My child laborer has returned from Europe!

@TheHorse (205716)
Walnut Creek, California
August 29, 2016 11:25am CST
My young neighbor friend has returned from six weeks visiting Grandparents and other family members in Europe. You will recall that this is the child that I used to exploit by having him brush my horse and help me clean up her poop, and that I more recently have enlisted to help me water my various gardens and do some sanding on my speakers. Yesterday, while he and I were out cycling, we spied a cool old table by a dumpster. He asked if we could try to restore it, and I said heck yes. I drooled a bit at the thought of putting the kid back to work. Kids have good memories. He asked: Do you think we should start with 60 grit sandpaper? Or use 150? I was actually surprised. His mom took this picture of us getting started on our new project yesterday afternoon. Notice that I'm making him do most of the work. Do you believe in child labor, like I do?
22 people like this
21 responses
Mike
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
29 Aug 16
I would if I knew any kids Was he the one you were leaving that last strip of painting/staining/varnishing for? Also, my ex had a table that looked exactly like that and she paid way over £100 for it and it really does look exactly the same...why would someone put that in the rubbish
4 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
I wondered that too. It seems too nice to toss. Yes, he's the one for whom I left the last strip on the balcony table. He sanded it a bit yesterday, but we decided it was best not to break out the Watco Danish Oil yesterday, as he had his "nice" clothes on.
3 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
@Mike197602 I do too! It reminds me of an old captain's desk for some reason.
3 people like this
Mike
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
29 Aug 16
@TheHorse when you fix it up someone will pay good money for that. I'd buy it myself if I had the room for it....I like the look of that sort of table.
3 people like this
Ruby Hawk
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
29 Aug 16
Actually I do believe in child labor. Kids who learn to help out early learn how to do things on their own. It's good for them.
3 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
I agree. And they take pride in doing it too. I've cranked out a lot of young kids who love to help in the garden, sand stuff, etc.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
31 Aug 16
@RubyHawk I think it's helpful when their grown-ups have things they love to do that they can share with the kids.
1 person likes this
Ruby Hawk
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
31 Aug 16
@TheHorse Mine helped in the yard and garden when they were five years old. it's a great think you are doing. Some kids don't have the opportunity.
1 person likes this
Sue H.
@CinnamonGrl (7083)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
29 Aug 16
Hey, I can see he's been schooled properly! Yes of course I believe in child labor. Especially the poop scooping.
3 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
Yes, a little poop scooping is good for kids. I told him that if we ride, we have to clean up after.
2 people like this
Alfredo Rossi
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
29 Aug 16
well being an antique person.I will leave it along.I love the patina on this.I never refinish.
3 people like this
Alfredo Rossi
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
29 Aug 16
@TheHorse yes,that is correct there.I do like the table
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
@amadeo I'll discuss minimalism with my young laborer, and we'll try to be as minimally invasive as we can.
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
You know, I thought of this! My friend Ric, who is something of a wood and antique expert, happened to stop by as my young friend and I were getting started. He said that the piece was probably from the post WWII era, due to the rounded legs, and that we wouldn't devalue it by freshening it up a bit. Someone had written some bad words on the top in some kind of marker. Else, I might have decided to oil without doing any sanding. I know that with older pieces (as with guitars), you can devalue them substantially by changing their appearance in any way.
2 people like this
ARM
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
29 Aug 16
If its the type you do, then yes. That kid is lucky to have you and also the otherway around , I guess.
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
Oh yes! I have a great time with him. I'm glad that he wants to learn "farming" and woodworking with me.
2 people like this
Yogesh Sharma
@ModernDayWriter (3318)
• New Delhi, India
29 Aug 16
Child laboring aloud in your country?
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
No, not real child labor. I hope the language gap doesn't prohibit you from catching the "tongue in cheek" nature of my post.
hora_fugit
@hora_fugit (5862)
• India
29 Aug 16
No, they have toned it down quite a bit.
celticeagle
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Aug 16
That is so great! Kids need to learn this sort of things. The earlier the better.
1 person likes this
celticeagle
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Aug 16
@TheHorse ......It's something dad's don't seem to do much anymore it seems.
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
I agree that the earlier the better. It becomes a part of them.
1 person likes this
changjiangzhibin89
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
30 Aug 16
This old-time one looks like an end table .Lovely kids,he helps you with so many things.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
He's a delight to hang out with.
1 person likes this
Judy Story
@jstory07 (134458)
• Roseburg, Oregon
30 Aug 16
I believe in helping the child do it themselves so they learn.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
Vygotsky (a fancy psychologist) calls that scaffolding. We get them started, maybe do a little modeling, and then guide them only when they need it.
Juliaacv
@Juliaacv (48415)
• Canada
30 Aug 16
I don't think that there is anything wrong with him wanting to do something like this, it isn't really labour, more of a hobby by the sounds of things-a hobby that requires adult supervision. He looks pretty happily engaged here.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
Yes, of course I'm kidding about the child labor thing. Younger kids love to do what the grown-ups in their lives are doing. He gets a big thrill from helping me water the gardens or working on speakers with me. He was even excited to go to Trader Joe's with me the other day. His "job" was to remember I needed milk and Altoids.
1 person likes this
Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
29 Aug 16
wow, he really IS learning, and not only that, has an interest, he might have a career there. I think if he does the work, perhaps he could, if mom was ok, HAVE this one, to remind him of everything he can do
1 person likes this
Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
30 Aug 16
@TheHorse very true.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
@Jessicalynnt I like the fact that younger kids still want to do what we (the grown-ups in their lives) do. We can get them started on anything from liking math to horseback riding to woodworking to music to knitting.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
It will also remind him of our friendship. Eventually, his family of mine will move to somewhere new.
1 person likes this
James Higgins
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
30 Aug 16
What a great experience for this boy!
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
I find it interesting that having fun and learning need not be separate.
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Aug 16
I'm sure you were pleased to see each other. I hope you gave back his toy cars without a fuss.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
He knows I'll get testy if he takes back all of the Ford Mustangs.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Aug 16
@TheHorse So do you have any of your own? Maybe you need to leave a note for Father Christmas this year.
Laurel (L_B)
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
29 Aug 16
He looks like he is having a blast. What a smart little guy. He will grow into a fine young man because of all you've are teaching him. What a great bond.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
His mom came here from Croatia, and is not rich. But she's done a good job of getting him into good schools, getting him started on soccer and dance, and exposing him to good people. He's a great kid. I have as much fun as he does when we "hang out."
1 person likes this
Laurel (L_B)
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
29 Aug 16
@TheHorse That is so cool and you are being his positive role model. He will do well in live because of this.
1 person likes this
fizzytom
@fizzytom (752)
• Maribor, Slovenia
29 Aug 16
Wow! That is one great find. I must check out more dumpsters.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
Yeah, that was a pretty cool find.
1 person likes this
vanny
@vandana7 (98826)
• India
29 Aug 16
That is simply too touching... the kid really likes you Pony...my hero returned from school and kinda bangs at the door kind...I am so happy for you...
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
My guy gets a lot of "mom" energy at home. And being from Croatia, she's quite directive. He likes coming over here and doing "guy" things like woodworking and playing with his cars. He knows that Ford Mustings (and F-150 pick-ups) are my favorite, so he either lets me have one or teases me by driving them.
1 person likes this
rebel_woman06
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
31 Aug 16
Here ain the Philippines , you could be fined and imprisoned if you do that.
Hate2Iron
@Hate2Iron (15730)
• Canada
29 Aug 16
I wish that we knew some strong kids here. We have this monster couch that we could use help moving so that we could lay down the carpet.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Aug 16
Heavy lifting? That's why God made teenagers.
crazyhorseladycx
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
30 Aug 16
aw, so glad yer lil helper 'tis back! i adore child labor myself, how else're they 'pposed to learn schtuff?? gotta get 'em hands-on :) that's wonderful that'cha found that ol' table. hangin' out with ya 'tis gonna leave great memories 'n skills with that young fella.
Scott Ganschow
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
29 Aug 16
Yeah, for things like mowing and stuff.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 16
Heh heh. Bring on the 14-year-olds. That's what they're for.
1 person likes this