July 12, 2005

Independent children

The other day in the Pilates class, Susan brought her two boys with her. The younger one is about 3 I think. They are quite well behaved and I notice that if they come into the class to ask her a question, they get the response and they then move along. She also doesn't shoo them out. She simply nods, or in between "inhale, exhale" she says "go ask your brother" or some other quick response.

So the young one ran into the class the other day, and said "Mummy, can I?" and pointed to the back of the room where the water cooler is. She simply nodded yes, and off he went. I looked back at him through the mirror in front of me (showing them big-ass thighs and gut) and wondered how the hell he was going to get up to be able to drink the water.

I watched him get one of the things you put under an Aerobic Step and stand on that. Not high enough. No problem. He just got another, and another, and another until he was able to reach it.

And Susan continued along teaching, not rushing over to assist him. Hell, it crossed my mind to go over and do it for him. But I guess her method will raise the kids to be independent and think for themselves.

I thought what kind of parent I would make in that regard. Would I rush to do everything for the kids or let them try for themselves (within reason of course....don't want them trying to light the stove now do we!)

Posted by yamfoot at July 12, 2005 02:33 PM