Last month my journal celebrated its second anniversary on the 12th, and I forgot all about it! So in honor of that March, I'm reprinting an entry from March 31, 2005 about Eler Beth and the word "grounded". The entry is entitled --
I Wish The Word "Grounded" Was Never Invented!
She had kept putting off doing an assignment all week that is due tomorrow, therefore the late night. And while I was trying to help her AND do her hair at the same time I got a little bit of attitude. The attitude didn't improve after a warning, but got worse, therefore the grounding. Now that the hair is done, the assignment complete and in the backpack, and frayed nerves have been smoothed somewhat, regret has set in. Suddenly someone remembers what she's going to be missing out on tomorrow evening if she is grounded. And now she wishes the word had never been invented.
I don't ever remember being grounded when I was a kid. I can remember being spanked, made to stand in the corner, or denied some treat, but I don't think my parents were ever aware of the term "grounded". I was born in 1966, the youngest of seven children, to parents in their forties. I honestly don't think "grounded" was in their vocabulary. And if I had ever been grounded, what would I have been grounded from? Reading? That's all I ever did. We didn't have video games back then. No computer. We lived out in the country, so it wasn't as if neighborhood kids would be knocking on the door to see if we could come out to play. I guess in my teens I could have been grounded off the phone. Come to think of it that would have been really bad! Or denied going to a friend's house, having a friend over, or using the car. Yes, I guess there were a few things I could have been grounded from. But I never was. I was a good girl. No drinking, smoking, partying, running around, breaking curfews or sneaking out! Wow, I must have been boring. I don't think being boring has scarred me, however!
These kids of ours have so many things we didn't have, and so many opportunities that weren't open to us, that I actually feel guilty when I DO have to take something away from them. And I really shouldn't because it isn't going to hurt them in the long run. It is going to make them more appreciative of the things they have. Yeah, that's right. So, here's to the person who "invented" the word "grounded"! All hail!! Long live groundings!
7 comments:
I too was the youngest in a large family....and "grounding" was not in our vocabulary....we learn at an early age what was expected of us...we had chores....the same every day...one of mine was to make sure the resevoir at the end of our large cookstove in the kitchen was kept full of water...LOL..big deal...but heaven help me if I forgot..that was our dishwashing water....and bath water....etc etc etc...we were chastised...mostly verbal....and the guilt set in fast LOLOL...we lived in the country also....I don't think it ever occurred to us to NOT do what was expected...and unlike today...we didn't have alot of "outside" influences in our life....no videos....no computers...no tv...no telephone....no distractions you might say....I don't know as I would want to go back to those days...but sometimes I wish the children didn't have so much and that family was more together....hmmm??? hugs...Ora
I like this entry so much. I was boring too I guess. Never did those bad things. Times were so different then. We could safely go anywhere in our small town. Our Daddy didn't believe in hauling kids around, we walked everywhere. We ran to the store and post office for neighbors without a thought of pay. I even set two neighbor ladies hair except we called it rolling then and it was pin curls. Oh girl you got me started here I could go on and on. Nice entry and you are doing a very good job at MOTHER. Paula
Punishment for the misdemeanour, Lori. She'll learn :-)
Well congratulations on completing your 2nd year!!! - Barbara
Happy two year anniversary! I was born in '66 too! I was grounded (we lived in the suburbs) but it was never enforced!
Traci
I wish the word "Grounded" was more readily used. Wouldn't the streets be nicer, quieter places.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/acoward15/andy-the-bastard/
Lori,
I definately remember being grounded!!!! haha! It's been far too long since I left you a comment...please accept my apology.
Smiles your way,
David
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