Embracing the Mess

This morning I looked around the living room. Once again the floor was scattered with toys – Dinosaurs, Lego bricks cars and other toys were strewn on the floor. This a day after the living room was thoroughly cleaned. Once upon a time, not so long ago this would have left me feeling annoyed and resentful as I put everything back in its place. Today, I looked at the living room and saw things a bit differently. On closer inspection I noticed that some of the toys were not strewn – the cars were actually carefully arranged for a race; there were half built Lego spaceships and Iron Man sat in the one designed for his size. I suddenly felt grateful that these toys were here on my living room floor. They were a testament to play, imagination and discovery. They were also a sign of all the life in our household – the laughter and joy; the sibling rivalry and tears; the chaos! I thought back to a time before children when the living room was barren and everything arranged neatly in it’s place. Would I really want to go back to that? No, it seems so boring sterile. I still don’t like clutter but I am getting used to the chaos because it is also a sign of my kids’ imagination and creative play.

Cultivating curiosity and love of learning

Parents magazine recently printed an article highlighting ten ways to nurture our children's lifelong love of learning through fostering independent play, supporting special interests, tolerating messes,  embracing setbacks and more. For the complete list and more details about each, go to http://www.parents.com/kids/development/thrive-in-2025/parents-lifetime-learning-pledge/?ordersrc=rdparents1103742. The pledge can be shared with friends as well.

The Not Bummer Summer: Five Boredom Cures

1) Build imagination and visual thinking: Discover audio books for kids. They've been a favorite in our family for a few years now - in the car and at home.  Our favorites: 
Cam Jansen Mystery Series (my 7 year old son loves trying to figure out the mysteries and now even my 2 year old has started asking for "Cam Jansen" in the car)
Movies in My Mind Adventure Series (Chris and Amy, the main characters, meet different historical figures like Thomas Edison and Amelia Earhart) 
Pinkalicious audio collection (what's not to love about the adventures of Pinkalicious, Purplicious and Goldilicious)
Available on CD/casette or easy download to any smart phone or computer via Audible.com.
2)  When was the last time you went bowling? Bowling alleys have appeal for kids ages 5 and up (plus they're air-conditioned). Check you local bowling alley website for weekday discount coupons. 
3) Re-design a room in the house and get the whole family involved. Whether you decide to make a big or small change, you'll activate your child's critical thinking, spatial and artistic skills:  change a coat of paint, move around furniture, hang a door curtain, paint a mural in the kids' room or decorate a wall with vinyl pictures and letters.
4) Turn off the TV and host a Read-In. Take a trip to the neighborhood library in the morning; then kids get to spend the whole day reading books in a living room fort made out of pillows. Perfect for kids who need a break from over-scheduling during the school year.
5) No homework? Learn a new language. Studies show that kids acquire language more easily prior to puberty so it's never too early to start. Free on-line activities as well as purchased workbooks and  CD's can be a big help. Also check out local schools that offer language classes for kids.