One thing I've had my kids do every year since they could write, is create an Illustory book. They come up with a story, illustrate it, and then mail it to a company which turns it into a hard-cover book. The kids like to reread them, looking back and see how their writing and drawings have improved, and seeing what exactly was on their minds each year.
Yesterday, my nine-year-old son found one of the books he had written when he was six. He sat on the sofa and read through it. After reading it, he became rather sentimental. "Mama, this reminds me of when I was a kid."
"When you were a kid?" I asked. "Aren't you still a kid?"
"No," he replied. "When I was a kid, we lived in Cincinnati, and I had a lot of friends. It was fun back then. Now I'm grown up. Not so much fun. I wish I could go back to the good old days."
(Hate to tell you, kid, you're still in the good old days. Just you wait until you become a real grown-up!)
Then he'll discover what being an adult with responsibility is really like!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Hey, I've been trying to comment on your site, but haven't been able to do so. I haven't had a problem with anyone else, so I'm not sure what's going on. Just wanted to let you know!
DeleteIt's funny how kids perceive time...
ReplyDeleteTime always seems to go so slow for kids, and so fast for adults!
DeleteYes, through their earlier work, they have a sense of history, even if it is a short one.
ReplyDeleteI think it's funny that he already thinks he's old!
DeleteOh what a sweet idea. All grown up already - you'll have to remind him of that comment one day!
ReplyDeleteRight. When he's really grown up!
Deleteyes, nine is such an ancient age.... all the troubles of the world are upon you then :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I was nine again!
DeleteOh, that is funny. Bubba will have an awakening when he's really grown up and can remember that comment! So cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to show him this and see what he says when he's 39!
DeleteThink we all wish we could go back to the good old days
ReplyDeleteThat's for sure!
DeleteWhat a neat idea! You are one clever mama!
ReplyDeleteIt's all a matter of perspective. It kills me whenever our young grandchildren reminisce about "when they were little kids"...
Then come the bills, they so don't bring thrills
ReplyDeleteThen they see what growing up is really all about!
DeleteOh he is in for a surprise! But good things come from growing up too :D
ReplyDeleteYes, they do. More responsibilities, but also more opportunities and adventures.
DeleteI'm in the good old days now because I skipped them earlier.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hahaha! Enjoy your good old days!
DeleteThe good old days..
ReplyDeleteThey make me kind of teary-eyed. ;0)
DeleteAh, the ripe old age of nine...
ReplyDeleteHe needs a license plate for his toy jeep: ANCNT1 !
DeleteHe has a long way to go
ReplyDeleteHe sure does!
DeleteI think he's missing Cincinnati.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. Both of my kids really miss Cincinnati and all of their friends!
DeleteI also differentiated time by grade level and where I lived back then. That switching does lend to huge shifts in a child's mind.
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteBubba seems mature for his age, but I do hope he gets to enjoy each moment of his childhood. I think it's brilliant and creative what you made them do.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember where I first learned of Illustory, but I thought it was a great idea, and I'm glad I had my kids do it.
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