I had a very interesting conversation with a seventh grader I tutor who is studying for his social studies exam. The question was "Describe Ancient Roman family structure." We talked about how its very similar to Kuwait-three generations in a household.
Me: In America, it's just the mom, dad and kids.
Student: What about grandparents and cousins?
Me: The grandparents live by themselves and cousins live with their parents.
Student: What about the nannies?
Me: Well, we don't have nannies.
Student: Why?
Me: Well it's very rare to have nannies or maids. it's expensive.
Student: Then who washes the dishes?
Me: [holding back a giggle] The mom or the kids. Sometimes the dad.
Student: [blank stare]
Me: Kids usually have weekly chores like dusting, mopping, folding laundry...
We spent another 10 minutes discussing chores and allowances.
His question was so genuine. He has grown up in a house with 15 family members: parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Plus at least five nannies, a few drivers and other help. We had to tutor at a different table today, because the table we normally sit at was set up for family lunch. There were place settings for 20 people. Just a regular Saturday lunch. I think most families in America only do that a few times a year!
He said on Saturdays, his cousins like to play a big football game. But they don't have a yard-just a tiled outside area beside the basement. And it's going to be 109 today! I wonder how different their childhood would be if nature was a part of play. We rolled around in the grass, climbed trees, went to the beach, played in the sand and water. In the south, winters are mild and if you're from the north you enjoyed playing the snow. I know I say it all the time-but this is the hardest part of living in Kuwait.
Only 3 weeks left!
Me: In America, it's just the mom, dad and kids.
Student: What about grandparents and cousins?
Me: The grandparents live by themselves and cousins live with their parents.
Student: What about the nannies?
Me: Well, we don't have nannies.
Student: Why?
Me: Well it's very rare to have nannies or maids. it's expensive.
Student: Then who washes the dishes?
Me: [holding back a giggle] The mom or the kids. Sometimes the dad.
Student: [blank stare]
Me: Kids usually have weekly chores like dusting, mopping, folding laundry...
We spent another 10 minutes discussing chores and allowances.
His question was so genuine. He has grown up in a house with 15 family members: parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Plus at least five nannies, a few drivers and other help. We had to tutor at a different table today, because the table we normally sit at was set up for family lunch. There were place settings for 20 people. Just a regular Saturday lunch. I think most families in America only do that a few times a year!
He said on Saturdays, his cousins like to play a big football game. But they don't have a yard-just a tiled outside area beside the basement. And it's going to be 109 today! I wonder how different their childhood would be if nature was a part of play. We rolled around in the grass, climbed trees, went to the beach, played in the sand and water. In the south, winters are mild and if you're from the north you enjoyed playing the snow. I know I say it all the time-but this is the hardest part of living in Kuwait.
Only 3 weeks left!
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