If you hadn't noticed this little blog here has become our official family journal. It was an intentional decision in January when I wanted to document more of our lives; mostly because I was forgetting so much of it (in my constant state of exhaustion). I love photographing the kids and then organizing them a bit here to tell our life story. (Before I was attempting to keep 3-5 different journals!) But I haven't written as much as I would like about my journey into motherhood. I often have several ideas floating around my unfocused mind. And I'd like to focus on some of those that linger for a long time. (Like what to do about chores.)
One idea is: what should childhood be like and how can I create that for my sweet little ones. This has been at the forefront of my mind lately. Especially with Isabella beginning school (in a month!) and going into that whole new world, full of rules and conformity. While she is in my care, what do I want home life to be like and how can I create that? It's been a struggle to figure it out and I'm still in the process (which I realize may never end) of understanding what childhood should be like.
A little while ago I heard someone describe their childhood as magical. It was a complete "A-HA!" moment. And since then I can't get it out of my head. I want my children to have a magical childhood!
I feel like I've defined what childhood should be like, but now I've hit the hard part:
How?
How do I create a magical childhood?
I've been revisiting the memories of my own childhood and what elements made it magical. Climbing trees, walking through deep flowing grass, playing cops and robbers while pretending locust leaves were money. The parts of my childhood that were magical were spent outside, exploring, with very little adult supervision. I'm not sure if these elements are necessary for a magical childhood, but it's what I know.
Unsupervised, free play in nature is not what is available to my kids' urban lifestyle right now. But I believe they can still have a magical childhood in the city. So, yes, I'm researching, thinking, and discovering the HOW!
My dear friends:
Do you have any ideas how to encourage a magical childhood in the city?
I consider any reader of my blog a good friend and I would really love to hear your thoughts (even if you don't have kids or live in the city)!
I love this post. I can't wait to read more about this.
ReplyDeleteAnd I see you fostering a magical urban childhood for your kids: playing in fountains, parks, dancing at Lincoln Center, and lots of outdoor time in the parks and CT. Well done Kiasa.