One of the reasons that I am so interested in Waldorf education is their emphasis on preserving childhood. Usually unknowingly, parents today expose their children, at an early age, to ideas and concepts well beyond their understanding. Driven by the relentless marketing of entertainment properties, more suitable for older children, our preschoolers and toddlers happily play violent or inappropriate games far earlier than we did as children.
In our eagerness for our children to enjoy the games and stories that entertained us as children, we introduce many ideas too early. Part of that, of course is that we often have few memories of exactly WHAT we did prior to age 5.
I too am guilty of this. I find if I am not vigilant with myself, I buy books, introduce subjects or visit places that, had I given it extra thought, I would not have. Limiting media and avoiding mass market retailers isn’t enough. I need to monitor myself. This is perhaps one of the hardest challenges I face. Classical literature, umm..too violent…modern children’s literature…too disrespectful….action figures/dolls…unrealistic body image. Sigh.
What’s a parent to do. Limiting media is a start. Previewing books, movies and toys prior to purchasing or presenting them to the intended recipient helps. Supervising play dates, not believing the “recommended age” labels and shunning popular kid venues, computer games and CDs makes a difference.
In the end, it’s all about shifting focus. This generation of parents spends more time and effort on ensuring their children are academically prepared for life. Perhaps a shift to ensure they are more emotionally prepared is in order. Same time, different focus.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Preserving Childhood
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10 comments:
Excellent post! I am having trouble right now finding toys for my almost 7 year old. She keeps telling me she wants toys, you know things to play with. Not make-up, boas and sequined shoes or dolls made up to look like they have make up on.
Toys have gotten way too complicated anymore. I used to love climbing trees when I was a kid, wish I still could!
Toys, per se or what I consider toys are very difficult to find at popular stores. We shop online and at teacher supply stores.
great point! beautiful photo! it tells a great story...
The problem isn't just inappropriate marketing and products...it's the subtle (or not so) pressure to over-intellectualize children. Since when is it important that kids learn to read in kindergarten? (Full disclosure: I learned to read at age 4. But not from school.) We've forgotten that being a human being is not just having a smart brain. It's also having a fit body, a social conscience, love for life and beauty, etc. That's the draw of Waldorf for me.
Nyssa always liked her dress-up box and teddy bear. A lot of imaginative play went on with that box for years. The best gift I ever made for her.
Want to know my son's favorite toys? (He's almost 4.)
1) His Daddy.
2) Army men.
3) Sticks, dirt, and anything else he can find outside.
4) Balls. All kinds.
I figured this out after I purged a bunch of toys - not for any noble reason - I was just tired of stepping on them.
I'm about to purge again. I'm thinking I'll leave them their cheap-o golf clubs, their wooden play kitchen, baby dolls, and army men. Daddy can stay too. :)
I haven't found it hard to limit stuff, because I'm not really attached to it myself. It just doesn't matter to me. Or my hubby. Our kids' imaginations are vivid and it's wonderful to see it bloom with very little effort on our part. And they do it without a lot of "fluff."
Excellent post. :) Thank you.
For which I am truly grateful!
Great post for "Childhood!" As you have probably learned from visiting my blog we have no TV and I avoid any toys that need batteries.
A while ago, I read your post on The Rule of Three. I think that is a great way to assist in choosing toys that really encourage the imagination.
I wish that more parents would simply say to their kids: "Go play" and watch what happens. They don't need complicated toys and electronic gadgets. Childhood in my mind is digging in the dirt or playing with a cardboard box. You and I have seen the magic of something as simple as play silks.
We don't have Waldorf in the small town where I live, but we are fortunate enough to a have a very small Montessori school that my oldest two attend. I wish we had the choice of Waldorf in our community, but I consider myself fortunate in having the Montessori option (considering the size of the town).
Sorry I have rambled on so, however you have touched upon a subject that is near and dear to me. When I see the popularity of toys such as "Bratz" dolls my heart sinks. It is nice to know that there are others out there that are thoughtful about preserving their children's childhoods in a day and age which makes it increasingly more difficult to do so.
Thanks again for this post.
I completely agree. Kids don't know how to play anymore.
Thanks for stopping by everyone. it's hard to know where to start with so many thoughtful comments. I worry about children's ability to play with so many toys and gadgets.
We have a LOT of toys, and we all are pretty attached to them. It bothers me to see so many toys but he plays with them all and never seems bored. I feel more guilty about the blatant consumerism than I do about quashing his ability to play...as usual you folks gave me an idea for another post...;-)
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