Gradually in this twenty-first century in the world of affluent Americans has emerged new essential architectural rooms in the home: the Man Cave, 'his' office, 'her' office, her Sewing or Hobby room, the Media Room. There even is a TV commercial about a football player's mom's 'Mom Cave.' And, heaven forbid, if anyone should have to share a bathroom! When I was growing up with my parents and three brothers with only one bathroom, I didn't know how 'deprived' we were! My grandmother's original house didn't even have plumbing and a bathroom until the 1930s. How, oh how, did they survive!
It's certainly fine and OK if a family can afford a big house to include these new 'amenities,' but not fine if either dad or mom make the children share very crowded bedrooms to have an entire room just to display their sports memorabilia, or collection of something.
Recently I heard about a divorced mom's live-in boyfriend's Man Cave, in which he proudly displayed the many fine and expensive objects he collected during his many world travels. Mom's six-year old dared to go in the Man Cave and touch one object (not break it!). A torrent of unprintable words came forth from Mr. Boyfriend's mouth against the child. Fortunately for the child, the mom defended the child and sent Mr. Boyfriend packing with all his important things.
Used to be, an Office was a place you went to, to work. WHY would you want to WORK at home? I probably shouldn't be decrying this because I have a dedicated office. But then, all my children have grown up and left the nest. And I 'work' at home, writing; actually, it's not work at all to me! (I retired from nursing last June.)
An older couple I knew lived on the edge of a lake. The grandchildren lived in a distant state and very rarely could visit. The children borrowed some bread and started feeding the ducks in the lake. Grandpa's whole head got red with anger! He screamed at the children, "Don't feed those ____ ducks! They'll all come and their ____ will be all over my grass!" The grandchildren never were able to return. I hope the Grandpa enjoyed his friendly, loving grass.
In the same house, once several of the grandchildren went into grandma's quite lovely, large, and expensive living room. (Don't know why they called it a 'living' room - nobody ever went in it.) They merrily started dancing and laughing. Grandma couldn't stand it. She ran into the living room and scolded, "Stop that this instant! Your vibrations will knock down my china figurines!" They sadly and slowly walked away. I hope Grandma Grump enjoyed the hugs from her fine loving china ladies.
Understand, if you have lots of nice rooms, there's no harm. But my point is that people, especially children, come first. Dear Lord above, I pray, help us sort out the priorities in our busy lives. Show us the important things to love!
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