Mama Kat's Homework prompts.

I haven't done one of these for ages which is probably why I am going to be held back in Blogger school next term. But really, 'not doing homework' and I are very old friends, we go back decades.

In fact I feel sure that if I went back to my old school my name would still be on a board somewhere for outstanding essays. Not that returning to my old school is an option - they didn't like me very much.

In fact you know how famous people get invited to do a reading/demonstration/whatever at their alma mater? That wouldn't be me.

In fact if I can ever find it I will dig out the emails I shared with some random chick in charge of school reunions. We did not end up as best friends ;-)



OK so Mama Kat has set the homework this week.



1.) Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page and share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. Nope not gonna, can't make me.



2.) What do you aspire to be? Awake.



3.) Share a piece of unsolicited parenting advice...only I'm soliciting it. Hmmm ... this one looks promising.



4.) Tell us about your blogline...how long have you been blogging, when did you start, what were/are your goals for your blog, etc. Online diary, like to write, yadda, yadda, yadda. Snore, snore.



5.) If you had 5000 dollars to give away or donate to a charity...explain what you would do with it and why. Is it okay to count myself as a charity?

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Obviously it had to be 3) Why? After lots of years wondering what I wanted to do as a grown-up it is all starting to become clear - Early Years and Child Development but scope is limited up here on the hill and my favourite preschool did not want to employ me. But parenting is something everyone has an opinion on and willingly shares at the earliest opportunity. So let me share mine.

Discussion of parenting is in the air at the moment. I read this today and it rang loads of bells with me. Rules for children are good. Fun for children is good. Spending time with grown-ups can be good.

I say can because it depends on the attitude of the grown-up as much as the state of mind of the child. It drives me crazy watching grown-ups patronise a child. You can see the child thinking
"Oh dear, poor sad grown-up, s/he obviously has learning/social issues. I shall speak slowly and loudly so I can be understood." And then they just turn off when the grown-up persists.

Experiences are good for children, the good and the bad. Even those Elves at the Elf and Safety Headquarters have now recognised this with RoSPA stating just yesterday that is through experience children learn everyday risk assessment.

I suppose my philosophy to childrearing can be summarised as -

* going home dirty signifies a day well spent.
* tell 'em the truth. If it is going hurt don't say it won't. (Obvious certain metaphysical social constructs as exceptions - CK's prententious phrasing ;-)
* set the rules and expect them to be followed but don't be afraid to bend them on occasion. Kids love watching the grown-ups in their lives playing up.
* take the time to listen to children then it is easier to get them to return the favour.
* teach a call signal. They hoot like owls in myoldestfriendintheworld's house. I whistle. (it is the same one to which my dogs answer ;-)
* let them be. So many children have their lives directed down to the last second they have no ability to create their own games/ideas.
* don't give children too much choice. I remember watching a woman with three children age 7, 4 & 2 (approx) telling the childer to hurry up and choose some sweets/lollies from the ENTIRE range in a shop! The two y.o. was nearly in tears and the mother was getting more and more cross. It brought home to me how we expect so much of children at such young ages. A choice between two or three things is great but not the whole shop!
Okay this one may seem a bit hypocritical after the previous point but
*have high expectations, children generally try and rise to them. This means no one in my house gets babied beyond about 2.5 years. This doesn't mean I am harsh and evil (although I am), just that by 2.5 if not younger you are able to start getting involved in the running of the family - helping to set the table, hang out the washing, sort socks, find your own nappy, etc, etc.
* talk to them AND listen.

Thus endeth today's lecture.