We've been taking for time for ourselves lately, and it has been a wonderful thing! Grace gets to do more of her Geometry and we had a slew of kids over the other day for Grace's "Ocean Warrior" project. It was GREAT! I need to look at the next date for the group to meet, as it is an ongoing curriculum. Grace has been doing more grammar and journaling on her computer, which I actively encourage.
This weekend, we were quite crazy, with two birthday parties on one day and a hike through the forest preserve with Rusty and Daddy on the other. The car got completely COATED with mud, and we had to drive it into the "Tres Chic" car wash and have them get it off. Talk about embarrassing;)
Grace is becoming such a young lady. She's a really Good Kid. Sometimes I am surprised by the empathy she shows towards others. I really think she's going to be ok in this world, because at such a young age, she definitely understands that she's not the only duckie in the puddle and Her Needs are not at the center of the universe. Her needs are OUR paramount interest, but she doesn't really know that;)
Carl and I have talked about this disturbing trend in our culture many times--to put the kid first in everything. It seems to us that it simply doesn't work. The child ends up BELIEVING that they are indeed the most important factor, and it does them a great disservice as an adult. Of course, the same can be said of the other disturbing trend, which is completely ignoring a child and putting them "elsewhere" all the time. I think that either extreme can be very damaging. Carl and I subscribe to Grace feeling as if she is a useful and needed part of the family unit. She is helpful, friendly , comforting etc, just as we are.
What I do know is that Grace has a maturity that is FAR and away beyond her tender age of 6. I have no idea if it is all innate, or we helped it along with our parenting skills and family bonding. I guess it doesn't really matter. :) I can't believe she'll actually BE seven this Spring.
Here's my soapbox back! Anybody else want it? :)
Forte
6 comments:
It sounds like such a wonderful time in your life right now :-) I hope that continues!
I'll always take a soapbox when it is offered to me, but I am short of time this morning so will simply say that I definitely agree with you about child-centred theories (especially when it comes to education) ... except I must admit in truth I do tend to spoil my kid! ;-)
Patience
beautiful post for many reasons. I love the way you are parenting Grace. I heartily agree.
I have to say ditto to Cher Mere's comment.
Ocean Warrior ? -- sounds pretty awesome.
I think you are so right about that balance -- I think it's very uncomfortable for a young child to feel the weight of being the center of anyone's universe, yet s/he needs to feel securely enveloped and cherished in her family unit all the same. It is hard to get it right every time!
Oomph..I just tripped over my soapbox trying to leap up onto yours...
I heartily agree with you all.
I am still trying to get the balance right for us.
I wholeheartedly agree! SO many parents miss the boat on this, and I think that is why we have so many self-centered young adults out there. Teaching a child that they are important as an individual is obviously necessary, but teaching them they are also an important part of a family is a critical factor that many family's forget. SO much learning and growth comes from working as a team: making decisions for the benefit of the whole, considering others, learning patience and cooperation.
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