Skip to main content

Freedom to be and grow



O will never have a first day of school, and I think that is just amazing. Don't think of it as she is missing out on something, because school is not something to look forward to or strive for. 

She won't be forced to sit still for hours at a time, memorize and "learn" what other people tell her too, and be penalized for doing things her own way. Instead she will have the freedom to completely emerse herself in whatever it is that interests her in that particular hour, day, or week. We won't only be able to travel during busy school vacations, but instead throughout the year, at the drop of a hat. We won't get in trouble with anyone if we spend days couped up in the house working on something, or run off for a camping getaway. 

By allowing little O to follow her passions and interests, it allows for me to do the same as well. I feel like people sometimes think that if they are miserable at their job then it's okay if their children are miserable at school too. No one is by no means forcing you to stay in a job that eats away at your soul, you have the power to quit and find something better. If O is home taking apart a machine only to learn how it runs and how to put it back together because she's simply curious, then why would I feel it's okay to plug away at something that doesn't pique my curiosity as well?

O will have full control over what is done to her body. No one will tell her that her shorts are too short or her shirt is too distracting. No one will cut her short during free time to come back to her seat to learn something that doesn't pertain to real life. There will be no memorizing times tables, or the periodic table, or parts of speech. Unless she wants too. There will be no grading on her physical fitness, her ability to memorize and spit out facts, or her knowledge of incorrect history. Instead she will be able to run and play and explore, question and discover and question some more. 

No. Little O won't be missing out on anything. In fact I think she is gaining something that each and everyone of us could use. Freedom and time.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Transitions

We went tide-pooling recently and O found a little jellyfish, which she is clearly so proud of. This is a time of transitions. Summer turning to autumn. O going from toddler to little girl. Moving back east after a long stint in Alaska. And all that takes a lot of mental space to deal with and get through. Bigger feelings, and bigger suitcases make this time in our lives and the year one that needs a little extra attention. Whether that is downsizing, quality time, or just extra cuddles during the day, it's a season that we will get through. Together. Just as we have always done. It is also a time where I am less attached to any one place than I ever have been, and that is definitely a vulnerable feeling. It's like I'm a bit of kelp that has come loose from its rock and is now floating freely around the vast ocean. I really need to take this time to reflect on where I am and where I would like to go. Now is the time to manifest my dreams into a reality, while I'...

Summer 2017 thus far

Hikes, beach days, spending time in the garden, walks to the playground, eating snack on the deck, these are just a few of the ways we have been getting outside a little bit, or a lot, each day. We try our hardest to get outside at least once a day. With or without sunscreen, depending on how long we'll be out and what time of day it is as well. Vitamin D people! Snacks and water are key of course, and while fruit leather and larabars are just the most convenient and delicious things ever invented, working towards zero waste and in seasons snacks is the dream. One day at a time. It does help that summer has some pretty amazing choices for snacks, like strawberries and watermelon. And snap peas straight from the garden. Thank goodness for closed off decks and those magnetized screens. Always open in the summer, little O is found out there all the time with her little animals, and a big bowl of cool water to play with if I remember to set it out for her.  This simple little life,...

Zero Waste: Toddler Edition

As someone who strives to be minimal and produce as little waste as I can, these are a few of my essentials for myself as well as O when it comes to snacking away from home. Whether that's doing a grocery run, spending too much at Target, or having a beach picnic, these few things are usually in my bag at all times. Jars: for bulk snacks and leftovers Napkin: for messy faces and hands Reusable snack bags: for more bulk snacks or a small toy or game Beeswrap: mostly for cheese Mason jar cup: for smoothies, water, or even a hot cocoa treat Most of these cost me little to no money. We always have jars in the cupboard, I made the beeswrap out of some old fabric I had (with bees no less!) and beeswax, the silicone jar sleeve and straw cover were recent purchases for our cross country trip, the straw I picked up at our local swap shop for free since none of my other reusable straws were short enough, and the napkin and snack bag came as part of my Mighty Fix subscription. ...