Would be useful to read a version of this that does not assume intensive parenting, affluence and leisure, or a home in the suburbs or country.
I was homeschooled in a 3 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. 5 kids, parents and grandma. A lot of library books. Instead of hoarding possessions we visited museums and playgrounds. Material objects, curated and left sitting around a house, are not the only way to reliably form curious and intelligent children. I wanted to make that quite clear, for any homemaker or mother who reads this with a sigh of defeat and goes back to cutting coupons and organizing receipts.
I appreciate your comment, though I can’t say I agree with your interpretation of presumed affluence or intensive parenting. I am sorry if that’s what you took away from it.
I mostly talked about the value of human interactions, like hosting people (for meals that I said are casual and simple), having play dates and sleepovers (free), listening to music (widely accessible and inexpensive), and also frequenting the library for free books. As for toys, puzzles, sporting gear, etc., I buy those things at thrift stores or second hand, with the exception of craft supplies, which are dollar store finds.
Like you, I was homeschooled in a small, frugal home with a large family. I continue to try to impart those values to my own children.
Spot on, Katherine! Dr. Maria Montessori and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki are two of my most admired educator influences, and both stress the idea that the environment educates the child — it feels “natural” to them but it’s carefully planned by the parent. Whether your school / teacher is awful or amazing, your children will spend far more time in your home, and you control a lot more about the way life looks and feels there.
Re Liz’s comment: it’s very possible to step into a wealthy environment that feels alienating and cold, or a nurturing one where coupon-cutting also takes place. I’d go so far as to say most of us have probably experienced this reversal at some point!
Excellent reminder here of what use of time and energy truly matters and has a lasting impact. I playfully call myself a Vibes Curator in reference to life at home with kids — the tone we set for them and the household sends out many ripples.
Would be useful to read a version of this that does not assume intensive parenting, affluence and leisure, or a home in the suburbs or country.
I was homeschooled in a 3 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. 5 kids, parents and grandma. A lot of library books. Instead of hoarding possessions we visited museums and playgrounds. Material objects, curated and left sitting around a house, are not the only way to reliably form curious and intelligent children. I wanted to make that quite clear, for any homemaker or mother who reads this with a sigh of defeat and goes back to cutting coupons and organizing receipts.
Hello Liz.
I appreciate your comment, though I can’t say I agree with your interpretation of presumed affluence or intensive parenting. I am sorry if that’s what you took away from it.
I mostly talked about the value of human interactions, like hosting people (for meals that I said are casual and simple), having play dates and sleepovers (free), listening to music (widely accessible and inexpensive), and also frequenting the library for free books. As for toys, puzzles, sporting gear, etc., I buy those things at thrift stores or second hand, with the exception of craft supplies, which are dollar store finds.
Like you, I was homeschooled in a small, frugal home with a large family. I continue to try to impart those values to my own children.
Spot on, Katherine! Dr. Maria Montessori and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki are two of my most admired educator influences, and both stress the idea that the environment educates the child — it feels “natural” to them but it’s carefully planned by the parent. Whether your school / teacher is awful or amazing, your children will spend far more time in your home, and you control a lot more about the way life looks and feels there.
Re Liz’s comment: it’s very possible to step into a wealthy environment that feels alienating and cold, or a nurturing one where coupon-cutting also takes place. I’d go so far as to say most of us have probably experienced this reversal at some point!
Excellent reminder here of what use of time and energy truly matters and has a lasting impact. I playfully call myself a Vibes Curator in reference to life at home with kids — the tone we set for them and the household sends out many ripples.
This is a great explanation of why homemaking matters, translated into the present day.