Winter Blahs

After such a healthy Fall, and seemingly healthy winter...IT got US! Whatever IT is it vacated the boys body (thankfully!) but alas, I'm always the longest to recover. On my behalf though, I did get it after the other two were on their way to recovering. I think that I was just so worn down. With school, homework, trying to keep up the house and take care of the boys (which now have swimming, gymnastics and little sportsers), on top of being up the entire night with Tiger...on top of Ashish coming home consistently late the last few weeks...my resistance was just low. I pushed through my Friday night class, dreading every minute my body wasn't under the covers. Saturday and Sunday were spent at home, recovering. I really can't wait to get back to my dance classes and perhaps add an element of exercise on another day for the week. But first things fist-- feeling better.

So, I thought this would be a good time to re-visit and re-evaluate my priorities and focus.
1. My relationship with Ashish
2. My boys
3. My health (Get to that Zumba class! Get to that Dance class! Lay off the sugar!)
4. Consistently healthy meals that are prepared, NOT assembled.
5. Schoolwork.
6. Keep it simple (Block off down-time on the sched!)
7. Soak up and enjoy the "simple" things
8. Deligate more
8. Practice Peace.
10. Read more.

Tiger's BF

Share.The.Love

Nishad and I (along with Amy and S) tagged along as Tiger and his BF had their 2nd playdate. I say "their" play date, but we all had a wonderful time. Amy and I have been meaning to get together (kid prompted!) since the beginning of the year. But with the fact that I have school/h.w., in addition to the fact that Amy is also a full-time SAHM with a little one- not to mention everything else that life tosses ones way including holidays and and the fact that a chunk of playtime is already invested in our boys attending school M-F for three hours (not including commute times) a day it just didn't happen until the new year. I think Tiger would agree when I say, "Well worth the wait!"

The first time I saw these two really together (besides pick-up- which happens in the blink of an eye, honestly) was at Charlie's birthday party. The two sat next to one another and when Tiger wanted to get his BF's attention he didn't say his name, speak in a loud voice, poke or nudge him, etc. He simply brushed his hand across his friend back which prompted his friend to turn and make eye contact. They both smiled so lovingly at one another and then Tiger told him about the "color" he liked (they were at an art studio). It's so sweet to see a reciprocal friendship bloom, not out of need, convenience or necessity, but out of the sheer joy of being true friends.

We've heard about a few different friends in Tiger's Casa. However, when he speaks of his BF, it usually ends followed by either of these three things: 1. "I love him." 2. "He doesn't hit me." (A good characteristic of a friend, I think!) 3. "My best."


We headed to Como Zoo and Conservatory after pick-up. It's about 25-minutes from the boys school. We brown bagged our lunches and briefly ate in front of the fountain (we were gently told that there is no food allowed in the actual gardens, but you can eat in the main section). After visiting the gardens we even made it outside to the primate building to monkey around a bit.

What I loved so much was that this, like our last play date, was really low-key. In the picture above, Amy and I feverishly searched for change so the boys could "make a wish" at the fountain. I never carry cash anymore-- thank goodness we had both actually had change.

The boys curiously explored with a skip in their step, the look of wonder on their face and joy in their hearts. I'm so blessed Tiger introduced us to his BF and his family!

Flower Arranging

Flower Arranging
~For Kids at Home~

 One of my favorite things to watch children do in a Montessori classroom is flowering arranging. Not only do these children tend to have mathematical and spacial intelligence, but I think of them as the peacemakers of the classroom. In the dead of winter, who couldn't use a little burst of color...(and peace for that matter, as everyone seems to get a case of the grumps from the winter weather by now).
I've incorporated this Montessori concept into my home. Since Nishad was about 12 months old, he's been flower arranging. I usually don't purchase any flowers in the summer as I already have an abundance of fresh cut flowers from my own garden. (The boys love to go and hand pick them!) However, in the winter, I purchase flowers weekly. I come home, divided them in two bunches and give each of my boys a bunch. They look forward to this activity and often prompt me in the store to pick up flowers.

SUPPLIES
1. Flowers. I know this is an obvious supply. However, stay clear of stems with thorns or stems that are too hard for your child to cut.
2. Mini-Vases. I have multiple small vases that I've collected through the years, some at craft stores and some at big box stores. Each vase is usually between $1 to $3. I've never had one break, but know when you purchase it that as with anything glass, your child make break it. The idea of using real glass as opposed to plastic is that they learn that it is a "precious" material- and that you value them enough to give them the actual material to use. This is, "careful work."
3. Small pitcher and funnel. The small glass pitcher is for the child to go to the sink and fill up water for the vases. The funnel is for the child to place on the mouth of the vase to filter the water into. However, depending on the age of your child you may want to fill up the water for him or her yourself.
4. Child size scissors. This is so that your child can measure the height of the flower against the vase and cut it to the height they would like it to be in the vase. Be sure to teach them to pinch off all of the leaves prior to inserting the stem into the vase.
5. Child size apron. This is really optional, but if you prefer your child not get their clothes wet (there is always a potential spill) it may be something you want to include, along with a little sponge for quick, self-clean-up.
Surely, your child will find the perfect spot for their arrangement adding a burst of color and a little note of peace in your household.

burst.of.color

Art: Tiger Style.

Jump for Art!
"The Show"

"A story with every picture."

And there was music too!

Last night, while Nishad was at his class, Tiger was very, very quiet upstairs. When I checked on him he was was using tape to carefully place his masterpieces on his bedroom walls. He told me to wait and when he was done we would invite me to the art show. This was one ticket for a show that will forever remain priceless in my heart.
Ashish says it's two bears hugging. I think it's an eagle...

Modern Abstract. I hope he parts with it.



shhhh...Artist at work.

Joys of dot paints. I'm hoping it wasn't me he painted.

Keeping It Real

"How is it possible for the child's imagination to be developed by that which is in truth the fruit of the adult's imagination? We alone imagine, not they; they merely believe." -Maria Montessori

Recently, Nishad lost two of his baby teeth. As I held his first tooth in my hand, I smiled and reflected about the excitement when, not-so-long ago, this very tooth was the first tooth in our baby's mouth. Despite knowing that we weren't about to indulge in fictitious stories about a "Tooth Fairy," I was unprepared when it first happened. I was scrambling as to how to mark the milestone.

Like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, we choose to tell our boys the truth. The Tooth Fairy would be no different. Surely, this doesn't resonate well with some parents and isn't about to win us any popularity points. I'll never forget another Mother telling me about how another child ruined the 'magic' of Santa Claus for her child. "Why do THEY have to ruin the fun?" I guess I can re-phrase that with, "Why do the Kumar Family have to ruin the fun?"

We completely respect others choice in rearing their children how they wish—this is just a personal choice for our family. Not intended to be "preachy" but rather a mere glimpse or perspective of one family that is doing the best they can at "keeping it real." (As you make a mental note not to invite us to any 2011 holiday cookie exchanges.) I say this as the kid who, like all of my friends, believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Did my parents damage me for life? No. Was there a bit of shock to my world when I learned the truth that the very people I grew to grow and trust lied to me in the name of "fun?" Definitely. Are there times when a parent feels they have to lie to the children? Surely… but for us, it wouldn't be over commercial concepts and ideas aimed at profiting. Are our holidays less stressful? Yes. The emphasis isn't on the gifts because we've minimized the commercial expectations of the season.

Prior to Nishad being born, I worked with a few amazing AMI Directresses that each had over 30 years of experience. I was lucky to engage in conversation with them and a hand full of other Montessorians in regard to the holidays and "fantasy" in general. Though, I was influenced by their Montessori perspective, experiences and readings on the subject, I must admit that it wasn't the only reason why we decided to choose this path for our children. So here are some personal reasons, from the flip side of parenting without fantasy, in 0-6 years:

• 
  
  It destroys a perfect opportunity to give your children the best kind of example – the unconditional love of a parent. If your child is completely convinced that Santa Claus, based on how good you've been, will dole out presents at his own discretion, there's an alternative motivation for acting right. Instead, we love our kids for who they are.
  


• 
  
  While we embrace world religions, we are Christian. Why do we call this holiday "Christmas?" Because it's the time that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And this goes hand-in-hand with my observation about showing the unconditional love of a parent. You don't need Santa Claus to make your wishes come true. You have a father and/or mother who care enough about you to do everything we can to make your life the best that it can be.
  


• 
  
  Belief in Santa Claus does nothing to "enhance" a child's Christmas experience. We still enjoy light-gazing and decorate. A child can enjoy the experience without having to believe it's real. With that being said, we took the boys to a holiday party where Santa was. Nishad looked at me, lifted an eyebrow and said softly, "Mama that old man dressed in the red clothes must think its Halloween again!" Of course, a part of me was relieved that he said it softy to me so that I didn't have 50 other parents chasing me down outside as we made a b-line to the car because we "ruined their child's holiday."
  

As adults, we use the words imagination and fantasy interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. I came across an article written by Pilar Bewley, an AMI primary teacher in Italy. Here are some highlights:

• 
  
  "We are all aware that creativity stems from a well-developed imagination. You have to imagine something before you can create it, right? We also rightly assume that the capacity to imagine is formed in early childhood (a time when children are read fantasy stories and are encouraged to participate in pretend-play). And yet, you won't find a single fairy tale, doll, or talking animal in a Montessori Children's House classroom."
  


• 
  
  "Fantasy can be a great tool for escape and entertainment for those of us who have a strong grip on reality. However, young children (before the age of 5 or 6) are not able to differentiate between fantasy and reality; a phenomenon that has dire repercussions on their ability to learn and problem-solve."
  
  


• 
  
  "Young children can certainly use their imagination, but their main focus is the reality around them. However, around the age of six, the child begins to question how everything around him works. He's no longer content with learning through his senses: feeling, seeing, tasting a fruit, and finding out its name, for example. He wants to know where it came from and how it was made!"
  


• 
  
  Dr. Montessori explains. "Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." Furthermore, "Pretending is largely assimilation of reality to one's own thoughts, rather than adjustment of one's own ideas to fit reality," writes Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard in Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius.
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

So what did we end up doing to mark the milestone of losing a tooth? We traveled around the world and discover the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth.
There is a wonderful book by
Selby Beeler, Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World we used as a guide. In addition, we have a string with 20 white beads (originally) on it which are symbolic to 20 baby teeth. For each tooth lost, Nishad (and eventually Arun) remove a bead, and we place it in a journal and document the occasion with the details surrounding it along with a picture.

So now that our secret is out, we hope we're not on your naughty list.

Mama-Mia!

I guarantee if you eat the box, it would taste better than the ingredients provided in this kit for the pizza. We (Ok, I) will go to any extreme to find that 'perfect' Chicago-style pizza. Needless to say, after 7 years, I still haven't found the answer. It certainly wasn't in this cardboard box. This box has some amazing graphics on it though...look how fun and exciting it appears to be! It's almost as though the pizza itself with jump out of the box and have a taste party along side of you. It says that you can make a Chicago-style pizza or New York style pizza...yup, servin' up a tall order and I proved to be the sucker for it. After all, it's made by Elmer's...the GLUE company! If I would have read that prior to buying it, I can assure you it wouldn't have been in my cart. However, it did include some fun science experiments that took me back to my days of teaching. Tiger, our little chef, was THRILLED to open this on Christmas. He would do ALL the cooking if we let him. I found this on the web from $9.99 on Amazon to $19.99 on GlammaToys.com. I paid $6.00 for it and felt cheated.

Waiting for the balloon to rise- to indicate our yeast was ready. This was not the most exciting part for Tiger...but it was a good lesson in patience.