Small Hands At Work.

I'm happy when my children are using their hands, their imaginations. And, admittedly, I feel so guilty if they're not (think television, which A. has consumed plenty of this last week given her fever). I constantly want to improve how their time is spent, too. And I have such admiration for parents who have set styles, approaches to parenthood and daily activities (e.g., no television or 2 hours of outdoor time per day or . . . I don't know! But you know what I mean, right?). Perhaps that's why I've photographed them, working away? Exploring? So we can look back and feel satisfied that we encouraged creative play and productive moments (e.g., scooping a cantaloupe? helping? feeling purposeful? turning small moments into big learning, impactful moments?)? That A. and E., at this young age, aren't eating candy bars (nutrition is a whole other ball of wax, uf) and playing video games around the clock?

And then you have the whole debate over the types of toys and creative play. Should toys be functional and purposeful (Montessori) or should toys be whatever is available and made up (Waldorf)? What about the value of the good ol' Fisher Price Peoples (the barn is a current favorite of E.'s)?

Here, we have a pretty good collection of toys and activities that span the different schools of thought and, simply, bring joy to A. and E. We currently LOVE the cutting book - in spite of A.'s recent cutting escapades - that dear friend E. gave A. And you know we love dress-up and painting. We rotate toys and activities (e.g., coloring, painting, sticker-ing), too - not leaving an abundance out at any one time and instead exchanging the toys to avoid boredom or feelings of indifference (they're not usually in buckets; only when a mass-disinfection is required).

Soon we'll find out where A. will be attending preschool and that may very well impact how we do things at home. Or, at least shape our views and guide some of our activity-related decisions. We've applied to a Waldorf school (television is a big no-no; imagination - not imitation - is a big yes, yes), we're first on the waiting list for an Reggio Emilia cooperative pre-school (very much arts and nature-based),  and I'm totally in love with one in-the-woods program - all programs offering things that I feel I don't offer enough of on a daily basis. What all the schools have in common, though, is the fact that they're play-based. So the moral of the story: maybe I worry too much and, really, all that matters is play + busy little hands = important. Period. Our style and preference are fluid and will take shape over time. So, to be continued!