Last Friday, I had the opportunity, for the first time, to baby sit my 20-month old grand daughter.  She is very funny and very verbal.  She loves books and dancing and stringing beads.

About lunch time, her parents weren't home quite yet (checking on a kindergarten for Nate, next year), and I called them to ask if I could take Neve outside.

We had so much fun!  Neve likes picking up leaves.  So I got a bucket out of the garage, and together, we picked up leaves, one by one, from the drive way and sidewalk.  She laughed and laughed as we raced and chased the leaves.

Later that day, as part of his autism therapy, Nate was going on a bike ride. I had Neve outdoors, as we had been looking at the Halloween pumpkins.  My son said she would cry if I didn't put her in her car stroller and come along.  I said, "Let me try."

First, Neve said, "Where's Nate?"  Then we got busy picking up more leaves.  We could hear Nate laughing, and she said, "Nate!"  And I told her yes, he'll coming home soon.  She was fine, and we continued with our leaf game.

I do not believe in toys that require batteries.  I do not believe that kids need to walk around Toys R Us with a scanner to make their Christmas wish list. I do not believe kids need designer clothes or more shoes by age 2 than Grandma has owned in her sixty years altogether.

I love the way the kids are parenting with attention, clear expectations, and a schedule.  They are also very careful about nutrition and no sugar, especially sugar drinks. (I let my kids be Kool-Aidaholics).  Nevertheless, as Christmas approaches, I urge parents to KEEP IT SIMPLE.  Electronic toys and video games are not in the child's best interest.  How about Lincoln Logs, Legos, Mr. Potato Head, and BOOKS?

My kids never had a video game until they could afford to buy one for their college apartments.  Fine!  Not under my roof!  Old-fashioned is not out-fashioned.  A baby likes a wooden spoon and a metal mixing bowl!