Adventures in Parenting

Recently we have been reading a lot of non-fiction books, including a couple on notable inventors. Among the aphorisms of Benjamin Franklin is this one: haste makes waste.

Of course, there is an important element of cultural literacy for Elisabeth to know what that means. However, as I read it, those words struck me as being particularly timely for our society. We are characterized by "busyness" and haste. We speak frequently about the "speed of change." In such a world, is it any wonder that we multiply trash?

I'm certainly guilty. So how do we begin to change? To make slow and wise decisions?

Over the past month or so I have often reflected on the tension between discipline and joy in learning. By temperament, Elisabeth is not one to persevere in a task. If she encounters a problem, she is more likely to turn her attention to something that she knows she can do. And so on a regularly basis, I face the challenge of focusing her attention and encouraging her to follow through.

Discipline
All learning involves discipline. It requires energy, focus and determination in order to understand, and to apply understanding. For a child to think that learning does not include discipline is dangerous, because as soon as she encounters something beyond her easy grasp, she'll give up.

Joy
The other, indispensable, side of the coin is joy. There is a satisfaction and joy in learning that is self-propelling. For example, last week we picked up a short picture book on the life of Thomas Edison. Both Elisabeth and I were fascinated by little "Al" (who only in his teen years began to go by "Thomas"), so we picked up a Time for Kids mini-biography of Edison, and another one of Benjamin Franklin. Our fascination with inventors sparked us to read, discuss, and explore.

The Tension
The daily question that I face as I home-school is how to mingle the two. How do I clearly communicate that discipline is required in all learning, and that there are no shortcuts? How do I make every day fun, exciting and engaging as we explore literature, science, and history? I think the challenge of teaching is not seeking to end the tension, but somehow to nurture both elements.

Today I set up the bassinet for our expected little girl. (No, she's not due until the end of February; but when Elisabeth was born, I was not ready in advance, so I'm starting earlier this time.) When I got it all put together, Elisabeth said,

"You can put it in my room. I want to share my room with my sister."

That warms my heart.

Isn't he delicious?

Last week, Rebecca had a surprise. Our friend and neighbor Jen lured her downstairs



followed by Kate and Elisabeth



to a baby shower! It was full of names



gifts



family



and fun. Thanks so much to all those who planned it, participated - and kept it a secret!

A conversation this afternoon:

E: Dad!

D: Can you say that with a whiny voice?

E: [Whiny] Da-a-ad!

D: Well done. Why can you do that whiny voice so well?

E: Because I'm a girl!

We just received a set of cuisinaire rods in the mail. Elisabeth knew just what to do with them . . . play! She took them out and stood them in order from largest to smallest. Then she started making combinations to match the length of a long rod. Then she turned to patterns.

It is no wonder that these math manipulatives are wonderful for exploration, visual perception, and a host of mathematic skills. I'm looking forward to playing with them!

When we were in England for my Grandma's 90th birthday, I heard a touching story about my Grandpa that I had never heard before. He and my Grandma met in Egypt during the Second World War while he was in the military service and she was with the Red Cross. They courted in Jerusalem, and then were married in the UK.

In just under a year they had their first child. To buy a stroller (a "buggy" in English vernacular), my Grandpa sold his bicycle. I don't often think about those sort of trade-offs. What a loving sacrifice!

Do you ever need guidance in how to pray for your children? John Piper recommended this post, which I found helpful.

Molly Piper just posted a video of her her son, Orison reciting Luke 2. It is fantastic!

Last week Elisabeth and I were out for a walk. She was on her scooter, and I was walking behind her. I called out, "Elisabeth slow down," and she didn't slow down. It was then that I realized something: she didn't hear me. How do I know? Because when she hears me, she obeys.

Parenting is so much easier when obedience is expected. I immediately knew that Elisabeth couldn't hear me because she knows that disobedience is not tolerated. So I had three choices: (1) yell louder [which I hate doing] (2) catch up to her before calling again, or (3) wait and trust her to slow down at the corner. I chose number 3, and she slowed down and waited for me to catch up.

Elisabeth has renamed two body parts, one as airports and the other as nozzles. Any guesses on what your airports and nozzles are?