Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Subtle Teaching of our Children

Teaching our children can be a subtle, gentle experience.  Often the most teaching is done when nothing is said at all.  Over the weekend, we found a second-hand Little Tykes kitchen for Miss Abbie.  At nearly 3 yrs. old, she is enjoying the type of play where she is imitating what she observes.  She also is beginning to have imaginary play, which is a joy to watch. 

Today, while I was working in the kitchen cleaning up the breakfast dishes, Miss Abbie came to me asking for a towel.  I finally realised she meant a wash cloth and gave her one.  She handed it back wanting me to get it wet.  I did so and again gave it to her.  She promptly went back to her room.  A few minutes later, when I had finished the breakfast dishes, I went to see what she was doing.  She was cleaning her kitchen!  How cute!  I watched her for a couple of minutes until she realised I was there in the doorway.  I asked her if she was cleaning her kitchen and she gave me a huge smile and proudly told me that she was! 

Off and on today, she had played at cleaning her kitchen.  She also has been pretending to make lunch or a snack to bring to me or her baby brother.  It is so sweet to watch as she plays in this way.  It brought to my attention just how much our little ones observe and try to imitate us.  I am so glad that I try to never let my feelings for doing housework appear negative.  If I were to complain and gripe about the household tasks to be done, would Miss Abbie be doing the same even in her play? 

The example we set in how we go about our tasks will be reflected back at us one day.  Either through our children's play or in an older child's attitude when asked to help with a task.  I am so grateful to the Lord for showing me again just how important my attitude as a mother is to my little ones.

Cute!

05:56, Monday, January 12, 2009 .. Posted by lee

That is really cute!

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06:08, Monday, January 12, 2009 .. Posted by haflinger

How cute that must of been.. U are right they learn from us..
Have a blessed night..
Brenda/haflinger

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06:11, Monday, January 12, 2009 .. Posted by Schatzi

Your post made me smile as I remember those days when my girls were little and playing with their Little Tyke kitchen...how times flies.

Thanks for the post!

Connie

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09:40, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 .. Posted by crispe

Our children are watching, and listening too. Knowing this makes me want be a good example.

Crispe ;o)