Campaign Promises

Those of you who watched the Vice Presidential debate last week may remember the moderator's question that went something like, "Tell us about a time when you changed your position on an issue." With one year and three weeks of parenthood under my belt, I have been reflecting on the positions I took about how we would raise our daughter during the 2+ year wait for Mia to join our family. For example, I asked Jeff to make a pact that we would never give our child a new car, whether we could afford it or not. You see, I think Jeff and I have been well served by our Midwestern values which say you only appreciate the value of things you really have to work for. I want my child to have the sense of accomplishment that comes from working hard and earning the things she wants.
One plank of my parenting platform had to do with toys. Before we had Mia, I insisted we wouldn't buy her too many toys. I thought a kid could have plenty of fun with pots and pans, old tupperware, and wooden spoons. For extra fun, save those giant cardboard boxes your washer and dryer arrived in. Cut a few windows in the side, give the kid some crayons, and they've got a custom-designed playhouse. I even saved an old sheet with just a couple of holes in it, thinking it would be great for making an indoor tent.
As I look around our playroom, I have to admit that while I never officially (or even consciously) changed my position on toys, an impartial observer could only conclude I have flip-flopped. In a big way. In my defense, many of these toys were either:
(a) hand-me-downs from cousins,
(b) gifts, or
(c) recommended by Sarah or friends and family for their developmental value and/or enduring appeal to child and parent alike.

Over the course of a week, most of these toys actually get used, in 10-15 minute increments. A lot of them get used nearly every day. (After all, there are 96 15-minute increments in a day.) And in my defense, I've minimized the expense by purchasing a good portion of them at the children's consignment sales that are huge around here. (Thank goodness some things don't change when you become a parent: I'm still my old thrifty self. You should see me when those boxes of hand-me-downs arrive. I'm as giddy as Christmas morning.)
OK, I admit it. I have totally changed my position on the toy thing. But there are a few parenting promises I still insist I will never break. Read my lips: NO NEW CARS!!