Reason number 1,232,343 to work at home!
I was glancing through the news today, and viewing blogs and opinions and came across talk about Girl Scout Cookies and Boy Scout popcorn and all those catalogs that parents bring into the workplace. All the proceeds benefit the schools or the various clubs that these kids belong to.
A couple of months ago, I answered the door and a cute little chap was there with his mother, selling Boy Scout popcorn. I declined him for a number of reasons - neither my husband or kids like popcorn, and I wear braces. Chowing down on popcorn for ten minutes leads to about ten hours of picking it out of your braces. Trust me on this and avoid popcorn if you metal-mouthed. We were also hosting a brunch and had a lot of people over. Bad timing.
Anyway, I feel bad and if he comes around again, I'll buy a little popcorn. Why? Because he was all decked out in his Boy Scout uniform and looking adorable, he was polite, and was making an effort. Doing what he was supposed to be doing - learning about leadership, doing good works, using good manners and working hard. And there I was, telling him it was a bad time and I was a bit busy. Shame on me!
Now do I feel this way about the parents who nag and guilt trip their co-workers to buy cookies and household what-nots and trinkets all day long at work? No! Back when I immersed myself in a mid-sized cubicle, in a mid-sized company in a mid-western town, I felt obliged many a time to buy Junior's cookies or shiny Christmas mug or kitchen decoration - not because I wanted to- but because Mom or Dad (my co-worker) wouldn't get off my behind!
"But look at this! You like pizza, right? These pizza kits are awesome!" or "these cookies are to die for! I can order you 10 boxes right now, if you like!". No, I didn't like! I didn't need the extra junk in my belly (or trunk, for that matter) and I didn't collect things and I didn't like knick knacks! I'm not a "stuff" kind of gal! Not to mention that I can't afford this "stuff". That's a bad enough feeling but to be pressured by parents (and some are very nice about it, but others go a tad Stage Mom about things) is not what the workplace is about. If I say no, I pretty much mean no. I'm not trying to be mean about it.
And I know it's cold and snowy but, really, walk your kid door-to-door, like my Boy Scout pal, or set up a table outside a store or church or community center. Most places are pretty good about accommodating kids. Make your kid earn the money.
That's kind-of-sort-of the point, right?
And a few healthy options would also be appreciated. I love (read: LOVE!) Girl Scout cookies but I'd also appreciate something a bit more healthy. Or at least to have the choice sometimes.
Tell Us
Do you sell your kid's stuff in the workplace? Is there pressure on you to do so? Or are you a co-worker who gets pressured to buy? Would you prefer more healthy options?