Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Canton Resident Can’t Find The Right Play Date For His Kids



By: James Olsen
Crab Staff Writer

CANTON – Local man and father of three John Hallivont is looking feverishly for suitable play dates for is 2, 3, and 5 year old kids. The only problem is he cannot find any play-dates that fulfill his long list of requirements.

“I will admit, my requirements are quite demanding.” explained Hallivont. “But by no means whatsoever, are the requirements unreasonable.”

Some examples of his requirements of a suitable play date include a height restriction where the play date must be at least 3 inches shorter than his kid and must be at least 4 months younger. Another requirement is that the parents of the play date must drive a foreign made, late model station wagon or SUV that has a progressive-scan DVD player with a flip-down screen no smaller than 13 inches. Curtain airbags are a plus, but not a requirement.

“The vehicle arrangement is most necessary in terms of compliance.” Hallivont explained. “Aside from age and size dominance, my child is to believe that he or she is riding safely in the comfort and luxury of one of our 3 vehicles. Otherwise, there will be no play-date.”

Another important requirement that Hallivont points out is family history. If the play date’s parents have ever lived abroad, or ever been to Las Vegas on vacation, they will be non-compliant with the requirements. Also, parents who live in a house that wasn’t family-inherited will be chalked up as non-compliant.

“Sadly enough, the Las Vegas thing really eliminates many people and they just throw the biggest hissy-fits when I dismiss them for that reason. Quite sad it is.” Hallivont said. “But, my children are important to me and I just feel that I am justified to be so choosy when it comes to who they will and will not interact with socially.”

While many rejected applicants feel he is taking the requirements too far, Hallivont remains firm in his ways and still continues his search for suitable play-dates for his children.

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