I've LOVED this non-authoritative role! Kids are so much more fun when you can just be their friend and you don't have to worry about getting them in straight lines/keeping them on task/etc. If there's one thing I've learned this week, it's that we adults are too uptight. There are so many times I'll hear an adult saying to a child, "Don't color outside the lines," "Put the piece of chalk back EXACTLY where you found it," "Walk on THIS side of the stairs"-- blah, blah, blah! When did we get so obsessive compulsive about everything? Who cares if everything isn't perfect? Who cares if the kid colors outside the lines? Who cares if someone coming down the stairs has to say excuse me because a kid was on the wrong side-- are these things really worth getting our panties in a twist, really worth taking ten minutes to lecture a child about, really worth getting a kid down/upset/feeling discouraged?
I guess this whole experience has really got me wondering when it happens, when the shift takes place. When did I stop coloring all over the page and start feeling restricted to the lines? When did I stop running around all the time, caring less if my shoes were untied, and start worrying about how hard the pavement might feel if I hit it? When did I stop doing things my way and start conforming to the way everyone around me said was right?
Just some thoughts I've been having..
Not to say we don't need to teach the kids about respect, and order, manners, and all that jazz. I'm just wondering when these things became so gosh darn important we decided they need to take all the fun and adventure out of life!
On another note, we took the kids to Dinoland today-- a whimsical little playground full of large, colorful dinosaurs. I loved watching my group run around, look up at the dinosaurs, and gawk at how big their teeth were, how ugly some of their faces were, how teeny and tiny they felt next to the dinosaurs' massive hands, arms, legs.
Here are some pictures from our day:
In a giant shark's mouth..
Posing with the King Cobra.
We decided to do scary faces for this one (though I think I'm the only one who went through with it..) 
Little Estella decided she wanted to pose next to EVERY dinosaur (plus this stray cactus we came across..)
Me and my kids!
More people wanted in the picture..
LOTS more wanted in the picture!
3 comments:
Babe! Thanks so much for putting some more pictures up. You look beautiful, and the kids are so adorable. It is crazy to think about when we got so particular about everything. I think as you said, we all can learn from the ways kids are. I love you so much and am so excited that you get the opportunity. You can tell that the kids absolutely love you!- Jeffrey
Hi, This is Charles' mom and I read all the interns' blogs that I know about regularly. I just wanted to say "Here! Here!" I so agree. I am a teacher and sometimes I feel all we do is enforce rules. Can't we just let kids be kids? Thanks for voicing what I have said so many times. Have some fun. Life's too short to be so uptight. Keep up the good work. I'm praying for all of you.
Bev Loeffler,
Seattle, WA
Nicole! Thanks for sending me the link -- I've so enjoyed reading your blog. It sounds like many lives are being touched this summer -- yours including the children's. We miss you at home but love seeing all that you're doing. You are certainly experiencing God's love in a wonderful way! The pictures are beautiful! We love you as does anyone that knows you -- you are truly a beautiful, beautiful spirit! Talk with you soon. - Mom
Post a Comment