Photo Courtesy of Sean Fallon
This made me think back to the days when finding the right battery was critical to my young kids. It seemed like every single one of their toys needed a different kind. And then, once I found (or more likely, purchased) the batteries, I’d regret it because it usually meant they were toys that made noise.
I’ve always thought there’s a special spot in hell for people who design annoyingly noisy toys.
Word count: 102
Powerful
“Hey! My Gameboy stopped working! What the…”
“Mommy! Darling Dance-A-Lot stopped playing…”
“Waaaaah!! No sound…”
My kids made more noise than the toys I’d surreptitiously sabotaged. I knew it was short-lived, however. I had a plan.
“Here – try one of these,” I said in my most convincing voice. “It’s something you’ll love.”
Eying me suspiciously, they turned to look. I held out the treats, calling them to me like the Pied-piper.
“Books, my sweets. Quiet, lovely, books.”
With a little persuasion, they settled in with their new found friends, each one a doorway to a new world. A much quieter world.
To see other stories, please visit the Rochelle Wisoff-Fields site here.
© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
Lol… Brilliant sabotage and then the gift of QUIET books! I loved reading as a child, still do but now I wonder if my parents were manipulating me too (I was what was called a noisy child) Hahahaha
I admit, there were times I did take the batteries out for some peace and quiet…
Ha ha ha 😃
Score one for Mother. She won that round quite cleverly. Very entertaining story that every parent can identify with, I’m sure.
Anything for some relief from the noise….thanks for reading!
Perfect! A well-told story, Erin! I would do the same with kids and noisy toys. (And I’m so very glad that my daughter reads ceaselessly, for hours on end!)
Yes, all 3 of mine turned into big readers. It’s a lovely gift to pass on to your kids.
🙂 Nice! And so true!
glad it worked. 🙂
Ditto! Thank you for reading.
Yes. So much more value in books. Who invented battery-powered toys anyway?
Indeed. I am never without one .. Or three. 😀
that’s a brilliant mother
Desperate times mean desperate measures! Thanks for reading!
Love the story; as a parent of 2 youngsters, I can definitely identify. Plus, anytime someone can encourage a kid to read and they enjoy it, then I’m happy. Good work!
Yes – it’s a lifetime gift. And the peace and quiet are invaluable!
Reading books would become de rigueur for children. And your story should be mandatory reading for all new mums and grandparents.
I agree! Thanks for reading!
Aww, much quieter! Peace at last. If you can turn kids on to books, it’s golden and for more reasons than just the quiet. Lovely story, Erin.
Every mother’s fantasy! (At least this one)
Very clever. And very justifiable. Nice one, Erin.
What a sly mother. My mom was a reader. I think she instilled that in me.
This is great. What a clever mum. I’m glad the kids enjoy the books.
Dear Erin,
My parents bought a toy for my first son called the Toonyville Choo Choo, a toy that shall live in infamy. It had four little discs and played high pitched tunes with a toot-toot punctuating the so-called music. One day he spilled Kool-Aid on it and gunked up the works. We made no move to fix it. Ah peace at last.
Good story. As you can see I related. Incidentally, that son has been a voracious reader since he was four. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Good story and a great idea, Erin. My son preferred reading and outdoor activities to toys. My daughter played with toys for a while but got interested in playing board games and other activities with neighbor kids. She also became a reader. I didn’t buy many battery toys for them. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
Oh I love this… I have a friend who has similar problems… but today she takes down the wifi for the same effect..
If only… I do like the story.