To me this is more sad than funny

This little girl is only FIVE. What is she learning about working and self worth? What has she learned about men? Somehow she already believes that unless someone is paying her to do something, then she will be worthless. And she certainly does not want a man getting in her way.




This reminds me of a conversation Dennis and I had a few days ago. We had taken my niece McKenzie out to dinner along with our granddaughters. After we left Dennis mentioned to me that he was impressed with something McKenzie had said. She was talking about the possibility of their family moving. So Dennis asked her if she would rather stay in the house they were in, or live elsewhere. When she said she preferred to move, Den asked her why. She said, "Because I like change." He thought that was interesting coming from a 12 year old girl.  I told Den that didn't surprise me because I've heard Robin (McKenzie's mom) say that exact statement many times: "I like change."

We both then talked about how the attitudes of a family often come straight from the Mom. If she talks positive about things, often so will her children, and the opposite also true.

I called Robin today and told her about McKenzie's comment. She reminded me of something her mother in law, Nellie, had told her. Nellie's husband was in the service so she was well acquainted with that lifestyle while she was raising her own family. Nellie has said that the children who did well in military life had mothers who also did well. If the Moms did not do well, then neither did their children.

Perhaps it goes along with that saying:

12 comments:

cristie said...

hummm, disappointing. the whole tone negative. xox

darlene said...

This is not funny. What does a little girl know or care about jobs? This is the strange, unattractive side of feminism, and she got it from... her mother? All I can say is, look out for this woman 20 years from now! It might not be so pretty. Just my opinion.

the Rich girl said...

I certainly don't remember thinking about jobs/marriage at the age of five, but I did used to have the mindset that if "Mr. Right" came along before I served a mission, then he would still be "Mr. Right" after my mission, and he could wait for me if he wanted to.

But, my plans for myself didn't quite work out the way I thought they would, seeing as how Tyler came into my life and we got engaged before I could even submit any mission papers.

As my friend's dad always says, "Life is long." And people can change. Who knows what the next twenty years will bring her. Anything could happen.

Dennis said...

Sounds like her Mother had her memorize her little speech. I can't imagine a five year old feeling so strong about anything. At their home, they probably watch re-runs of The Apprentice w/Donald Trump instead of playing house with dolls. What a fun childhood.

-Den

Susan Anderson said...

She sounds a bit indoctrinated, doesn't she? Sheesh!

=)

Ammy said...

I was thinking the exact same thing as Dennis! Sad.

Grandmotherfairy said...

It is a little frightening...the responsibility we have as mothers and grandmothers in shaping the lives of those we love the most...

Natalie said...

I agree with Dennis. I wonder what parents are thinking sometimes. Do they think that teaching their daughter to have these convictions will ensure her future happiness? Really. I just don't get it.

Karen Mortensen said...

This is sad. I can't believe kids know this stuff so early on. At 5 I had no clue. Heck, at 51 I have no clue.
I remember when Pres. Bush got re-elected. My 2nd grader came in and said his life was over. He would never be ale to get a job now.

grandmapeg said...

I also agree with Dennis. This girl had this speech memorized. I also agree that so much of what children pick up from home is from the mother...whether it is positive or negative.

Eileen said...

Oh, I've heard that saying so much lately! And I do agree with it!
And I think it is so sad that so many young women (and now little girls too) feel that being a wife and mother will not be a fulfilling life, nor an important role.

I was waiting for Ray in his doctor's office yesterday and I read an article about an actress who when she was little wrote in her 'Book About Me' that when she grew up she wanted to be a singer and an actress, but then she crossed them out and wrote in block letters "MOTHER" over that. And now she had just become a mother and said it was the most fulfilling role ever.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

kelly said...

That is so, so sad. I like what Dennis said too. I have been working on never yelling or downtalking to my kids. I will also think more about making sure I have a positive attitude.

Look what happened last night

  Just a little pre-graduating gathering for our DIL Amy.... Not everyday a Mom of 7 and a Grandma of 7, graduates from college. It was not ...