There is always the issue with small ones: what is colloquially referred to as “littles”. It is difficult for many singletons to understand that small ones within a system are in need to stimulation and play-time, in the same manner as children Outside. However, we also know that achieving this is interesting and tricky business.
Small ones, of course, cannot play during work hours. Aside from making the Host look ridiculous, it could very well cost us our employment. At the same time, the small ones cannot run free at home, either. There must be a balance. Not only that, but there must be activities and diversions provided, so that no one wanders into the kitchen desiring to play “Explode”.
(For those of you who are unaware, “Explode” is a game created by Molly, in which she finds objects—food or otherwise—to place into the microwave, to see if it explodes. So far, we have learned that marshmallows expand to an unbelievable size, compact discs create sparks, and grapes make a small audible “pop” as they burst.)
Jude and Molly are our youngest. Each owns a small toy-box exclusive of one another. In these miniature toy-boxes are similarly small toys. The rule is, if it is inexpensive and can fit into the toy-box, we shall grant it to them. This, providing that they have been well-behaved. Molly’s toys include a Madeline doll, a plastic change purse and small plushes; Jude’s toys include Matchbox cars, a tiny version of “Barrel of Monkeys” and a G.I. Joe action figure. They each also own a bottle of bubbles, coloring books and an impressive set of Crayola crayons. We keep the home stocked with Disney films, collections of “Caillou” and other age-appropriate animated movies. They share a children’s Bible and several children’s books, as well. This keeps them well-occupied and satisfies their need to explore and interact.
As for our slightly older members…
Siroun and Aine are easier to deal with. We own a few Judy Blume, Lois Lowry and Christopher Pike books for them, and they may view any movie I have deemed appropriate. (Rowan comes out very infrequently, and he is close to adulthood, as it is.)
When the girls have been especially well-behaved, we treat them to a trip to the shopping mall, so they can “hang out”. (I have never understood the fascination females seem to have with doing absolutely nothing in a public place.)
I suppose that all this might come across as obvious to some, but it took us years—literally—to work the system out in order to please so many Inside. Keeping everyone content is an incredibly important duty, one to take seriously. If those in the Collective are happy, things run much more smoothly.
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