Some days I find myself frustrated at the little voice beside me, fighting to be heard among her sisters who are older and more eloquent or younger and needier. On the days I ignore that initial response and remember to stop, meet eye contact, listen and spend time with her, things settle. Today, with big owlet away at a sleepover, I was afforded the luxury of spending all day just listening. Doing what she liked. Slowing things down. After breakfast, she dressed herself, popped on a beanie and said "right mama, let's cook!" Her favourite thing to do. Not sure what the beanie was for. But I'm sure it helps.
Then we played some recorder (aka himalayan nose flute).
Followed by a co-operative board game. The oven mitt is in case she sustains an injury while placing the pieces down. Later we had a viewing of Alice in Wonderland and a trip to the playground. The day was harmonious and big owlet returned with a sense of calm, having spent some one on one time with her favourite friend. Like a breath of fresh air at just the right time after a weekend where we had seemed to struggle to find space in our little nest. I find I can hear their voices so much more clearly after some time alone with them, reconnecting. I imagine what it must be like for a teacher trying to hear the voices in a classroom of 30 owlets. I'm grateful for my nest of three and the absence of timetables and curriculum. I must remember to do this more often. Not just with one of my owlets, but each of them. Slow down and go with their flow and learn about them and what makes them tick. Appreciate them for who they are right now. One at a time.
I love this, Lauren. I so love to go with my kids' flow. It feels just SO good when I do. And my kids just adore focussed time with just them, one on one, special time. So my husband and I regularly make time to make that happen too. It's always magic when it happens. Isn't it?! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a true thing, and so good to remember! I am not a mother, 22 being my time of independence - but I am the eldest in a family of four. I don't live at home anymore, and for the past five years have lived in a different city to my family. One time last year I was home and out of random serendipitous chance, went out for dinner with just Mum and Dad and I because everyone else was otherwise occupied. It was so good to just have some time with my parents and it reminded me of how I used to treasure 'just me and Mum' or 'just me and Dad' time when I was younger. I really admire what you are doing by unschooling - it is an incredible investment you are giving to your children and one I am sure they will appreciate in the future. Above all, learning goes along with love and it seems to me that unschooling really understands that.
ReplyDeleteI've been connecting with my Four Year Old more lately. He's a daddy's boy and usually doesn't give me the time of day. But I've taken him to the grocery store with me twice in the last week and he's started coming up and just sitting with me sometimes and hugging me. Love!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Just came across your blog, and your unschool monday link-up, through loving to learn. I will keep this in mind, and participate in the future :)
ReplyDeleteI decided to link today, after all. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI love this. I will be sure to post one next week, because we do tons of learning activities that are just organic or something they do on their own and I just don't feel are quite "blogworthy." But they really are and this would be a great place for them.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I *love* how you've said "I find I can hear their voices so much more clearly after some time alone with them, reconnecting", rather than by spending time *away* from your children. Because I truly think you've got it right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the very timely reminder! I need to spend some positive energy on my big girl, I've been getting a little (or a lot!) too frustrated & overwhelmed with her lately.
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