Comments on: What’s the Hurry?

By: kathy lipschutz

kathy lipschutz — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:52:27 +0000

I totally agree, I think they are goin gto start teaching kids in the embryo and expecting cursive writing in kindegarden. Too much pressure for these kids and parents!!!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:22:26 +0000

As a Head Start teacher for nearly 15 years I whole-heartedly agree! While reading skills are a key indicator of future school success, the ability to get along with others and the desire to learn and grow will take you a long way in this world.

Children should be allowed and encouraged to grow and develop at their own pace as individuals, not pushed or rushed. As parents and teachers we need to watch and listen to our children, then help them to discover who they are; build upon their interests, talents and strengths and provide support and encouragement along the way.

We want the best for our children and often feel we know what that is – ultimately our children have to determine what is the best for them and have the strength, courage, and desire to pursue their own dreams – not ours.

By: Vicky Kulikov

Vicky Kulikov — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:06:47 +0000

Felice,

You are spot on! Thanks to your husband for sharing this on facebook.

By: Allyson

Allyson — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:59:28 +0000

I totally agree! This “Baby Can Read” thing makes me crazy. What is the point? Really? Babies are not supposed to read. They’re supposed to be….. BABIES!

By: Felice

Felice — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:55:39 +0000

Thanks friends -it’s nice to know I am not alone.

By: barrieraffel

barrieraffel — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:22:49 +0000

I think this could go under the heading “just say no”. If only we all tried to get a jump start on empathy and kindness instead but everything unfolds in it’s own time. good blog!

By: Jennifer Roe

Jennifer Roe — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:27:45 +0000

Right, as always, Felice. The innate curiosity and inquisitiveness of children IS the joy…it doesn’t have to lead to any thing or have a measurable impact. But I think it takes an awful lot of confidence to say, “when my daughter is poking that roly poly with a stick, she’s LEARNING! When she spends the day trying to make a birdhouse out of an old piece of cardboard she’s LEARNING!”

We’ve been socialized, especially since No Child Left Behind, that the results matter more than the process. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I think honoring who the child is..the essence of the child – warts & all – is the greatest gift we can give them.

Thanks for sparking such an awesome discussion!

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:15 +0000

Hallelujah! AFter our conversation the other day, I was thinking that this also feeds on our fear/guilt as moms: “What if I don’t buy the video series for my one-year-old, and then my child doesn’t read? It’ll be all my fault!” Mothering is scary work — there’s sooo much at stake! — and merchandise (propaganda?) like this only feeds into our fears. Why doesn’t someone write about those products and the HARM that they do?!

Like you, my dreams and hopes for my children are simple: grow up to be loving, peaceful people who respect the earth and its inhabitants. I think that’s what most people want for their kids, but it’s easy to get lost in the “noise” of consumerism. It’s good, then, to surround ourselves with friends (like you) who have similar values and who remind us what ultimately matters. xoxo

By: Victoria

Victoria — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:38:24 +0000

Amen, Felice. I couldn’t agree with you more!