Just Don’t Call Me Late for Supper: Addressing Adults

When I was growing up, the only adults that I called by their first names were a handful of my parents’ best friends.  I don’t know that my parents had a strong opinion on the subject; this was just what everyone did.  I called my friends’ parents “Mrs. Mitchell,” or “Mr. Dickinson,” and I still call most of them by their last names thirty years later. 

I initially set this rule with my own kids, but times have changed.  Almost all of my friends introduce me to their children as “Ms. Wanda” or just plain “Wanda.”  When I refer to them as “Mrs. Lastname” they quickly correct me or just look uncomfortable.  I’ve come to expect that my kids will only call adults by their last names one time before they’re corrected. 

I don’t think this is necessarily a Southern “thing,” since I’ve heard the same comment from friends in other states.  Maybe the rules change when children reach elementary school age, when teachers are routinely called by their last names. 

So who cares?  On the one hand, it’s not a big deal.  It’s nice that children feel comfortable with adults, and kids can be intimidated by too much formality.  From our adult point of view, being a “Mr.” or “Mrs.” or – God forbid – a “ma’am” makes us feel old and un-cool. 

On the other hand, formality has its place.  Calling adults by their last names emphasizes respect and sets adults apart from children.  Kids thrive on order and routine, and establishing adults’ authority gives kids a sense of security, safety, and limits.  It’s in the same vein as “I’m not your friend, I’m your mom.” 

Manners are intended to make people feel more comfortable, not awkward.  They are a way to set our cultural expectations; we all play by the same rules so no one gets hurt.  I want to teach my kids these life skills so they are equipped for the future, but it’s tricky when the rules are in flux. 

I’m not saying that calling adults by their first name is a sign of the apocalypse, but it’s a point to ponder.  I bet Lindsay Lohan called adults by their first names.  Ah well… 

I’d welcome your feedback.  Feel free to comment!

Leesburg Parks and Recreation Listservs

The Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department has three new email listservs that you can subscribe to.  You can get info for Special Events, Leesburg Parks and Rec, or Ida Lee-specific news.

To join, visit www.idalee.org  and click on the mailing lists link on the left side of the page.  Here’s the link:   http://www.idalee.org/parks/listserv/

I haven’t tried them yet; feel free to comment here if you find them helpful or not.

Family-Friendly Indoor Activities in Loudoun

We’re in the middle of a long, hot summer.  If you’re tired of your toddler catching God-knows-what and being trampled by bullies at the Dulles Town Center’s play area, here are some indoor family-friendly activities in Loudoun County.

1) Visit the Loudoun Farm Museum in Sterling

I absolutely love this museum, so it’s at the top of my list.  It’s small, approachable, and has something for all ages.

The hands-on area is perfect for preschoolers.  Kids can play farmer, milk a pretend cow, and race kid-sized horses.  There are farmer costumes and jockey hats for playing dress-up.   A transplanted authentic country store has a cash register, mail slots, and food items designed for children to explore and play.  

The museum’s other half is designed for older children and adults.  Engaging kiosks describe Loudoun’s agricultural history over the past four centuries, with a special section discussing African American contributions.   

Budget ninety minutes for preschooler visits.  Adults only need a half hour or so to read the exhibits.  There’s a great (real) store in front where you can buy farm-related merchandise.  One warning: kids ages 6-12 may be bored, since they might feel too old for the preschooler activities and be too young to enjoy history.

Check the museum’s website for event info. We’ve enjoyed the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party program and held my son’s third birthday party at the museum.  There’s a small, separate party barn where you can bring your own cake, etc.  Prices are very reasonable.  http://www.loudounfarmmuseum.org/

2) Go to a Pet Store

If the weather is nice, it’s great to visit an animal park (www.leesburganimalpark.com) or farm (www.greatcountryfarms.com), but when it’s raining or just too hot, a pet store is a cooler, drier option.

My family can easily kill an hour in PetSmart.  There are a surprising number of animals to captivate preschoolers:  lizards, frogs, fish, birds, and rescue dogs and cats.   They also like to watch the dogs being washed in the glassed-in grooming area at the back of the store.  www.petsmart.com

3) Go to the Library

Loudoun libraries have story times throughout the week, as well as summer reading programs and special events like movie nights and puppet shows.  You can also go the traditional route and just check out books.  http://www.lcpl.lib.va.us/  

4) Visit the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum

OK, this isn’t technically in Loudoun, but it’s close enough. 

I think of the Air and Space Museum as a nice walk next to a lot of planes.  That is to say, it’s huge and I think the exhibits are a bit dry, but it’s a good place to let your kids and out-of-town visitors run around.  If you like planes – lots of planes – this is definitely the place for you.

If you arrive after 4:00 p.m. you’ll avoid the $12 parking fee.  Since the museum is open until 5:30 p.m., that should be ample time to park and visit absolutely free.  http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/  

5) Go to the Movies

Movies are the classic summer indoor activity.  The new Brambleton movie theater recently opened, and they’re offering free kids’ movies (second-run titles like Over the Hedge and Ant Bully) during the week.  Kids popcorn and drinks is $1 and candy is $2.  We went to see Happy Feet last week and were impressed by the new theater:  great film quality and nice facility with leather seats. 

Get there early since it fills up fast and it’s a fifteen-minute process to walk from your car, get snacks, and make it to your seat.  http://www.consolidatedmovies.com/kids_movie.asp?theatre_id=34  

6) Go to a Bookstore

If you don’t care to associate with the proletariat at the library, most bookstores sponsor story times.  Borders has story times during the week; check out the event schedule at the link below. http://www.bordersstores.com/events/events.jsp?view=1&storeID=349 

7)      Visit a Community Center

There is plenty to do at public community centers.  Swim in the indoor pools, climb a rock wall, work out, take a class, or throw a basketball around.  After spending the last ten years working out at work or in a gym, I’d forgotten how much community centers have to offer.  Your tax dollars support them, so you might as well enjoy them! The Claude Moore Recreation Center just opened this year, and it’s especially nice.  Check out the rock climbing wall and indoor pool playset.  http://www.co.loudoun.va.us/prcs/claudemoorerec/index.htm  

8 )  Go Bowling

An oldy but a goody!  Many lanes offer family times when your kids won’t have to leave smelling like cigarettes and stale beer.  Most places can raise bumpers in the gutters so any child old enough to walk and push a ball can play.

Village Lanes Bowling Center, Leesburg.  703-777-1865.

9) Lunch at Costco

It’s cheap, it’s fast, it’s practical, and the kids will think it’s a treat.  Do a little shopping first, pick up some samples, and then head to the cafeteria area for hot dogs and pizza.

Got more ideas?  Please share!

Update on Kidney Transplant – Great News!

I’m happy to report that my friend’s two-year-old daughter, whose kidney transplant from her father went horribly wrong when the kidney was damaged during surgery, received a healthy kidney from a deceased donor last week.  The toddler is doing great; her medical team says they’ve never seen a deceased donor kidney do so well.

The sad part of this story is that the kidney is from a nine-year-old child who obviously lost her life.  This child and his or her family have given an amazing gift by donating these organs.

Egg-Free Waffles

Looking for an egg-free waffle recipe?  Just use Bisquick with the following substitution: 1 Teaspoon baking powder, 1 Tablespoon water + 1 Tablespoon vinegar (added as the last ingredient) = 1 egg. 

You can make them vegan or dairy-free by using soy milk.

You won’t be able to taste the difference!