Now & Then 7/30/2026

I grew up in the 50’s in Marion, population 1,118 at the time. Other than early childhood, parents of kids back then did not find it necessary to entertain them. I quickly learned that when I complained about having nothing to do; my folks quickly found enough chores to keep me busy all day.
We were fortunate to have a pond in town. I remember digging worms and taking my cane pole downtown to fish from shore. I was always proud to bring home a meal of bluegills and sunfish. Lots of kids enjoyed swimming in the pond. I wasn’t a good swimmer, but I still went with the others, and usually stayed on shore.
My friends and I would sometimes go to the grocery store and ask for boxes. We built houses for our dolls. Sometimes we colored the boxes, which kept us busy for hours. I also remember cutting out clothes from the catalogue and dressing my paper dolls with them.
We did a great deal of roller skating. We didn’t have a roller rink, but we skated on sidewalks and paved driveways. Marbles was great fun. I still have some of my tiger eyes and steelies.
We jumped rope, played hopscotch and jacks, and we played draw the frying pan, red rover and hide and seek. In the evenings we caught fire flies and put them in jars to see them light up.
Lots of my friends and I went to the library. My dad did not want me to sit in the house reading if the weather was nice outside. But I almost always read in the evenings.
My friends and I would often go down to our woods and pick wild flowers. We each took a bouquet to our moms.
I really dislike it when I hear some folks say there is nothing in Shawano for kids to do. Are you kidding me? Let me name just a few that come to mind. Of course, we have both the lake and the river for fishing, tubing, swimming, skiing and boating. We have mini-golf and a wonderful theater. The library offers numerous classes/projects for youth. We have in excess of 20 parks, including some playground equipment available for special needs children.
There are several ball diamonds, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. There are wonderful biking and walking trails. How about Saturday night stock car racing? There are facilities to ice skate, play hockey and show horses. We have a beautiful Rec Center.
There is 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. We have several community churches that offer a variety of activities for youth. We have a nature center nearby.
I have just named a few things that immediately came to mind. I know there are a number of things I haven’t mentioned. My point is, our community has so much more to offer than when I was growing up. Kids have plenty of positive things they can do besides video games and cell phones. Many of the things to do are free or with little cost.
I do like the 7-7-7 rule popular with some families. It is a framework designed to build emotional security and strengthen the parent-child bond through consistency. It involves 21 minutes of total daily connection split into three 7 minute intervals: morning, after school and bedtime.
Morning (first 7 minutes): Connect before the day’s activities begin. Wake up a few minutes early to cuddle, talk about what you are each looking forward to during the day, or eat breakfast together – screen free and without rushing.
Afternoon/Reunion (second 7 minutes): Reconnect with your child when your child returns from school or you get home from work. Put away your phones and actively listen as your child reflects on their day. Give them your undivided attention.
Bedtime (final 7 minutes): Wind down with 7 minutes of focused attention. This is a great time to sing a song, read, talk about the “highs and lows” of the day or simply cuddle.
The goal of this 7-7-7 rule is presence, not perfection. During these 21 minutes, you give your child your undivided attention. The goal is to ensure your child feels seen, heard and valued daily.
Some parenting experts and psychologists use a different framework called the 7-7-7 principal. The version divides your child’s first 21 years into three 7-year phases to help adapt your parenting style as they grow.
Ages 0-7: focus on play, bonding and building trust
Ages 8-14: focus on teaching, guiding friendships and developing values
Ages 15-21: transition into mentorship, advising them as they grow into independent adults
Our relationships with our family are important. We should not have to look for ways to entertain our children. They need to use their creativity and find “good” things to do on their own. However, knowing what your child is doing and knowing their friends is important.

Sending out sympathy and prayers to Patti Peterson, Market Messenger, during this difficult time of losing her mother.
Sending out prayers to Karen Johnson, my former long-time hairdresser, who is experiencing health issues. Praying for healing, hope and renewed health.