It is so very stressful. You never have old shoes. Just when you get your shoes all broken in, nice and comfy, you find you need a bigger size. My mother was so angry with me one Easter when she bought some expensive Mary Janes for me and I outgrew them in three weeks. It wasn’t my fault. I told my nephew’s girlfriend when she was 19 that she would feel better in ten years. She thought I was nuts at the time, but ten years later she called me up and told me I was right. So just learn some stress management techniques, Edith Ann, we all need them, and kids need them most of all. Breathe deep!

I find that childhood today is very shortlived.From what I observe from being with my grandchildren, they are very wise for their young years. They develop more quickly both physically as well as mentally. Is it the vitamins or exposure to television and computers? My 9yr.old and 6yr.old granddaughters are very mature for their ages. I am amazed at their accomplishments compared to where I was at their age.And, yes it is a stressful time especially in our world today. They know too much too soon. As a teacher, I see how much is expected of them…testing,homework,afterschool sports and clubs. Of course the parents are also stressed in driving them to all these activities.However, it is what it is, unfortunately. I led a much simpler life as a child. By today’s standards it would be considered less than exciting!

Edith Ann, I am a big fan of yours. The secret to childhood is to be yourself and s-t-r-e-t-c-h to learn how much you are capable of. You will learn that all skills and talents are developed over time. So learn all you can about yourself, and everyone around you will be blessed by your presence. Happiness comes and goes. You and your childhood will be more that “happy” it will be an adventure of self discovery.

hmmmm…it is true. You’re too young to understand that you are too young to understand and it’s never too late to have a happy childhood. Unless I keep putting it off and off and off, even though I’m old enough to understand how important it is, at least to me. Actually right now, I am thinking, it is the most important thing in the world to me.

Oh, Edith, honey, just skip it and have a good time. There’s plenty of time to have a miserable childhood when you grow up.

Miss Edith….play play play….now now now….later you will have to justify it.

Dear Edith Ann: Would you like to come to my house? Please wear really old clothes because we will go outside and play in the creek, building a small cove that will catch minnows. We’ll name them and find some tadpoles to play with them! Then we can pick dandelions in the field and make crowns and necklaces and bracelets with them. You can be the princess first and my dog loves to be the prince. He even sits still long enough for you to get married (just pretend you know… you don’t get to take him home). I found an old blanket in the garage and we could put it in the yard and have a picnic and then just lay there and look at the sky and decide where we would fly to when we are birds. If you do that every day with me for a week (I cannot do it on Tuesday afternoon though because I clean my room then) I think that you will be happy. It makes me really, really happy and I am 44 years old!

“Growing Old Is Inevitable, Growing Up Is An Option!” When my oldest son was 28, he visited my classroom to talk to my students and take me to lunch. He was standing with my assistant, watching me with my students…my assistant asked “Was she this goofy and silly when she was raising you?” She said he replied “She made every single thing magic…she was a child right along with me…but firm when she needed to be…still, she made my childhood completely magical.” When my assistant told me later what he had said, it made me cry. What a compliment! I did the right thing! Now, at 49, I have 2 more sons, 10 and 12. I get to do it all over again, and I’m not changing a thing! Okay, maybe I’m a little slower…! When I am blessed with grandchildren? Yep, I’m gonna be the goofiest Granny anyone has ever seen!

Oh brother……….

Oh, come on, Charles Charles, dance!

I am just glad that I waited 61 years to enjoy my childhood. Didn’t have the time when I was younger.

Hey Miss Edith Ann: Too often, well intentioned grown-ups like to tell us we’re being childish when really, they’re just jealous cuz we prefer to be childlike. I send you my Uncle Frank’s theory. http://www.youtube.com/watchv?=TsP17tin1tQ