The Slice: Tough crowd, tough love

It’s a common observation of those of a certain age.

Today’s kids are soft.

Perhaps you have heard that. Maybe you’ve even said it.

Seems like a rather broad generalization. But at the risk of joining the grumbling ranks of the “Back in my day” crowd, I have to say there might be something to that.

So I have a proposal.

As you know, we are about to plunge headlong into the kids-putting-on-a-show season. Plays, recitals, choral concerts, pageants – you name it.

Here’s my idea.

When encountering a performance that really isn’t all it should be, we boo.

Yes, boo. With gusto.

I know there are those who would regard that as child abuse. But hear me out.

If we accept that some children might be a bit coddled and babied, perhaps we could agree on a remedy.

That would be: Confront them with the truth.

If their performance on stage stinks, let’s tell them.

It’s an act of love, really. I mean, when you think about it.

Presented in an otherwise supportive and nurturing context, this might be just the splash of cold water in the face our kids/grandkids need. Instead of lingering in a fantasyland where the world revolves around them and everything they do is considered brilliant, they would be invited to get real.

If they are good singers or dancers, fine. If not, let them know. And maybe give them a hug afterward.

“I adore you more than life itself, honey. But you were flat on ‘Silent Night.’ Had to boo.”

Now I freely admit booing a little kids’ Christmas pageant might seem a tad harsh. But think how this brand of tough love might help them develop emotional maturity and resilience.

Imagine how it would help them by the time they are in college.

I can almost hear awed classmates expressing admiration.

Classmate 1: “Did you hear how the professor ripped Madison’s argument in class? That would have made me burst out crying. But it didn’t seem to faze her at all.”

Classmate 2: “Are you kidding? Madison is from Spokane. Those kids are tough. She once played the Virgin Mary in a Christmas pageant and got booed out of the manger.”

Doesn’t the thought of that fill you with pride?

Of course, booing might not be necessary if all the kids’ performances are outstanding. And, you know, something tells me they will be.

Today’s Slice question: What are the symptoms of Spokanthrax?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Did you feel like an outlaw bad boy after removing a flow restrictor?