Model gratitude for children, not jealousy

Note: The following question about amusement parks was submitted prior to the pandemic.

Dear Annie: Here comes another summer, and I always enjoy taking my children to a local amusement park. It is a nice park, but can you tell me how to explain to my children why we have to wait in line for, let’s say, 30 minutes or more to get on a ride, and then they witness others coming up in a separate line and getting right on? It is called “fast pass.” They are catering to the rich because it costs a lot more to get this option.

Also, they have “preferred parking,” which costs even more than the ridiculous price of $20 to park in the “normal” parking lots.

Let me know of a good solution, if there is one. Thank you!

Dear Ticked Off: One solution might be to go with another family and split the cost difference of the preferred parking.

But the real lesson here is that, yes, there are going to be people who can afford preferred parking and have an easier time at an amusement park. Some can afford expensive seats at a sporting event or on an airplane, and others can drive fancy cars. However, there are some people who cannot afford to take their children to an amusement park at all. The bottom line is that rather than worrying about explaining inequalities or perceived slights, focus on modelling behaviour you’d like your children to emulate.

If you show them that you are bitter about others getting to cut the line, they will learn to be bitter rather than to be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a day at an amusement park with family.

If you use those 30 minutes in line to appreciate time with your kids and show them your excitement for the upcoming ride, you might be surprised by how much fun you will all have.

Dear Annie: If I could, I would like to give a bit of encouragement to all the parents who are sheltering at home with their kids and trying to be their teacher. My older sister taught first grade for 40 years.

She eventually learned that her first task was to make the kids love her. If they loved her, they would be willing to learn. So a message for parents is that, since your children already love you, you have already accomplished the first step of being a good teacher.

Dear Teacher at Home: Thank you for your letter. I agree that love breeds listening, and I’m going to add respect to that list as well. Please thank your sister for her 40 years of service in one of the most important jobs in the world.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at creators.com.