Pubdate: Fri, 26 Nov 2004 Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc Contact: http://www.mrtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372 Author: Jack Emberly WHICH KIDS HAVE IT TOUGHER Editor: You've heard the debate. One side says life is much more complicated for kids today than it was when I grew up. The other side says children 40 years ago had fewer stresses to contend with. Haven't we all wondered who is right? To know for sure, a person would have to transport himself back in time. I did this recently. My time machine was a classroom reader widely used in grade two classes in 1960. "Three Friends," (W.J. Gage and Company, Toronto ) is 35 little stories aimed at promoting themes of health, safety, and personal adjustment. Think of this as the C.A.P.P. program for seven year olds when Bob Dylan came onto the music scene and J.F.K. was in his prime. One of the stories in "My Friends" entitled "At Johnnie's House" is intended to help little kids understand that bad dreams are normal and nothing to worry about. In this tale little Johnnie is very upset because he believes his grandfather has suddenly shown up unexpectedly demanding that they head out to the farm immediately. Poor Johnny however, is not ready to go. "He said it was late, and I must get up," says Johnny. Fortunately, mom is able to explain to Johnny that he was just dreaming. "Oh," I see, laughed Johnnie. "Dreams are funny." Not long ago, in the present time zone, I heard about another seven-year-old's dream. This little guy wakes up screaming that the cops are trying to shoot his dog, and destroy all their pot. Dad, who had been watching Trailer Park Boys on T.V. tries to reassure the youngster that nobody was trying to shoot either of their pit bulls, and that their latest crop of weed is safe and ready for delivery. "Besides, they'd chew any cop's hand off before he got his gun out of its holster." Finally, today's little Johnnie is able to calm down. "Get some sleep!" orders Dad. "You've gotta help me delivery this stuff." Today's little Johnnie hasn't slept well for some time now, but he can't keep his eyes open any longer. "Dreams are funny," he says, and finally nods off. So, what do you think? Is life more complicated for seven-year-olds today than it was in 1960? I have my opinion, but you be the judge. Jack Emberly Maple Ridge - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin