN*!*
No Commercials*!*
yippee

Karen MEG said...

You're too funny...although you'd look just as gorgeous as a blonde ;).

So we've been getting ... "Mommy I want that for Christmas PLEEEEEZW ..." 'Mommy can I have that for my birthday PLEEEEEZE?" for about a month now. The trouble is that the girlie's birthday is 3 days before Christmas, she's going to get an avalanche of presents because she's at that cute age, you know? Just started this year because she only watched non-commercial treehouse TV until she started wanting to watch everything with her big brother.

I like ZJ's idea, and it's all in the spirit of Christmas.

Missives From Suburbia said...

We are already at the "mine" stage, and I dread the "I want" portion of the motherhood program. I suspect that's next year, right? At age 3?

Anonymous said...

When I was a kid, my mam used to say my most commonly used phrase was "I want, I need, I have to have!" (Usually in the supermarket, 3 seconds before I threw myself on the floor and started screaming...)

Don't worry - I grew out of it...
(well, most of it anyway!)

;-)

Kaci said...

I have a hard time telling El no!! Especially when the lip goes a quiverin'!! AWHHHH!

Maggie, Dammit said...

My 3-year-old can recite every single commercial on Nickelodean. It's awful.

Mom2Amara said...

I hate to say it but I'm part of the problem! I have the "I wants" -- because I want a Flip minoHD sooooo bad!! I've totally been whining. Not a very good role model, eh?

April said...

That's one of the reasons that Noggin and PBS Sproutlets are my two fave channels - almost no commercials!
Sylvia's favorite phrase right now? "It's not fair." Last night, I'd heard it 10 too many times and made her clean her room!

Katie Ryan said...

You know, I've been having the same problem, except it's me that's saying "I want," I want," "I want."

Anonymous said...

see why I am so happy X-mas season is almost over????
hehehehehehe :)

Jaina said...

I'm sure I've seen good books for this sort of thing, but all I'm coming up with at the moment is the story of the boy who cried wolf, and that's not exactly the right kind of story for this one.

Clare said...

bradley hasn't started that yet, i think because he doesn't have an older sibling to teach him. i think we all did this as kids, i know i did. i think it doesn't mean they are greedy, just really excited. btw, i love the part about sending santa an email. hilarious!

 

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