meaningful work
Many of you know I’ve been studying Montessori educational theory for the past 3 years. Two of the main things I’ve incorporated from this study into my parenting are (1) not interrupting a child who is concentrating on something, and (2) understanding the child’s need for doing meaningful work. Prior to my studies, I would have seen “chores” of all kinds as simply things that, unfortunately, have to be done, and would have expected children to not want to do them. What I’ve experienced with my kids is the opposite - they want to do real work. Montessori categorized these activites Practical Life.
About 3 years ago, our friend JulieS. offered us a child’s table with 4 chairs. Since then, they have been in daily use, and despite the daily spills, are still in good shape. I took advantage of the recent warm weather to offer two boys a chance to scrub them really clean for once. Not only were they willing, they were excited, because anything involving soap bubbles and the garden hose is extra fun. Of course, when they were finished they also scrubbed their bikes & trikes. My responsibility in practical life activities is to provide all the tools needed at the right time and in the right place. And then, to disappear into the background, stepping in only if absolutely necessary.
