Programs for Children?

I've been reading a blog on a consistent basis for a while now and, while I started out as a blog stalker (one who reads and never comments), I seem to have graduated to one who actually participates in the discussion. While Lesley never fails to engage me, yesterday's post was one I felt I had to respond to. And I figured you might be interested in what I thought too! I'm sure not everyone will agree with me but that's not a bad thing. If everyone had the same opinions life would be pretty boring.

So read Lesley's post here, ask yourself what you think about all the programs available for young children and then read my response.

Now that I live in a city where I have the option of various classes for my children, this has become a struggle for me as well. We take full advantage of the free storytimes offered at our library and I take them to the pool as a treat every few weeks - partly for something different, partly so they get used to the water and partly so they get wiped out (especially with winter on its way). The thing I have noticed the most, however, is that as much as my kids like activities (of whatever kind) they LOVE the days we stay home and be us. Whether it is playing play-doh, reading books, building a train track or kicking a ball around in the basement, my boys love spending time with me. Those are the days they are the happiest and, coincidentally, I usually am the happiest as well. 

I grew up being allowed to participate in one activity a week; I think a similar rule will be implemented in our house. I do my children no favours by over-programming and over-stimulating them. I agree with previous commenters in that family responsibilities are important - and so is feeling like you have worth in your family. My husband and I are not willing to trade the brief time we have with our kids for the slim chance one of them might be the next hockey wonder. We want them to feel loved and be loved, to feel like part of our family and to be part of our family. They will succeed in life because they will know their value, not because of the classes I put them in when they were 2.

I also think that sometimes classes are used as a crutch - parents not knowing what to do with their kids or how to connect with them - so they enrol them in a program and transfer the responsibility of engaging their children to a "professional". As a parent, you are just as qualified (if not more) to engage your children as the professional you are paying. You know your child the best and it is your attention your child craves. So give them your FULL attention and be prepared to be blown away as you discover the person your child is.

What are your thoughts? Parenting can be a scary undertaking; but it helps to remember that you can do it - and you're not alone. We're all in the same boat, even if the boat doesn't look the same from the outside. I'm always amazed to find out that the things I struggle with are very similar to others' struggles - but first I have to be willing to share what I'm going through which is probably the hardest part to do.

So there. That's my two cents worth. What's yours?

Work

Work is fairly common word around here lately. Mom has work to do. Dad has work to do. And now Lane has work to do. After watching his dad work on our old house and hearing all about the work that is going on at his dad's job, Lane is determined to get in on the action. The boy has work to do!

Here he is, all decked out in his working gear - safety glasses, like the ones dad has to wear at work; gloves, tool belt and even a cushion for his knees - ready to work!

His younger brother has to be content to watch from the sidelines as he isn't allowed to touch tools yet. Fortunately he doesn't mind too much.

 

And yes, those are real tools. He has a tool box full now, with the most important (and fun to use) tools being his hammer and drill.

 

 

And his work isn't limited to construction, here he is fixing the tires on Lightning McQueen. He's got a worklight set up and special "tool" for changing out the tires.

For those of you who have been to our house lately, you will notice that these pictures are from the summer before the boys started sharing a room... yes, I'm behind. But I thought you might still get a kick out of it.

Helping Dad

We have lived in this particular house since mid-March, making it about 4 months here. Also meaning that we have about 5 months left here. For some reason I figured that it was about time (and worth the time) to start putting stuff on the walls. Don't ask. When we lived in Moose Jaw it was one of the first things I did but somehow I missed it this time when we moved.

Regardless, we now have a few things up on the wall and wow, does it feel good. Feels a lot more homey. But the real story is about dad and his boy.

Our boys love to help, in any way, shape or form. For this particular project Lane just happened to be able to use tools. Real tools. And most of them his. To say he was excited might be an understatement.

To hang the quilt in our living room they used nails. Dad started one and then lifted Lane up so he could "help" drive the nail in with his own hammer. He had no problem hitting the nail, he just didn't have quite enough "umph" to drive it in. No matter. That's what dads are for.

The living room was easy. On to the kitchen/dining area. Using power tools are way more fun! And yes, our son has his own drill. And he got to drill his very first hole using an actual drill bit. Cloud nine? Not really, but definitely proud of himself.

Using a screwdriver to drive the screw into the hole he drilled. It's not quite as easy as dad makes it look.

See? Dad to the rescue.

And here's the finished product. A bit of colour, a bit of art and a little bit of us. We're liking it.

Even if the kid has to make a funny face just because the camera is out.

Just Us

Facebook and blogs are deceiving. Most of us like to show our good sides and hide the bad and/or mundane parts of our life - we show the highlight reel, per se. I'm really no exception to the rule although I do try to give an honest peek into our life.

We all have our moments. The kids aggravate me. They push my buttons and I react disproportionately. It happens. I'm working on it. And in between those times life is just like life in a lot of other houses.

We eat breakfast. Some days it is cereal. Some days I put forth a bit of effort and make something: waffles and syrup, pancakes and bacon, french toast, or, for my southern husband, sausage and biscuits. But it certainly doesn't happen every day.

I do the dishes. Almost every day. Sometimes I'm brave and let the kids "do the dishes" too. They love it and I try not to cringe.

We read books. We're book people so there are always books lying around our house. Kids books (lots) and adult books. Somewhere in between everything going on my husband and I find time to read books...sometimes even the same book. Our kids are developing a love of books too.

The kids whine. I see a lot of this whiny bugger. The kid is so close to talking and is starting to get really frustrated that he can't communicate. Needless to say, there is a lot of crying and whining going around right now.

We play. Some days, like maybe once a week, I manage to get creative with my kids. Last week my oldest was all about the play-doh. Somehow I managed to make a car out of the stuff...

We learn. My husband is great with our kids. He loves to teach them things and they love the time spent with him.

See? Nothing spectacular about our house. We eat, sleep and well, you know, the usual.

But inbetween the normal, mundane, chaotic world of raising kids we grab glimpses of fun, laughter and just darn cute. And we hold on tight.

The "Da" Cacophony

Somedays our house gets a little loud.

But we get a chuckle or two out of it, even if the kid was at it for many minutes before my husband pulled the camera out.

Fabric

The Great Birthday Quilt of 2012 has seen quite a few fabrics show up in the mail these last couple of weeks.

From my grandparents in BC, my aunt in Washington, her daughter brought a piece back for me from Thailand, another aunt and her family in BC, a friend in Nipawin and my cousin in Lethbridge.

From the Koop family.

From my aunt and cousins in Saskatoon.

The "Thiessen Blue" from my aunt in Calgary.

From my brother.

From my brother's wife.

From our old next-door neighbour in Nipawin.

From my in-laws in North Carolina.

From my dad, my youngest son, my husband and my oldest son.

There are stories to go with each piece of fabric, making this quilt more and more special. It may look funny, it certainly isn't all going to match but every time I use it I will be reminded of all the different people in my life. Perfect for celebrating my 30 years.

Whale Time

Our whale pool survived the move down south and lives to be played in for another summer. A lot has changed since the first time eyes were set upon this marvelous beast.

All fear is gone. It is a toy and it is good.

Wet is good. Cold doesn't really matter when you're having fun.

Splashing is FUN. Even better if you can get your little brother wet. Especially if he doesn't like it yet.

See for yourself:

Whales aren't monsters after all.