May 8, 2006 8:49 AM
Children at Work - a beautiful thing!
Last week I asked for pictures of preschoolers which illustrated the principles I've explained here at MommyLife - and in my books - for helping your preschoolers reach their potential (and you to reach yours!). I will need pictures for my next two books (due 8/1) and would love to include some from my readers.
But I'd like to share them here as well, to open up some possibilities for everyone.
Here are two I've received:
This shot, from KS MilkMaid, is one that illustrates a principle I'm big on: allowing your children to handle beautiful, breakable things. I have never used plastic dishes and glasses and cups, but always breakable ones. This is an idea straight from Montessori - that a child cannot learn to be careful with things unless he is given things that need to be handled with care. Our approach as teacher/mommies is to model careful movements to show our children how to handle material things with care. Will things be broken? Yes occasionally - by our children and by us. But believe me, a child who's been taught to handle things carefully will feel even more remorse than we do when something is accidentally broken.
If KS Milkmaid's children can handle these eggs, imagine what yours can handle!
The Queen of Carrots sent this one, writing:
Barbara, I don't know if this is exactly the sort of picture you're wanting for your new book, but thought you might enjoy this one of my daughter (22 mo.) helping to put away the food. She decided to do this all on her own, and wants to do it every night. And she doesn't spill much more than I do!
This is wonderful work! I mean, if every toddler out there could see this, it might spark a toddler revolution! Let us help! Let us be a real part of the family! is what they would shout. Our job is to make it possible for them - to slow down and take the time to show them. This is how you develop a heart for service in your child. This is one young lady who will not be balking at housework later on, I promise!
Posted in Homeschooling, KS Milkmaid, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
Can I get that bit about not balking at the housework in writing, just in case? :-)
Posted by: Queen of Carrots | May 8, 2006 12:44 PM
I love that last picture. My three year old likes to help serve at the dinner table and gives me extra helpings of food. No wonder going to the gym doesn't seem to be working!
Posted by: Spring | May 8, 2006 2:46 PM
Wow, I'm a Montessori mom and I didn't even know it--I thought I was just utilizing free labor ;) My 20-month-old has been helping me empty the dishwasher since she was 1, and my back is thankful for it. She also loves to help dust and sweep--sure, it takes twice as long to clean the house with her "help", but seriously, what else am I going to do with the time? Sit around and watch Dr. Phil?
Posted by: mitzibel | May 16, 2006 3:13 PM
