I suppose it really is easy for me to say what I am going to because I have only one child and a pretty mild-mannered one that has caused very little disruption. I suppose it is not her nature to do so.
She has been to many weddings, mostly at my insistence, because I think it is important for children to witness/experience so that they can learn. Living in the west we have fewer opportunities to teach our children about our culture so I take advantage of any chance I can get.
I remember going to several events when I was younger, since my parents were never inclined to leave me with a babysitter or even a relative (the concept just didn’t exist in the desi community back then…yes it was the dark ages…). it was this “forced interaction and experience” that gave me the education I needed about how to behave in social functions. It taught me about different rasams/traditions. It brought the entire concept of a desi wedding, mushaira, stage drama, concert to life…quite literally.
I am trying to do the same thing with Noor now. Giving her the education she needs to intelligently participate in various events.
I enjoyed attending weddings when I was growing up too but I was older (7 and up). You are right - at those days there was no concept of Mr. and Mrs. invitations to desi events so everyone brought their kids.
Re: Getting through family weddings with young kids
^^Yep, they get antsy
My daughter loves watching the “princess” bride (to her all brides are princesses) walking to the stage… but after a while she gets really bored and cranky, so I usually carry her leapster or DVD player alongwith some snacks for her.
That reminds me… once at this wedding, she went and gathered a lot of flower petals that were thrown at the bride when she came in, then she came back to our table and started throwing the petals at all of us I found it endearing but some people were frowning at her… so I had to stop her :hinna:
Re: Getting through family weddings with young kids
lol!! A leapster is a little electronic gadget designed for little ones, its pretty indestructible. And there are a good assortment of educational video games you play on them. Its easy to use even for a 3 year old, teaches them counting, alphabet, spelling, math etc etc in a video-game setting so of course the little ones love it.
MIAinVA - stupid question but what is leapster? and how can it save my life :D
It definitely CAN save your life.
That or the PSP or even a portable DVD player.
Noor has all three of these devices and they are quite useful when children are likely to become bored with the activities going on around them.
And all three devices can be used with a headset so nobody needs to hear the sounds.
I always make her carry something to keep her busy.....wedding, party at someone's home where there might not be any kids of her age, long drive, plane ride, etc., etc.
Re: Getting through family weddings with young kids
I got the green one for my daughter. At first she used to play at home too (I would let her play for 1 hour or so every other day - only weekdays) but lately she has lost interest (she prefers playing outdoors with her friends, running and biking, etc. :D)
Now she just uses it when we're traveling/the drive is a long one or at events.
Re: Getting through family weddings with young kids
Thats is interesting because I also just went through 2 sets of weddings with my 2 year old. I try to give her nap later in the day so she is well rested until the late 12 am and beyond weddings. I also try to keep snacks packed incase she gets hungry before the food is served. She did end up sleeping though on the chair/couch and we ended up taking her home sleeping. Btw do check out pakimum which is a community for desi moms. i found it quite useful.
I’m so glad my parents took us along to weddings and other social events. We socialized as a family, and I think that was really important.
But it does require vigilance vigilance if you’ve got a hyper one. At close weddings they should be part of the rasams, at least the older ones. I would also feed them before coming and then bring snacks.
). it was this “forced interaction and experience” that gave me the education I needed about how to behave in social functions. It taught me about different rasams/traditions. It brought the entire concept of a desi wedding, mushaira, stage drama, concert to life…quite literally.
on behalf of her.
there was no concept of Mr. and Mrs. invitations to desi events so everyone brought their kids.
walking to the stage… but after a while she gets really bored and cranky, so I usually carry her leapster or DVD player alongwith some snacks for her.