Daily Rhythms

A few months ago, I found a page about establishing daily rhythms in the home with young children a la Waldorf. I have seen that when we get into a rhythm, the boys are less restless, play more on their own, focus better, and have more patience. But it is so hard to tell in the big picture until we commit, I think. I love the idea of a rhythm, but I know that it will be MY challenge to follow through and commit until it becomes us, is natural, and we mold it to fit us and be ours.

I think if we can all get into a rhythm, then the day to day learning moments for the 4 year old will be more comfortable. He really wants to learn and begs me for it...he is a book lover, wants to know how to read (how come I cannot read the words mom???), and grills me on letters, facts, information - and he loves mazes, building projects, and learning about new animals and all that - non stop. He wants to memorize, learn, dissect, and discuss and not by himself, I have to help, be there, listen, participate. He always has a specific idea of what he wants to explore and even keeps a "list" of books and activities in his head. He also wants to know when everything is going to happen and what the plan is at all times (by the time he is 5 I expect to see him with a palm pilot holding the schedule he has created for me in hand as he follows me around....check!). The 2 year old is so chaotic, that we need something more, so that the big brother gets what he needs and wants while the little one is included and I am not feeling like we are being rigid.

Here is one rhythm plan I read which seems like a nice launch pad to work from:

• wake, breakfast
• exercise (walk/circle time) 45 minutes
• creative play 1 hour
• snack time 30 minutes
• story time 30 minutes
• play outside 1 hour
• lunch 30 minutes
• nap/rest 1 hour
• daily activity (bake, shop, garden, etc.) 1-2 hours
• snack time 30 minutes
• play outside 1 hour
• storytime, songs, finger plays 30 minutes
• dinner 30 minutes
• bathtime, bed prep 30 minutes
• bedtime stories 30 minutes
• sleep

I know they all say this is a rough example, fit it to your family, work to find your own rhythm...but you have to start somewhere, and I think that adapting a relaxed version of this might be best to start with to see how it works for us. I just need to personally commit, and worry less about "work" during the day, and be more present with the little guys in the moment - and I think this will help.

Tool Aprons

My boys have been sick all week and so we have been cooped up a bit. I had some tool fabric leftover so I decided to make them both tool aprons. I used plain heavy duty canvas for the base/background, and the tool fabric is flannel I sewed bias tape into the piece to make the tie. A few pockets, and voila. They love them and both wore them around "fixing things" all day.

Gettin' a Job

We generally don't use rewards for behavior with the boys. A is 4 now, and we usually talk things through. He helps out and cleans up after himself, but we don't have "chores". Getting "things" also isn't what we want to focus on, so if he wants something he doesn't have to earn it, but it goes on the list(we each have a "wish list").

Suddenly this evening, after reviewing page by page an entire Thomas catalog he found in the back of the car, he announced "I need a job so I can earn some money". He came over, started to help me fold laundry and he spoke of all the work around the house he could do to earn money to buy the trains he wanted. Wow. We haven't gotten out with other kids much AT ALL since like November due to one bug after another hitting the little asthma guy (the 2 year old). We don't watch a ton of tv - only some Noggin or PBS kids stuff. But there you go. Guess he decided he is going to work for money!

Craftiness

I feel like I have gotten so behind all of my wish list creative stuff - with sick kids, work, and all of our volunteer stuff. I have been trying to cut/prep things and have them ready for the quick stitches, embroidery, or machine sewing as I have some time here and there.

Here are some hand sewn/embroidered snap wallets that I have been making for gifts. I used all poly felt (I'm allergic to wool) but wool felt would be nice too. I made a few back in December and gave them as holiday gifts too.

I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track by Joshua Prince

I have been looking for books about peaceful interactions with animals and insects (my four year old is very interested in the food chain, and upset by it, so...a balance). This week we found "I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track" and A LOVES it. The rhymes are pretty complex compared to most child-fare, so it is interesting to read and interesting to hear. Perhaps like the clickity clack of a railroad track... The artwork is spectacular, and the story is quick to the point and has a great ending. And, for a four year old, having a train in the book, even as a side bar to the main story, is a bonus. My four year old loves it, my two year old is a bit antsy, but he only likes cupcake books now anyway, so that is probably not the best barometer!!!!!!