Shake what your mama gave ya!

I have always known that too much telly is bad for you. As a child you need to be up and about, exploring the garden, playing games and generally being a kid.  But sometimes, it's neccessary to press the TV button and hand the remote to your youngest and watch him masterly hit the buttons 6 2 0 and hey presto - peace!!!  Closely followed by "Oh, not this AGAIN!!!" This could come from either myself, hubby or Ryan, the eldest son (by 16 months - and don't you forget it!!!)  And so it begins....repeat after repeat of the same old kids programmes. So much so, Tom and Ryan can sing along to some of the more obscure opening credits without fault.    I wasn't too worried about the general content of the programmes as they all aim to teach you how to be a better person or how to create puss filled boils to fool your friends and family (er, thanks for that Backyard Science!)  However, I am now beginning to wish there were more interesting British programmes to entertain the boys, as they are picking up a few too many Americanisms for my liking.  (sorry, but Iggle Piggle and the Ninky nonk don't count!!)

It started off small, the odd "butt" instead of bottom, "garbage" instead of rubbish, but when Tom started asking if I used to change his "Daiper" as a baby, I realised that maybe it was going too far. And then you've got them quoting lines from films they've only seen a couple of times, but have really taken a shine to a particular phrase.  "Shake what your Mama gave ya!" is one that keeps Tom  happy for hours. Quoting it at every opportunity, which doesn't sound too bad, but then he expects you to do just that and join in the fun.  More often than not, he will do this to raise a laugh or a smile, usually when he's been a bit naughty and is trying to distract you into forgetting his naughtyness.  At first, this used to work and a relieved Tom would make a quick exit before I could remember what he'd done.  However, this is wearing a bit thin now and I can spot the signs of when he's going to try it on.  But he has now found a backup, if all else fails, he will look me straight in the eye, with the saddest face going, if he can squeeze out a tear - all the better, and in his most sincerest voice he'll say "Mum, you smell of daisies"....and with that, my angry Mummy face cracks into the biggest smile.  That boy will go far.