What to do about Barney (and other annoying toys!)

[Martin_Pastore]

OK, now I see this thread DEFINITELY needs to be edited. I have already made a request to do so. I am not angry, Rob. To the contrary, this thread was meant to poke fun at a common situation wherein kids have toys that drive parents or caregivers crazy. I had a few (one was the bell I mentioned). Perhaps you had them, too. I was interested in hearing other silly stories.

I do apologize for the misunderstanding, Rob. As soon as I get permission to edit, I will do what I can to make my intent clear, or remove the thread altogether.

Hi, InquestofaWoman,
You are definitely from the UK or Ireland, where people still have a robust sense of humour,(British English spelling).
Don’t mind the perpetually angry Yanks, LOL. You don’t need to adjust anything!!

I left the states, after retirement ,and every trip back,or keeping up with media from the states, it’s incredible,(one of my pet peeves actually,) why the average Yank or Gringo (as we and the locals refer to ourselves/Americans where I live), they (americans) in general are ,or seem to be, perpetually offended about something, all the time.(The last 10 years or so.)

When visiting the states, one has to be so careful not to offend, as someone seems to be waiting to be offended ,and then righteously angry. It just boggles the mind.

Back to the theme—I could never stand Barney, especially the song, ugh. I think it started in the late 80’s—but then there was that UK phenomenon that swept the globe a few years back too. The Teletubbies!
They were right up there with Barney for me. LOL.
I married late in life, and we didn’t have kids, so I’m the uncle ,all over the place.
You really get to enjoy the little buggers without all the really tough work. I think.
Just opinion.
I think kids in general ,need to get outside more, and enjoy God’s creations, and have fun doing it.
I can remember growing up in the Bronx, NY and we were out all day long…our Mothers(mums) would yell to us from the apartment building(flats) windows, and we were always begging for “just a half hour more Ma…pleeeze !”.
Great (jolly good) thread. Quite enjoyable and funny.
Glad to have you aboard.
God Bless.
Peace…Martin.

 

[InquestofaWoman]

Hi, InquestofaWoman,
You are definitely from the UK or Ireland, where people still have a robust sense of humour,(British English spelling).
Don’t mind the perpetually angry Yanks, LOL. You don’t need to adjust anything!!

I left the states, after retirement ,and every trip back,or keeping up with media from the states, it’s incredible,(one of my pet peeves actually,) why the average Yank or Gringo (as we and the locals refer to ourselves/Americans) where I live, are ,or seem to be, perpetually offended about something, all the time.(The last 10 years or so.)

When visiting the states, one has to be so careful not to offend, as someone seems to be waiting to be offended ,and then righteously angry. It just boggles the mind.

Back to the theme—I could never stand Barney, especially the song, ugh. I think it started in the late 80’s—but then there was that UK phenomenon that swept the globe a few years back too. The Teletubbies!
They were right up there with Barney for me. LOL.
I married late in life, and we didn’t have kids, so I’m the uncle ,all over the place.
You really get to enjoy the little buggers without all the really tough work. I think.
Just opinion.
I think kids in general ,need to get outside more, and enjoy God’s creations, and have fun doing it.
I can remember growing up in the Bronx, NY and we were out all day long…our Mothers(mums) would yell to us from the apartment building(flats) windows, and we were always begging for “just a half hour more Ma…pleeeze !”.
Great (jolly good) thread. Quite enjoyable and funny.
Glad to have you aboard.
God Bless.
Peace…Martin.

Hi Martin,

What a generous message of support, thank you! You are close in your assessment, given the way I spell and communicate: I am actually Canadian, with a bit of Irish in me to me be sure. I’ve got a sprinkling of freckles as a testament. Canada retains close ties with the UK. Given the shared history, there remain lots of cultural similarities, though in some provinces stronger than others!

Our forums on CAF are often weighty and serious, as they should be; but it is nice to have a laugh, too. This was what I hoped to achieve, and, now that a few days have passed, it seems most understand the point. Accordingly, I will likely, as you suggest, let the thread alone now. People have contributed a number of funny entries, as I hoped would happen. 'Tis great fun, I think, all the thoughtful sharing combined with cheerful grumbling !!!

Yes, the dreadful Teletubbies also top the list. I’ve not met a single adult who did not deem that show an anathema! It seems especially designed to charm vulnerable children and drive parents mad! Even Mum, who loves Barney (for some mysterious reason beyond comprehension!), can’t abide the creatures. Up to last night I mentioned this thread and reminded her of Teletubbies. Scarcely had I called the name when I heard a loud grunt on the other end of the phone!

And you are right, Martin: just about every parent here is agreed that children should spend more time outside. It’s a good formula, especially for us who are Christians and want to ensure a wholesome upbringing. Running around, playing games, maybe scraping the arms or knees every so often–all this is preferable to staring at a screen.
It seems, from what I have read thus far, that this is the direction parents are taking, and I think it is wonderful. After all, our Lord would not have surrounded us with natural beauty, or endowed us with imagination, if He did not want us to enjoy them.

Mind you, as a child I was not one to run around. I was, I confess, a vain child who scoffed at the thought of sweating. I much preferred to sit, formally attired, on the raised lawn in front of our house, beneath a large, frilly umbrella which served, for me, as a parasol. There I would recline and read, or play tea party with my dolls and the (imagined) Duchess of York; and, at intervals, haughtily stare down my bunny freckled nose at the boys dirtying themselves in the streets playing hockey. This was my idea of getting fresh air…hehe! :getholy:

Certainly glad to have you aboard, Martin! I welcome your jolly-good sense of humour! Keep it comin’!!

 

[Martin_Pastore]

Hi, InquestofaWoman,
You are definitely from the UK or Ireland, where people still have a robust sense of humour,(British English spelling).
Don’t mind the perpetually angry Yanks, LOL. You don’t need to adjust anything!!

I left the states, after retirement ,and every trip back,or keeping up with media from the states, it’s incredible,(one of my pet peeves actually,) why the average Yank or Gringo (as we and the locals refer to ourselves/Americans where I live), they (americans) in general are ,or seem to be, perpetually offended about something, all the time.(The last 10 years or so.)

When visiting the states, one has to be so careful not to offend, as someone seems to be waiting to be offended ,and then righteously angry. It just boggles the mind.

Back to the theme—I could never stand Barney, especially the song, ugh. I think it started in the late 80’s—but then there was that UK phenomenon that swept the globe a few years back too. The Teletubbies!
They were right up there with Barney for me. LOL.
I married late in life, and we didn’t have kids, so I’m the uncle ,all over the place.
You really get to enjoy the little buggers without all the really tough work. I think.
Just opinion.
I think kids in general ,need to get outside more, and enjoy God’s creations, and have fun doing it.
I can remember growing up in the Bronx, NY and we were out all day long…our Mothers(mums) would yell to us from the apartment building(flats) windows, and we were always begging for “just a half hour more Ma…pleeeze !”.
Great (jolly good) thread. Quite enjoyable and funny.
Glad to have you aboard.
God Bless.
Peace…Martin.

P.S.
The other thing that goes on in the states now (last 10 years or so too) is that “most” parents treat their children like little, “orchids in a hot house”… Talking about kids ,or raising them, basically any opinion, about almost any facet of, the “precious little orchids”…MINEFIELD !

I’m really embarrassed ,you were treated this way ,by my countrymen, who unfortunately have lost their way in many ways, but especially when it comes to a “sense of humor” about almost anything anymore.

I don’t know what happened !!!..We were a lot more rough and tumble, way happy,
(BICS), Bronx Irish Catholics, (NY)… laughed plenty and rarely were offended about anything. Well, that’s some 40+ years ago… back then it was 3Stooges, Popeye, Bugs Bunny , The Little Rascals, Heckle and Jeckle, The Adventures of Superman…I could go on and on… and there were only seven TV channels then (Including PBS).
Don’t go "editing’ your sense of humour… CAF is lucky to have you on board and lighten things up!
Well, good night and God Bless…Martin.

 

[oneofmany]

The worse toy ever invented is the popcorn thingy that makes noise then the child walks around with it. I babysat for 2 years with my grandson and of course the parents had to bring it to my house for him to play with here. LOL

I learned really quickly how to hide it. I eventually gave it away when I got a chance. Thank goodness he never missed or his parents. I think they were glad.

 

[Joe_5859]

My older brother and cousin were the first two on my mom’s side of the family to start having kids. When their kids were both little, they had an unofficial competition each Christmas to see who could give the noisiest toys as a gift for the other guy’s kids. It was always pretty funny. I recall one toy chainsaw that was particularly loud.

The kids always really liked the toys they received, of course.

 

[Luvz2travel]

My little pony or polly pockets where toys my sister had that annoyed me. As a kid I can’t think of anything toy that really annoyed me. What I did remember annoying me was when I somehow always seemed to loose parts to a toy especially when I was alway really careful not to I still managed to loose parts.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

I don’t have any children and my nieces never had any toys that annoyed me. However, my rat terrier, Bob, has a squeaky bird toy that he just loves to play with. I have been tempted to “dispose” of the toy, but he loves it so much that I just don’t have the heart to. So I just grit my teeth and bear it.

 

[pensmama87]

Since there are a couple of Canadian posters on this thread -

Does anyone remember a 15 minute show in the mid-90s called “PJ Katie’s Farm”? It was one of the hosts of the morning cartoon block basically telling silly stories with animals she’d made out of modeling clay. She did all the voices and you could see her move all the animals the whole time. We loved it, but my mom could not stand at all the whiny hamster voice, which got more annoying as the show went on.

 

[InquestofaWoman]

The worse toy ever invented is the popcorn thingy that makes noise then the child walks around with it. I babysat for 2 years with my grandson and of course the parents had to bring it to my house for him to play with here. LOL

I learned really quickly how to hide it. I eventually gave it away when I got a chance. Thank goodness he never missed or his parents. I think they were glad.

LOL! Some toys, and even videos, are worth hiding. I believe it was Allegra who shared with me this short Christmas film, earlier on the thread, which drove her mum bananas. I, too, shuddered after hearing the horrible noise for but a few seconds.

youtube.com/watch?v=JjWvUntFLME

Funny how our preferences change from childhood to adulthood. What seemed great then, can become quite provoking later on. As caregivers, one must simply grin and bear it…until a better solution is found! Clearly, you found one by giving the toy away. Hopefully, the parents of the young recipient survive it!!

 

[InquestofaWoman]

My older brother and cousin were the first two on my mom’s side of the family to start having kids. When their kids were both little, they had an unofficial competition each Christmas to see who could give the noisiest toys as a gift for the other guy’s kids. It was always pretty funny. I recall one toy chainsaw that was particularly loud.

The kids always really liked the toys they received, of course.

Haha! What kid wouldn’t love a toy chainsaw!!! My brother went nuts for such things! Kids love noisy stuff, and I can see why. After all, I loved that cow bell I mentioned in my first post; rang the wretched thing incessantly, just to hear Dad groan. As well, I used it when ill, as a means of calling Dad up to my room when I wanted something. (If it was Mum looking after me, I did not dare do so; I instinctively knew it would not work !!) Dad was my pretend servant and he played along, though now I know how miserable I made him. Only one toy he ever destroyed in my lifetime, and that was the bell!!!

My other noisy toy, that I remember, was a bear that bellowed Christmas music when I squeezed his paw. It was soon banned from the kitchen, and everywhere else Mum spent a lot of time !!! I still have that bear today, only now I keep it WITHOUT batteries…

 

[InquestofaWoman]

I don’t have any children and my nieces never had any toys that annoyed me. However, my rat terrier, Bob, has a squeaky bird toy that he just loves to play with. I have been tempted to “dispose” of the toy, but he loves it so much that I just don’t have the heart to. So I just grit my teeth and bear it.

Excellent reminder, Angel Bradford. There are innumerable pet toys out there that test the patience. I overlooked this point, which is surprising considering I own a parrot named Jack. One day, I foolishly bought him a toy with a thousand little bells he loved to shake with his beak. Well…the toy did not seem threatening at the store, the way it sat there quietly, giving just a little bit of a ding when rustled. I thought it was harmless…at the time. Boy, was I wrong!!!

My desk, unfortunately, is situated close to the cage; and of course, when there working, in a bid for attention, Jack would intensify his efforts, rattling the toy and ringing the bells until I would shout at him to stop–precisely the reaction he wanted. Parrots love loud noises, including the bark of humans. They think it is fun. My giving in (can’t help it) only made him ring the bells more.

Finally, I could not take it anymore. I marched to the cage and tried to snatch the toy away; but Jack latched on to the other end with his beak and pulled back. We played tug-of-war until he abruptly opened his beak, causing me to stumble backwards into the desk. When I had thrown the toy away and returned, Jack began to laugh with a smug expression only a parrot can give. Can’t help but feel that though I disposed of the toy at last, he still got his way somehow. He succeeded in pushing my buttons, AGAIN!! Parrots!!! :bounce:.

Soon after, I bought him some blocks. Far more tolerable !

 

[InquestofaWoman]

Since there are a couple of Canadian posters on this thread -

Does anyone remember a 15 minute show in the mid-90s called “PJ Katie’s Farm”? It was one of the hosts of the morning cartoon block basically telling silly stories with animals she’d made out of modeling clay. She did all the voices and you could see her move all the animals the whole time. We loved it, but my mom could not stand at all the whiny hamster voice, which got more annoying as the show went on.

Hi pensmama Nice to see a fellow Canadian! You know, I can’t remember that show, “PJ Katie”. I took a gander on google, though. I can see how it could make some adults cringe.

There was, “The Polk-a-dot-door”, with Polkaroo, that I remember. Mum could not bear the site of that big-footed, pear-shaped, tower-head creature, whose only speech, in response to full sentences, was limited to, “Polkaroo!”, uttered in a high-pitch voice !

 

[InquestofaWoman]

My little pony or polly pockets where toys my sister had that annoyed me. As a kid I can’t think of anything toy that really annoyed me. What I did remember annoying me was when I somehow always seemed to loose parts to a toy especially when I was alway really careful not to I still managed to loose parts.

DId you ever own a Lego set? Everyone I know who did (including my brother), always ended up losing some part of it and thus found himself with an incomplete project!

As a woman, I concur with My Little Pony. Reflecting on the show and all its commercials and products, the brief craze must must have been a misery, especially to young boys, though perhaps not as traumatizing as others. I admit I had a pony, myself, with long pink hair; I but I kept it away from my brother, who would likely have used it as a ball for batting practice !

 

[Joe_5859]

Haha! What kid wouldn’t love a toy chainsaw!!! My brother went nuts for such things! Kids love noisy stuff, and I can see why. After all, I loved that cow bell I mentioned in my first post; rang the wretched thing incessantly, just to hear Dad groan. As well, I used it when ill, as a means of calling Dad up to my room when I wanted something. (If it was Mum looking after me, I did not dare do so; I instinctively knew it would not work !!) Dad was my pretend servant and he played along, though now I know how miserable I made him. Only one toy he ever destroyed in my lifetime, and that was the bell!!!

My other noisy toy, that I remember, was a bear that bellowed Christmas music when I squeezed his paw. It was soon banned from the kitchen, and everywhere else Mum spent a lot of time !!! I still have that bear today, only now I keep it WITHOUT batteries…

That triggered for me what up until now I must have been mentally blocking out. My kids had this Winnie the Pooh train walker/seat. It is one of those contraptions that serve a dual purpose of being something for the kid to sit on or also walk behind and push it as they are learning to walk. The music on that was very loud and could not be stopped once it was started. Further, there was no on/off switch and no volume control. Eventually, I took out the batteries. It was the only way.

 

[InquestofaWoman]

P.S.
The other thing that goes on in the states now (last 10 years or so too) is that “most” parents treat their children like little, “orchids in a hot house”… Talking about kids ,or raising them, basically any opinion, about almost any facet of, the “precious little orchids”…MINEFIELD !

I’m really embarrassed ,you were treated this way ,by my countrymen, who unfortunately have lost their way in many ways, but especially when it comes to a “sense of humor” about almost anything anymore.

I don’t know what happened !!!..We were a lot more rough and tumble, way happy,
(BICS), Bronx Irish Catholics, (NY)… laughed plenty and rarely were offended about anything. Well, that’s some 40+ years ago… back then it was 3Stooges, Popeye, Bugs Bunny , The Little Rascals, Heckle and Jeckle, The Adventures of Superman…I could go on and on… and there were only seven TV channels then (Including PBS).
Don’t go "editing’ your sense of humour… CAF is lucky to have you on board and lighten things up!
Well, good night and God Bless…Martin.

Thanks, Martin. I still love the retro cartoons, admittedly, grown-up though I may be. My favourites remain Tom-and-Jerry and RoadRunner, but there were many others I enjoyed, too. These silly shows made for great early weekend mornings! Even adults found them amusing, and still do. The Retro Cartoon Channel sells moderately well here.

I think social change, as it pertains to parenting and other aspects of life, spans borders. People talk about it here, too, on radio shows and among themselves. So much seems different from when we were growing up. I suppose every generation says the same…

In my experience, a simpler, traditional lifestyle is still enjoyed within small towns and provinces. Children run around outside, folks get to know each other, and families attend church more often than Christmas and Easter. In such places, traditions continue to matter. There lies a stronger a sense of community, which often gets lost in more urban environments. The greater the population and advancements, the more the challenges, and the culture of living inevitably changes. People do not share as freely, laughter or otherwise.

I do not suggest there is any place, or time, where a utopian life may be found. There is no such thing as perfection on earth; we may only find this in God, and in heaven with Him. Even so, I prefer and strive, as many Christians do, for a modest existence, by His grace, as much as possible; one brimming with as many smiles as can be reared. Therein remains a lingering inkling of innocence less hindered by the spoils of time.

The posters here, all of us together, are having fun exchanging memories. I am happy to receive your insightful contribution! Laugh away!

 

[InquestofaWoman]

That triggered for me what up until now I must have been mentally blocking out. My kids had this Winnie the Pooh train walker/seat. It is one of those contraptions that serve a dual purpose of being something for the kid to sit on or also walk behind and push it as they are learning to walk. The music on that was very loud and could not be stopped once it was started. Further, there was no on/off switch and no volume control. Eventually, I took out the batteries. It was the only way.

Hahahaha! My bear didn’t have volume control, either. The wailing arrangement of jingles blared seemed like something composed under the influence of psychedelic drugs!

Still, those are the best noisy toys to have–the ones with batteries. The trouble is, parents typically endure hours of noise before summoning up the desperation to remove them! I am sorry to have brought this back to mind, Joe, after you had managed, so long, to obscure it from consciousness. Try not to be overwhelmed now; let suffering become you !!

 

[Joe_5859]

Hahahaha! My bear didn’t have volume control, either. The wailing arrangement of jingles blared seemed like something composed under the influence of psychedelic drugs!

Still, those are the best noisy toys to have–the ones with batteries. The trouble is, parents typically endure hours of noise before summoning up the desperation to remove them! I am sorry to have brought this back to mind, Joe, after you had managed, so long, to obscure it from consciousness. Try not to be overwhelmed now; let suffering become you !!

I’ll be okay. :bighanky:

 

[Angel_Bradford]

Excellent reminder, Angel Bradford. There are innumerable pet toys out there that test the patience. I overlooked this point, which is surprising considering I own a parrot named Jack. One day, I foolishly bought him a toy with a thousand little bells he loved to shake with his beak. Well…the toy did not seem threatening at the store, the way it sat there quietly, giving just a little bit of a ding when rustled. I thought it was harmless…at the time. Boy, was I wrong!!!

My desk, unfortunately, is situated close to the cage; and of course, when there working, in a bid for attention, Jack would intensify his efforts, rattling the toy and ringing the bells until I would shout at him to stop–precisely the reaction he wanted. Parrots love loud noises, including the bark of humans. They think it is fun. My giving in (can’t help it) only made him ring the bells more.

Finally, I could not take it anymore. I marched to the cage and tried to snatch the toy away; but Jack latched on to the other end with his beak and pulled back. We played tug-of-war until he abruptly opened his beak, causing me to stumble backwards into the desk. When I had thrown the toy away and returned, Jack began to laugh with a smug expression only a parrot can give. Can’t help but feel that though I disposed of the toy at last, he still got his way somehow. He succeeded in pushing my buttons, AGAIN!! Parrots!!! :bounce:.

Soon after, I bought him some blocks. Far more tolerable !

I would loved to have seen the tug of war between you and Jack!

 

[InquestofaWoman]

I would loved to have seen the tug of war between you and Jack!

Wish I could have seen myself. It was an amusing sight, to be sure!

Jack is full of antics. Another time, I was bent over beside his cage, cleaning up the seeds he had tossed on the floor. I should have known better than to turn my back, for that wicked parrot misses NO opportunity to play tricks.

Oblivious to Jack’s stealth approach, I continued to clean until I felt his long, sharp beak sink into my upturned backside. The brush and pan immediately clattered to the ground. I hopped about as though on fire, rubbing the pinched area and howling like a banshee. Seeds scattered everywhere, and Jack chuckled, danced, and shrieked in delight!! Ooooooooh, THAT PARROT!!!

 

[oneofmany]

You have a parrot? I don’t think I could stand his screeching. But I did have a very loud Siamese. He sounded just like a baby when he got to meowing. When I was on the phone people would ask if that was a baby. Funny, my next Siamese was mostly quiet and only loud when he was agitated. The cat I have now is also quiet. I can’t even hear her purr very much and have to feel her neck to fine out if she is doing it.