i've been thinking a lot lately about the importance of preserving childhood for our children. in a world where there is such an extreme push for children to learn 'early', i find that i very much desire to hold my child in that space where she can be who she is now, in the present. so in her body and not in her mind. to spend the day being a fairy or a flower princess or a chef. imitating the daily rhythms in life - dressing, cooking, eating, cleaning. that innocent world of imagination where she can be whatever she chooses to be. this is what first drew me to the waldorf way. and such is the way childhood should be and will be until she crosses the threshold of her 7th year...
yours in preserving childhood,
shelley
Shelley - such a good post. i have been thinking about the same thing lately. Everyone has been asking if I am sending A to preschool (no) and within the last month Michigan passed a bill where schools that have all day kindergarten will get more funding than those that only have half-day. and this is all in a push for more learning and testing. As if its the quantity, not the quality of the schooling the child receives.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, such sweet pictures of your little one and I can see why that would be her favorite crown.
See, this is why you are so inspiring to me! I *needed* to read that just now. I was almost falling vivtim to the "why isn't she in preschool" peer pressure. Thank you for posting this!
ReplyDeleteNow if only I could get our rythmn down!
<3
What a beautiful post and set of photos. I am of the same mind. Children can either spend years of struggling through "early readers" of dull reading or be exposed to the incredibly rich oral literature of our cultures and be ready to read the good stuff at the right age!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to read of someone keen to preserve childhood, it all goes so quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe crown is stunning.
yes, i agree. jo, my six year old, wants to read but she isn't ready. i tell her it's o.k. when she is ready, she'll read. my oldest son didn't read until he was 8. my second daughter didn't read until 7 1/2. my first daughter is the only one who read early, at age 4. strange...but she was able and i couldn't stop her. i think we should strive to keep them young and innocent and let them be little and not push reading or any other schooling until they are ready. your maya is beautiful and sweet! :0)
ReplyDeleteThis subject is so dear to my heart! My children still cherish and hold on to parts of their childhood even though they are in their teens, and I encourage them to do so for as long as they want. It is easier because we now homeschool, so they don't feel the enormous pressure to grow up quickly that so many of the children in their school did. I hope someday soon every child is taught to value their feelings and imagination in a nurturing environment.
ReplyDeleteThis post was so full of wisdom. I loved the photos of your sweet girl. There sure seems to be a lot of pressure to make children grow up fast in this society. I rely on the little community of Waldorf bloggers like you to keep me inspired and focused on what I know in my heart is right.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post. I'm so grateful that I am able to give Lo this same experience. I couldn't imagine any other way.
ReplyDeleteHey! I finally got my new lens! Can't wait to go play with it!
thank you shelley, i fully agree...
ReplyDeletehow blessed we are to be able to choose how to grow up our children. I am looking forward to more posts, they are such an inspiration. greetings from morocco.
So well put. I totally agree! Funny how society's so programmed to think sooner the better. Love that crown too. Such a beautiful fairy princess!
ReplyDeletethis is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart and i'm sure i will be writing more about it in times to come. it's so wonderful to read and hear that others feel the same. thank you for commenting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration.