Responding to Boundary Violations Our rule about boundaries is not an easy one for the kids to learn. This is not one of those lessons that you teach once and move on to the next thing. It is confusing. It seems contradictory. Figuring out the nuances takes a lot of work. Maya is having … Continue reading “Boundaries, Continued”
Tag: Child Development Theories
We Begin with Boundaries
When other kids encounter the way our family works, they sometimes get the impression that our family has absolutely no rules. And compared to traditional education and discipline practices, it’s kinda true. The kids do have an unprecedented amount of freedom. But no rules? Not exactly. We do have one rule. A big one. And it … Continue reading “We Begin with Boundaries”
Why Do We Educate?
While driving somewhere in a car, I make decision after decision about which turns to take. As a general rule, I do not choose the roads that are the prettiest. I do not simply try to go the direction that the majority of the other cars are going. I make my decisions based on my … Continue reading “Why Do We Educate?”
Exploring Excess
“A little dab’ll do ya!” Most of the preschool teachers I’ve worked and volunteered with used this catchphrase, or something similar, in their efforts to guide young children in their use of glue. A little dot of glue is adequate to secure a square of construction paper, or a googly eye. Using more is wasteful, … Continue reading “Exploring Excess”
My Path to Unschooling
No assignments. No lectures. No homework. No tests. No grades. No academic work required, ever. Children are allowed to do as they will with their time. There are rules that are in place for practical reasons, but within those rules kids are allowed to do literally whatever they want. Screen time all day long? Go … Continue reading “My Path to Unschooling”
Needs, Wants
Toys. Treats. Outings. Parties. As a child, there were a great many things that I desired with a powerful intensity. So I would ask my mom. Sometimes she would say yes, but generally the answer was no. As an adult, I am grateful that she did not give me everything I wanted all the time. … Continue reading “Needs, Wants”
Surprise!
Last Sunday was a very rough day. Cat was in an extremely defiant mood. She placed a ball into her mouth. I asked her to take it out, as it’s a choking hazard. A minute later, she placed it back in her mouth, seeming to shove it in as far as she could. I confiscated … Continue reading “Surprise!”
Filling the Toolbox
I spent 8 years as a 911 operator and fire / rescue dispatcher. I spent over 7 of those years as a 911 operator and dispatcher trainer. I was a good trainer. Easily one of the best in the center. And a big part of my success as a trainer came down to a decision … Continue reading “Filling the Toolbox”
Worth the Risk
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to say about risk. About why I wholly embrace risky play for my child, and frequently encourage other parents to do the same. Risk, particularly risk to children, is a complicated and controversial topic in our society. None of us want to see children come to … Continue reading “Worth the Risk”
Why Should I Worry?
My daughter is a late talker. Way late. As she grew and developed, I watched in bemusement as younger babies and toddlers blew past her in verbal milestones. But I didn’t worry. Since preschool teachers are often the first to recognize developmental delays, I was taught when to worry. Or at least, when to … Continue reading “Why Should I Worry?”