In Alta Plaza playground, there is a small play structure in the shape of a train. You can spin the steering wheel, sit down by a little table, crawl in and out of the cars, and so on. It would be a great hang out for the youngest kids if the grown ups didn't insist on standing around it and intervene in the games.
- Good job, buddy.
- Wait your turn.
- Let the other boy try first.
- Great spin.
For every toddler, there is at least one adult manipulating every interaction. It is a micro environment of how we treat, raise and 'curl' our children on a daily basis; how we shape their games for them, solve their conflicts for them and wait on them hand and foot.
I tend to go against the grain. I am the ignorant parent on the bench neglecting my child and his needs.
God forbid he should have to play by himself for two minutes.
2 comments:
I didn't get the "curl" reference until I looked at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent
Love the nordic imagery.
haha, I guess the term hasn't been established this side of the pond. Think "sweeping the path" for your kid (not "curl them up into little balls:))
Post a Comment