Comments on: Grubby Boys and Tomboy Girls: Mormon Tweens

By: Martin Willey

Martin Willey — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:12:30 +0000

Re: #6. The vernacular is a little different, but it sounds like an argument for Title IX to me.

By: Maurine

Maurine — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:14:28 +0000

I am chuckling over the comment about Tom-boy girls who develop tough muscles, great lung capacity, and good red blood by romping and playing in the open air until age fourteen. Actually, I think boys and girls today spend too much time in passive activities, but I can’t imagine the Young Women leaders telling the youth to romp in the open air.”

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:11:42 +0000

Yes, she was a church member. Amy was born in Salt Lake City, in the covenant, to pioneer parents from England. She did quote lots of outside experts in her paper, if that counts.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:22:57 +0000

A question, Ardis: Was Amy Bowman a member of the Church? You say she was a noted expert on child development and frequently taught Primary and MIA groups. Much of the human relations/child development training I've seen in the Church today is taught by persons of some expertise, yes, but who are inevitably Church members. I just wanted to know whether a 1920s Church auxiliary would dare invite an "outsider" to teach and preach to the flock?

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:18:02 +0000

Both the Primary and MIA materials I’ve been reading make a clear distinction between “amusements” (the passive watching of or other minor participation in activities performed by others) and “recreation” (the active, whole-hearted involvement in creating an activity oneself). The kids on the baseball field are engaged in recreation; those cheering from the stands are engaged in amusement.

I’m sure it’s that meaning used here, rather than implying that play should not be entertaining.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:11:43 +0000

Funny, Martin Willey. Our 9-year old daughter avoids the shower, too. And she answers the same way regarding getting into her pajamas. Grubby, indeed!

I thought it was interesting that the author pushes “play” as wholesome, but then limits it to things that are not “amusement.”

Thanks for this, Ardis. [printing...]

By: Martin Willey

Martin Willey — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:32:23 +0000

Re: The “grubby stage.” This made me laugh. Our 9-year old boy avoids the shower at all cost. And, we have our version of sleeping in the hay. When we tell him to put on his pajamas, 8 of 10 times he says, “I am in my pajamas!” In his mind, the sport shorts and t-shirt he has played in all day “become” his pajamas.

On a more serious note, Sis. Bowman’s comments about extending childhood, not hurrying it, are very wise.