Tuesday, June 2, 2009

My Daughter's 4-year-old Teacher

Week one of Summer –for my preschool daughter, that is. During these few weeks between when preschool ends and the elementary schools break for the summer, I have traditionally turned to traditional camps to offer enrichment, education, and (let’s be honest here) babysitting services for my energetic and still- clingy youngest child before “real” summer kicks in and we can go somewhere.

This year, those camps were not in the budget, so she is left with just ME. Sadly, “just ME” right now is fresh out of creativity, energy, and time to devote solely to her. I have SO MUCH to do before the school year ends and have horrified myself at how often I’ve turned to suggesting “just watching a little show” as a quality activity in order to buy myself some time…and peace.

Then a friend asked if I could watch her daughter for a morning, and the world changed.

In an instant, my daughter was immersed in a world of adventure, make-believe, and creativity. Our neglected sandbox became an exotic beach. Old dishes serviced a formal Japanese tea ceremony. Tuned-out classical music from NPR inspired an elaborately choreographed ballet recital.

In the remaining 2 hours, my daughter had an art lesson, a fashion consultation, a lecture on butterflies, linguistic training, a yoga class, a guided imagery exercise, and a model-parenting seminar.

I did none of these things. It was all done by the friend.

This 4-year-old’s fresh perspective and appreciation for our toys, plus her unique interests, talents, and creativity served as the best teacher, coach, motivator, and babysitter for my daughter imaginable. My daughter did, thought, liked, appreciated, and conjured up things she never would have done on her own, in a structured environment, or, most of all…with me.

Yes, I had to occasionally wipe a bottom, hydrate and feed when necessary, or help with a tricky zipper, but other than that and staying within sight, I did absolutely nothing...but write, concentrate, file, email, and congratulate myself on my amazing parenting skills.

And to think her mother thanked ME when she picked her little girl up!

So, don’t feel guilty if the money isn’t there this year for camps, classes, and elaborate enrichment activities. Just see if any of your neighbors need a favor…

-TWM

16 comments:

Linda from Georgia said...

Playmates sure do make life easier for Moms!

Jonah Holland said...

You are welcome to borrow my little babysitters anytime!

Anonymous said...

buy valium online buy valium online ireland - buy valium without a rx

Anonymous said...

diazepam dog diazepam dangerous drug - diazepam dosage compared to alprazolam

Anonymous said...

buy ativan how quick does ativan work - can overdose ativan fatal

Anonymous said...

diazepam 5mg valium effects wear off - what are the side effects of valium 10mg

Anonymous said...

xanax no prescription online purchase xanax online overnight - buy xanax no script

Anonymous said...

buy xanax online alprazolam 0.5 mg price - xanax and alcohol teenagers

Anonymous said...

diazepam 10 mg diazepam 5mg withdrawal symptoms - diazepam first time dosage

Anonymous said...

can you really buy xanax online buy xanax online prescription - what color is xanax 1mg

Anonymous said...

buy ativan ativan to valium conversion - ativan side effects forum

Anonymous said...

ambien medication ambien 10 mg tablet picture - ambien side effects vivid dreams

Anonymous said...

buy generic ambien ambien clonazepam drug interactions - ambien overdose alcohol

Anonymous said...

buy ambien online ambien buy mail order - can you buy ambien in mexico

Anonymous said...

buy generic valium online buy valium no prescription - how many 5mg valium to overdose

Anonymous said...

buy valium online valium blood pressure medication - buy valium online no prescription cheap