Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Parental Tech Support

One of my favorite machines is the lowly label maker.
After I've finished organizing something, nothing gives me greater pleasure than putting a label on it.
I like to fantasize that the area will stay orderly and clean due to the specific instructions listed on the label.
I know from experience that organization is fleeting but that the labels last forever.
My newly labeled pantry is just waiting for someone to put crackers in the canned fruit section. I'm tempted to lock it.
All child behavior experts agree that labeling a child is detrimental to their development.
A label can stunt a child's natural creativity and willingness to grow.
Another hazard of labeling a child is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The child feels invested in the label and continues the behavior because it is expected of them.
When the child becomes an adult, he or she is ensconced in behavior that inhibits social and personal growth.
Because I am a perfect parent, I would never label my children.

26 comments:

Good Time Charlie said...

Would you like to come and label my new primary closet for me? Also, if I put the label, "compliant" on Travis, will it change his behavior?

Ellie said...

I know where you can get a holster for your label maker. Let's have a duel.

Lenore is going to quote Kierkegaard. "You label me, you negate me." Also from Wayne's World.

Brigitta said...

Yes you are the boss. I can't believe Carl let you label him and then put him on the internet...
Okay, when are you coming over to label and organize my house...pretty please.. I don't have a labeler...I am afraid of what I would do with it....so please, it could be my Christmas present. Think about it

Annemarie said...

I love my label maker. Your labeled pantry makes me happy. I'll come over and shake my finger at the first one who puts crackers by the canned fruit...but YOU can still be the boss.

Brigitta said...

What you didn't tell me about your blog award????? My famous friend, I happened to see it on nor's blog....Go Celia

Lisa-Marie said...

Can you please put a label on your blog? Label it...FUNNY!

Nancy said...

I'm going to ask for a label maker for Christmas. I love the labels for your kids (and Carl).

diane said...

I love the tyrants haircut. Your family is so good to go along with the blog.

Your sweater is very cute.

diane said...

tyrant's

I had to fix it.

Paige said...

Your label- I'm back, bloggers!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh to have a pantry that large again.... It was so big it didn't need labels.

It must be comforting for your family members to know what their roles are in life. *giggles.... AND, Mom's are ALWAYS the boss.

Linsey said...

Hi, "I'm such a Mormon Mom I need a label just for Jell-O!!!"

Robin said...

Does anyone but you pay attention to the labels? I labeled my kitchen when we moved here and still - I am finding measuring cups in the food wrap drawer. grumble.

Lauren in GA said...

I love it! Did Carl really let you label him or did you photoshop that label in?

This is so good. I want a label that says, "Needs a Nap"...

Linsey is funny!

shauna said...

My "daughter" is getting one for Christmas. It was really the only way I thought I could sneak it in.

Oh, and someone stole my "Lable this post funny" comment. It's is okay, 'cause we are all loving it. You are back.

Ilene said...

Now I want a label maker.

I would love to try to label my husband.

Sally said...

100% awesome post.

This is how I feel about your big, organized pantry: Jealous.

Carol said...

Okay, Evan was so excited to see his label on your blog, you better send over the picture via email to him...what was his "label" by the way?

Jenibelle said...

Did Max get the candy template because he is the sweetest?

I have a label maker too, but I don't want Byron to get his hopes up on my organizational skills in the cabinet area. I think the element of surprise keeps him young.

Jake said...

Ha ha! You look exactly like Alice in that boss picture.

I'm thinking a labelmaker is our 2008 "legacy toy"!

Anonymous said...

Clever! I've got a label maker that I never use. Now I'm kind of motivated. But that means I'd have to get organized first. Never mind.

the wrath of khandrea said...

ironically, skip gave me that same label maker when we were dating. and it is still in its box, because i haven't known what to do with it.
due to your masterful post on familial enhancement, i now have a purpose for said machine.

how does your family put up with your insanity, by the way? "here kids, let mom stick this on you because i'm going to write a hilarious blog post and i need you to comply." ??? i just can't picture the process.

Christie said...

What exactly is wrong with me that I want a label maker now, really badly? Not to label my annoying children, mind you. No, but to put labels to everything in my pantry. I MUST HAVE ONE. NOW.

Nancy said...

Way too funny!

mamasuisse said...

Hilarious post. The pictures are great! I label my pantry and linen closet, too, not that it helps. Can't anyone in my house read!?! I haven't labeled my kids (physically) yet, but it might be worth the effort for the laugh.

Anna said...

I could never be as organized or as good of a mother as you. It's good for me just to have the association. And clever, did I mention clever?