May. 19, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Seeing The World Through A Child's Eyes
Seeing The World Through A Child's Eyes
Do you know about dandelions? I mean, do you really know about dandelions? My children have been bringing me dandelion bouquets since my oldest was two years old. At first, I accepted them with delight and joy; thrilled to accept this gift of love. However, in recent years I have gotten a tad impatient. These are weeds after all, and they make me sick. I thought for sure my oldest at least ought to be able to understand why I didn't want them! I have taken to leaving my dandelion bouquets outside to decorate my the hood of my suburban, to decorate the table out on the deck, and to decorate the bushes. Finally, this year, my nine year old announced to her younger brother, "I don't pick dandelions any more." "Why not?" he asked in astonishment. "Because they are weeds." was her emphatic reply. He, at age seven, was completely bewildered by this response. But neither one of them has brought me a dandelion bouquet this year.
This experience has taught me something. I have learned to savor those tangible moments of childhood, I miss them now that they are gone. When my four year old brings dandelion bouquets, I respond with a kinder and gentler heart. After all, who created dandelions? And for what purpose? Surely, they are good for something besides the delight of a four year old child! Well, did you know that dandelion greens are actually very healthy for your liver! Personally, I prefer to concentrate on the delight they bring to my children; and not concern myself too much with the health benefits. This, for me, is reason enough to look at dandelions with a different perspective.
What joy is brought into my life; when I look at things through the eyes (and hearts) of my children. When I take the time to think about this; it is one of the things I love about mothering. What do you love about mothering?
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I had to laugh at your note to self. I know I need to savor those special moments with my children and not respond impatiently. Thanks for the reminder.
Pam
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
