Thanks Traveler. I did include the words "when needed" for a reason. And because what I learned helping raise several cousins before and after I got married, as well as raising our four, has distilled down to a 'less is more (valuable)' attitude toward 'rules' for little kids. They get so excited about all there is to touch and see that it is hard for them to remember too many 'rules' at very young ages. Small doses of correction (enough to keep them civilized, but still active, spirited, and inquisitive) work best for small kids, imo.
Thinking about little kids, what could be more fun than showing a two year old how to use 'bubble stuff'. We will be working on that next time they are here. Her five year old sister is now the expert, meaning she better remembers to keep the bottle upright while watching the bubbles float off on the breeze.......or tries to see how many she can pop before they explode on their own!
I took several bottles to a community gathering last summer, and even pre-teens had lots of fun, one sounding like a little old lady exclaiming "it's been YEARS since I saw this!!!" Bubble Stuff will be on my shopping list when going to the 'big city' tomorrow. Friday night suppers in the park at Midland should be starting soon.
mrj