One of my favorite children’s musicians is John McCutcheon. He has a great kid’s ditty called “If I ruled the World.”
If I ran the world, everything would change. The food and toy stores would be free with door to door delivery. Oh, what a party it would be…if I ran the world.
If I ran the world each kid would have a bike, a swimming hole not far from home, a bedroom of their very own. No one would have to play alone… if I ran the world.
If I ran the world all homework would be banned, our school week would be just one day, and all the rest we’d have for play. I’d triple every teacher’s pay… if I ran the world.
If I ran the world there’d be no underwear, I’d never comb my hair, peace would break out everywhere!
If I ran the world each meal would have ice cream, the faucets would run juice and stuff, the tofu farms would have it rough, and everyone would have enough… if I ran the world.
If I ran the world I’d never change my socks, my bedtime would be late at night, there’s always be a hallway light. Whatever’s wrong I’d make it right… if I ran the world.
Whatever’s wrong we’d make it right… if we ran the world.
(©1992 John McCutcheon/Appalsongs (ASCAP) & Joe Hill Music (ASCAP))
So what would happen if YOU ran the world?
Of course, we could all come up with lofty and worthwhile dreams like ending world hunger and child abuse and such. But what sort of silly things would you like to change? Call on your inner child and ask him/her.
Mine says that everyone needs a tire swing. Adults should have their own playgrounds and “bouncy houses.”
Also, everyone should have a summer vacation, including people who work full-time. We were fortunate growing up — my dad was able to take the entire month of July for his vacation time. It was nice to have that time together as a family, even if it meant painting the house or some other big project. Now I see so many kids spending the summers in childcare or summer-long daycamps and it makes me sad. I know they get to do a lot of fun stuff, and I’ve never heard these kids complain about it. But it seems like summer should be a lazy time of playing in the backyard… reading books, chasing bugs, playing in the sprinkler — being a kid. Of course, I remember often saying, “Moooom, I’m booooored!” I know most families do not have a choice on this matter, so please don’t flame me. It just makes me a little nostalgic for times gone by.
On a side note… Do you know what I saw yesterday that floored me? On-line summer camp. Wow. I’m sure they have great, educational programs and all — but, wow. I’m trying to chase my kids off of the computer and get them to go play OUTSIDE! 🙂
So, what does your inner child want?
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One of my favorite children’s musicians is John McCutcheon. He has a great kid’s ditty called “If I ruled the World.”
An endless quiet and peaceful vacation waterfront…somewhere beautiful!