One day I was busy in the kitchen having a conversation with myself and my former self. What kind of mom were you? I was the type of mom who let my children play with knives. Play with knives!!? Yes, I did. Do you care to explain? Sure.
When my children were small, all our sharp knives were stored in a top cupboard in the kitchen. I did this because I didn't want the little ones getting into them and playing with them when I wasn't around. But when it came time to cook dinner, do crafts, or make a snack, out came the knives. The children would pull up a chair and start chopping the cucumbers and the carrots. I was there to give guidance when needed, but mostly I let them do it their way. Why? Because they could.
Do you know what else my little ones did? They got dirty. Awfully dirty! When they'd go out to play, I'd say, "Go get dirty!" I could tell how much fun they had while playing by the mess on their clothes.
When the rain came, it was time to put away the umbrellas. Umbrellas were for dress up. We'd put on our shoes and go jumping. Jumping in the puddles that were formed just for us. We'd have contests to see who could get the wettest.
We got plenty of stares, glares, and distasteful comments. Others just didn't understand.
But our days were not all fun and games. Well, I guess it depends on how you look at it. There were many things my children GOT to do, like grow a garden, practice the piano, go to church, mow the lawn, and do Sunday Circuits. You see, I believe in children being privileged to grow and develop.
And homework? Oh sure, if that's what you want to call it. See, learning is another one of those privileges. It's fun and exciting. So if my children were reading a book and they became frustrated, it was time to put it down. They could go back to it when they were calm and were ready for some fun.
Some of my children have grown, and others are still in the process. One day I got a call from my daughter who is on her way to the Philippine Islands to teach people the gospel. "Mom!" she exclaimed, "They don't have toilet paper, and they have earthquakes and typhoons!!"
"If you're trying to scare me, it's not going to work," I lied.
"Scare you?!?!? Mom! This is exciting!"
All from playing with knives!
Corrine face!!!! I love you and your blog! You are a lovely mama and I am so grateful to have your excellent motherly example in my very own next door neighbor. Marvelous. Simply Marvelous!
ReplyDeleteI concur. Marvelous to have you in the family. You're one of the best moms I've ever known. xoxox
ReplyDeleteerika