From a parent’s point of view, antiquing with children has some compelling arguments. One is getting them away from television and computer screens, another is involving the whole family in the same activity. I also see it as an opportunity to teach children about design, art and culture, knowledge that will serve them well throughout life. Yet another aspect is an opportunity to talk with kids about money and finance, an aspect where many of us fall down. Sure, we tell our children they have to get an education and a job, but do we talk about financial planning in any way? We may teach thrift by getting them a piggy bank or a bank account, but how about investment?
This post isn’t intended as professional advice; it’s meant to get you thinking about some possibilities.
The Antique Shop
Visiting an antique shop with very young children is probably not a great idea, particularly the sort of crowded shop where valuables are on low tables and shelves and easily knocked off. But if they have high counters, you can teach children to ‘look but not touch’ as the dealer shows you items. Please teach your children good manners in a shop in a constructive, positive way. Do not shout ‘that’s expensive! Put it down!’ For one thing, a shock will likely make the child drop whatever it is; for another, it seems to me that that idea simply tells a child ‘that’s too good for the likes of you!’ or ‘people like us don’t buy that sort of thing’. Rather, say things like ‘Isn’t that pretty? When you’re a grown up you’ll be able to afford things like that.’
The Antiques Fair
The guidelines to be used in a shop are even more important at an antiques fair. It is likely that exhibitors have brought their very best merchandise, and the sound of something breaking is not one that any of us want to hear, nor do you want the bill!
I do not recommend taking very small children; they get bored and they tire easily. Interestingly, though, I met many school-aged children at the recent Canberra Seasonal Antiques Fair who absolutely love antiques. I couldn't believe it! These kids watch Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt religiously and are facinated with old wares.
In my unscientific sampling, girls had a vaguer, broader selection of items they were interested in; often anything to do with animals, fairies and princesses, which leaves them open to a wide range of glass, ceramics, sculpture and Fine Art.
Boys, however, could get very specific: one utterly charming fellow told me he liked walking canes and opera glasses!
An antiques fair can be a great source of information for both you and your children, but remember that people are people: Some people love children, some people do not. Many dealers are delighted to talk with people; some just want a sale. Bear in mind that selling is, after all, the reason most vendors are there, so if you just want to look, it's best not to interrupt if the stall holders are busy or trying to close a deal. You will be most successful if you pop in when things are slow and say something like 'May we browse?' or 'Just having a look, is that all right?' You'll usually find that people are happy to help; if they're not, don't sweat it, smile and move along.
Caring for Antiques
Another way to instruct children in the value of antiques and collectables is to allow them the care of them. For example, my grandmother ‘allowed’ me to polish her silver and Windex® the glass baubles, bobeches and prisms that hung from the glitzy tables, lamps and chandeliers she loved. It was to our mutual benefit; Grandma readily admitted that she hated doing such chores herself, while I absolutely loved such fiddling about.
A sturdy, cheaply-bought stool can give a child access to a table or sink, and even quite a young child can stand at the sink while a parent stands behind and lines the sink with a dish towel, and the child can splash about while Mum or Dad cleans the glass or china (okay, maybe not your best china, but....)
Sure, this will likely increase your cleaning time by a bit, but what is that compared to the quality time you spend together? These are the sorts of joyful memories that last a lifetime.
The Antique Shop
Visiting an antique shop with very young children is probably not a great idea, particularly the sort of crowded shop where valuables are on low tables and shelves and easily knocked off. But if they have high counters, you can teach children to ‘look but not touch’ as the dealer shows you items. Please teach your children good manners in a shop in a constructive, positive way. Do not shout ‘that’s expensive! Put it down!’ For one thing, a shock will likely make the child drop whatever it is; for another, it seems to me that that idea simply tells a child ‘that’s too good for the likes of you!’ or ‘people like us don’t buy that sort of thing’. Rather, say things like ‘Isn’t that pretty? When you’re a grown up you’ll be able to afford things like that.’
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| Children must be supervised at all times in an antique shop |
The Antiques Fair
The guidelines to be used in a shop are even more important at an antiques fair. It is likely that exhibitors have brought their very best merchandise, and the sound of something breaking is not one that any of us want to hear, nor do you want the bill!
I do not recommend taking very small children; they get bored and they tire easily. Interestingly, though, I met many school-aged children at the recent Canberra Seasonal Antiques Fair who absolutely love antiques. I couldn't believe it! These kids watch Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt religiously and are facinated with old wares.
In my unscientific sampling, girls had a vaguer, broader selection of items they were interested in; often anything to do with animals, fairies and princesses, which leaves them open to a wide range of glass, ceramics, sculpture and Fine Art.
Boys, however, could get very specific: one utterly charming fellow told me he liked walking canes and opera glasses!
An antiques fair can be a great source of information for both you and your children, but remember that people are people: Some people love children, some people do not. Many dealers are delighted to talk with people; some just want a sale. Bear in mind that selling is, after all, the reason most vendors are there, so if you just want to look, it's best not to interrupt if the stall holders are busy or trying to close a deal. You will be most successful if you pop in when things are slow and say something like 'May we browse?' or 'Just having a look, is that all right?' You'll usually find that people are happy to help; if they're not, don't sweat it, smile and move along.
Caring for Antiques
Another way to instruct children in the value of antiques and collectables is to allow them the care of them. For example, my grandmother ‘allowed’ me to polish her silver and Windex® the glass baubles, bobeches and prisms that hung from the glitzy tables, lamps and chandeliers she loved. It was to our mutual benefit; Grandma readily admitted that she hated doing such chores herself, while I absolutely loved such fiddling about.
A sturdy, cheaply-bought stool can give a child access to a table or sink, and even quite a young child can stand at the sink while a parent stands behind and lines the sink with a dish towel, and the child can splash about while Mum or Dad cleans the glass or china (okay, maybe not your best china, but....)
Sure, this will likely increase your cleaning time by a bit, but what is that compared to the quality time you spend together? These are the sorts of joyful memories that last a lifetime.
Aleta Curry is a writer and historian, and an accredited antiques dealer and valuer from NSW, Australia. She and her husband Martin write extensively about antiques and collectables, and run the successful Aleta’s Antiques. Martin and Aleta love sharing their knowledge and are committed to Integrity in Antiquing. Aleta blogs at Aleta’s Arty Facts.
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