Posted on 12/18/2001 6:23:36 AM PST by SAMWolf
Well, I've been in this lady's sneakers before. We finally took the plunge to homeschooling this year, but when my kids were in school, that was my 'job' going in to volunteer for various and sundry things. And I did it a lot because it was tough getting parents in to the school. Some parents just didn't want to, some worked and couldn't, and some had very little ones and couldn't get sitters.
But this lady is correct in saying WE ALL need to be more cognizant of our kids. They grow up SO fast, and are gone before you know it. Sir SuziQ regrets he didn't spend more time with our older boys before they got away to college. That's one of the reasons we decided to homeschool; to have more time with the two younger ones. And it has been nice being with them and being the ones who teach them what they need to know to take their places in the world. And it gives us lots more time to do the things like cooking and reading together!
It's OK or you to stop being busy cooking...spend a little time with the kids teaching them how to smoke! (Hint: Start 'em off with "unfilters" so they understand your serious about their request.)
BTW: I've seen a lot of adults who would love to connect with kids, but can't. Kids know, usually at first sight, whether an adult is "approachable." It's basically about size, attention, and trust. Lots of adults don't allow themselves to open up to kids. In fact, many adults scare kids to death.
Note the lady's techniques:
1. When she works with kids, she sits on the floor. This keeps her head at the kids' level, and makes her one of them.
2. She touches them, and lets them touch her.
Some things she doesn't mention, but I bet she does:
3. She isn't nicey-nice: she corrects speech and action, requires "please and thank you", and basically sets limits for proper behavior. Kids crave that.
4. She looks kids in the eye, tries to figure out what they're saying, and talks to them like they're human.
5. She learns and remembers kids' names, and greets them wherever she sees them.
6. She doesn't force herself on a shy kid -- eventually the child will come to her.
Finally -- and I suppose this is not a "technique" -- she loves little kids.
Prepare to face the wrath of the Parenting Taliban, Ward. They're already assembling, and you've stepped into their midst....
It is natural for kids to think first of toys and games. To the article's point, asking these children about nonmaterial possessions gets at the matter of what they need more than what they'd want at first thought. I suspect every person on this thread would trade any toy they got as a kid for the nonmaterial items listed above, now that they can view the world through an adult's eyes. We understand what's most important, now.
I decided to take advantage of my "non-threatening" status and pose the question: "Name one thing you would like your Mom or Dad to give you this season that would not cost a penny."
Then it says:
It is my holiday gift to you all that I share what your kids REALLY want this year. And no, a Play Station 2 is nowhere on the lists of their hearts.
How can you take this person seriously? Her sentiments are good and practically every homeschooling parent and many non-homeschooling parents already know them, but the story is obviously fabricated. It reeks of liberal feelgoodisms.
Do you disagree with the author's sentiments?
If you asked my eldest what he wants most for Christmas right now, I am 100% sure he'd say "An X-Wing Star Fighter!"
I take her seriously because she is exactly correct.
Her sentiments are good and practically every homeschooling parent and many non-homeschooling parents already know them,
I don't agree. In my experience, many parents do not know them -- especially with other peoples' children. IMHO, it is almost as important to treat other people's children this way, as it is to treat your own children.
but the story is obviously fabricated.
It is not at all obvious to me that her story is fabricated: I have known people who have done what she describes.
It reeks of liberal feelgoodisms.
To me, it reeks simply of doing as Jesus might: And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:13-15)
Wow, did this hit close to home. Three weekends ago, while I was taking my customary Saturday morning nap (I work four jobs during the week), my six-year old woke me up and asked if we could do something special together that day (he calls them "adventure days"). I smiled and asked him what brought on his desire to spend the day.
He said, "Daddy, I never get to see you because you're working all the time. Let's go!"
Talk about something burning its way to your heart. Time with me was all he wanted -- and time with me is what he shall have.
Thanks for the post.
BINGO!
Having similarly hated other articles, I guess I can see your point....
Er.... Any particular reason?
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