Dungeon or Sun Room?
Recently a friend and I were talking about the relative value of having a dungeon. So many parental challenges could be readily managed with the mere existence of a house dungeon.
It's the ultimate time-out corner.
Chances are that you'd never even use it. Most likely a mere gesture in the dungeon's direction would be enough to get those socks picked up, the broccoli eaten and the homework completed without a peep. Like nuclear weapons, a dungeon would be an effective deterrent, used strictly to keep warring parties vested in an uneasy peace.
But lately I've been rethinking--more like remodeling, I suppose--this dungeon thing. I'm beginning to think the dungeon might make a good place for me to hang out.
Yes, much like a storm shelter of the great plains, a safe house for the mafia, and a rehab center for disgraced politicians, a decent household dungeon could be the place where Mommies could safely escape the constant pressures of child rearing.
It would be a place where the furnishings were simple, just a few decorative chains, maybe a stool or raised stone bench, all of which would require virtually no upkeep.
Of course there would be a sort of austere room service, complete with meals provided on a regular basis, and no requirement to do the dishes afterwards.
The properly built household dungeon would be remarkably quiet, with the stone wall quite efficient at insulating the occupant from the sounds of Barney, sibling rivalry and teenage angst.
Within the walls the temperature would be cool and the air moist without having to remember to wash out the humidifier for the 50th time.
And there would be no laundry. Ever.
I can see this idea catching on among home builders, becoming an option right next to sky lights and walk in closets:
Woman, reviewing paper work while a toddler attempts to staple her thigh: "So how much more is it if we want a dungeon?"
Sales person, beaming. "It's included if you go with the bonus room plan. "
Parents: "Sold!"
There is, of course, one problem with the dungeon. Chances are, your kids would learn how to pick the lock in no time.
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