Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Parenting 101: Kids and Phones!

My 'Creative Parenting' Prof.

When Dad spoke. We listened.
Most of the time.
But one ignored my father at one's own risk.
He could make his wishes known.
Creatively . . .
I had a boyfriend.
It was a new and exciting experience for me.
We would say good-bye at the school bus stop, get on our respective buses and head for home.
An hour later, we would be on the phone together.
Talking.
For hours.
Literally.
I should point out here that, in the 1960s, we had one phone line to the ranch.
And, because we were ultra-modern and progressive, two phones on that line.
One in the kitchen.
And one in my parents bedroom.
The epitome of modern convenience.
Back to my story . . .
I don't know what we found to talk about. But talk, we did. Until one or both of us was tagged for chores.
Or supper was announced.
Or our parents got annoyed.
My Mom was usually quite predictable, saying such things as, “Diane! Get off the phone! You've been on there for an hour!”
To which I would comply.
Eventually.
And under protest.
My Dad was a little more creative.
He would walk in the door, see me there on the phone, note the time, and leave the room.
That was my cue.
And my only warning.
I had seconds to say my good-byes.
Because Dad wanted me off the phone. And I wasn't going to like his methods.
They were . . . effective.
He would simply walk into his bedroom and turn on the radio.
Loudly.
Then take the phone receiver and lay it down beside said radio.
If I hadn't already ended my conversation, I did so then.
With a shouted good-bye and hastily cradled phone.
Mission accomplished.
Simply and elegantly, without a word being spoken.
Genius.


5 comments:

  1. I loved it! And...I think that many can relate. :)
    Thanks for a great message. It's a blessing to have a father who cared! :)
    Heidi
    MormonMomsWhoBlog

    ReplyDelete
  2. A good many of us will make note of that remedy for future use.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Diane, I like your dad's style! My dad was less refined in his methods. When he wanted me off the phone, he would usually pick up the second line and demand I hang up. These demands were usually accompanied with colorful expletives that embarrassed me to no end. I wish cell phones had existed when I was a teen! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a smart dad! I can relate... I spent quite a few hours on the phone myself. :) It's quite a different thing now... with the internet and cell phones, my kids are rarely ever on our landline phone.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a clever and gentle way to discipline! I'll have to keep this in mind, although as a parent I won't have the luxury of having my children tied down to a phone line. Mobile/cell phones also means mobile children that can scatter and hide ;) I love your style of writing! In just a few short sentences your posts deliver such heartwarming and fun memories that are a pleasure to read! Thanks for sharing your memories in a creative ways!

    ReplyDelete

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