I Get No Respect

As emailed to Common Sense Media:

Hi,
I've enjoyed getting your reviews for some time. Just wanted to make you aware that disagreeable media is far beyond the traditional: I was at Staples (the office supply store) with my almost-6 year old today and there was an "Easy Button" for kids. In addition to "That was easy" it also said things like "Go ahead, stay up late" and "You're right, they're wrong" and "You can do your homework later" (not sure of the wording on that one, it was something about homework). I was not happy that they would chose to make an innocent item like an Easy Button so undermining to the family! It took me hours to explain to my son why I would not buy it for him!

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My refusal must've had a big impact on DuckyBoy. Several hours after we were at Staples, during which time we met with his Bestest Girlfriend in the Universe Who We Have Not Seen All Summer, and had loads of fun at a Burger King with a huge playspace and then went with her to a nature center that had animals, a walking trail AND a gift shop, he STILL asked me, as we exited the car on our way home, why I did not buy that Easy Button For Kids for him.

When I explained that those were things that parents would not like, it was pretty cute that he said something like, "But kids say those things, which is why Staples decided to use them."

To which I replied, "And I can decide not to buy that item." I told him I'd be more likely to buy him a traditional Easy Button (which he's coveted for some time, which just says, "That was easy") than that one. It was an interesting, brain-stretching conversation for me, at least.

I feel like such a Parent!! It's not that bad of a feeling though. Hmm.