It's all about the process, not the product...

One of my good friends (and fellow teacher), just reminded me of something vital when it comes to working, playing or being creative with kids...

For kids (toddlers, babies and preschoolers), it is more about the process of doing something rather than the product or final outcome.  So many of us (myself included) are programmed to expect a lovely PRODUCT after we have played or done something creative with our children.  For kids, the process of mixing colors, smashing Play Doh, dotting hard with markers, placing stickers everywhere, tearing, folding, etc. is essential to learning and discovery.  Eventually, in time, they will enjoy creating their product after being able to explore without strict boundaries.  So, go ahead, let your little one scribble, tear, and experiment.  They will  gain so much more out of an unguided process rather than a strictly guided project with an expected product.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Lady in Pearls, for the fantastic reminder.  After reading your post, I am inspired again to let the reins free during our creative art time.  I fondly remember these philosophies from school but now that I am teaching my own children, it is good to be reminded of Best Practices.  

Wave...

Despite our week of illnesses and injuries and no sleep to go along with either of them, the babe has learned to wave.  At first I thought she was just experimenting with lifting one arm into the air.  Then, I noticed that she does it when people say "hello."  I love her little nonchalant wave with only raising her arm to acknowledge a "hello."   She definitely has the Queen wave down pat.  Perhaps we should take her to England get the Queen's opinion.

I leave you with a little wave from our corner of the world.

A new smile emerges

Since the little accident last Friday, my girl has healed tremendously quick.  I am amazed at how the body can heal.  While things aren't exactly back to normal in her little mouth, we have had a day of smiles.  As her Momma, I don't care what the new smile looks like, just as long as I can see that big smile and bright eyes!

Heartbroken

Today my big girl twirled into the wooden arm of a chair in our living room.  She hit her front teeth smack dab on the wood as she was falling (a clumsy trait she inherits from me).  My poor girl's upper lip is so swollen and her teeth have been knocked back into her mouth.  Right now, we just have to watch and wait to see what the outcome of this horrible accident will be.  She isn't speaking, drinking, eating or swallowing.  I pray that with a good night's sleep she will be able to handle the pain and get some liquids in her system.  I can't help but think that there is something more I could have done to prevent her unfortunate accident.  I pride myself on being a cautious person and parent to avoid accidents such as these.  I guess accidents sometimes just happen.  I am heartbroken...

Sweet giver...

In every nook and cranny there are little "gift bags" tucked here and there.  They are lovingly filled with the random contents of my pantry.  The little "giver" prepares these bags daily for the upcoming birthday party of her little imaginary friend, her real friends, her Daddy, sister, aunts, uncles, grandparents and so on. We are constantly preparing for a party--lining up melamine plates in tidy lines on the kitchen floor, filling plastic cups with tiny amounts of water and using the college-day koozie collection for napkins alongside each plate.  I am amazed at the tenacity of this little "giver/party planner."  She never gives up and is constantly thinking of others in her "party planning."  Like her Momma, she enjoys giving so much more than receiving.  

So even though I seem to be up hours after my bedtime putting away these little things (which are all so neatly put out and displayed) --- for fear that the large hound will devour any type of food product that is left outside the pantry --- I love that my little giver loves to give.  Yes, even when a large bag of ground coffee spills to  the floor in my hurriedness.  Deep breaths....I love that my little giver loves to give!  Smiles...as I sweep up my last bag of coffee off the floor at 11pm knowing there will be NO morning coffee tomorrow.  

Inspired by eggs

This year, Target had the most wonderful color palette of Easter eggs.  The colors were slightly different than primary colors I have grown accustomed to expecting this time of year.  They were incredibly fresh and happy.  I found myself scattering eggs everywhere and filling miscellaneous bowls and vases with the wonderfully colorful eggs.  I have been so inspired by this new color palette, I plan to use it as color inspiration in my home.  I especially like the blue and green combo.  I have green walls in my living room and think it would be fun to "brighten up" with the robin egg blue.  I just love how calm yet vibrant these two colors are together!  Where do you find color inspiration?  Typically, for me, it is not Easter eggs from Target.  Usually fabric inspires me!

Strawberries...our new favorite Easter egg

What could be better than tromping through fields of ripe strawberries looking for those perfect juicy red treats? My big girl exclaimed, "finding strawberries is like finding Easter eggs!"  She couldn't have said it better.  We were all gitty with excitement as we searched for over 2 hours under the lush green leaves and white blossoms of the strawberry fields.  It was like a fabulous and never-ending egg hunt for the entire family...except for the little one who seemed to enjoy our excitement from the comfort of her little shaded stroller.  If you have never been, I highly suggest finding a field near you.  Many places even have some animals to feed and pet.  What a perfect way to spend a mild spring morning.