The first is a picture of her Dad (the Big Fella) apparently, it was drawn this morning whereas the following two were accomplished earlier in the week. I just love her use of colours amongst the 30 or so to choose from in her pen case.
This picture is her Uncle Dave, which you'd really laugh at if you knew him in person...he has mounds and mounds of dark curly hair. Not just light waves, I'm talking spiral - out of control type curls that really do grow outwards rather than down like most people's locks. And do you see the little bits at the end of his legs, they're his feet and shoes. She always does them as separate dots.
Here is her cousin Miss L, who turns 10 today. Happy birthday "Little L". I'm impressed everyone appears to be quite happy and they have beautiful, bright eyes.
Keep in mind these sketches are drawn by a little girl who is not yet 4 so the structure is quite correct if you ask me.All this artistic nurturing and staying indoors got me thinking about a Natural Parenting article I read recently which spoke of our consumeristic society and how some children just get whatever they want.
In summary, one of the surveys conducted with children asking them “What do you want that money can't buy?" showed the overwhelming number of respondents still craved simple, life-affirming experiences like communing with nature, time with family and enjoying good health.
I felt really liberated after making the decision at the end of last year not to take my children to the shopping centre as often unless I really need to. I'm only doing myself and them a disservice.
Great article. I went to Mother's Group where over 75% of the mum's had their 'babies' doing soooo many activities it was scary. Here I was with my Monet and we did nothing but go walking, play at home, visit the botanical gardens, swim in our pool, drives in the car. Mind you, we were living in Sth MElb so the majority of the parents could afford to do all these activites. We could too (just) but I didn't want to. I was happy just have constant 1 on 1 time with my child. I still am.
ReplyDeleteLike you I made the decision to not buy willy-nilly so I am now avoiding places like Cairns Central. Monet is preferring doing stuff like playing, painting, cooking etc., and I'm a hell of a lot happier knowing she's not turning into a spoilt brat, but someone whose exploring the world and having fun... (As much as one loves to shop!! *heehee*)
Great drawings by Miss A. Terrific. I'm sure her loved ones she drew will love them just as much...
Oh I was also going to say that for about the last 6 months or so I have been fully working on the 'reward' system. Good behaviour = a treat, an outing, a swim in the pool etc., 5 days of good behaviour with no real naughtness/screaming etc = a Freddo Frog. Works a treat. Literally.
ReplyDeleteI've seen first hand some kids getting so much stuff all the time, for no reason at all.