Home Manager To Be

Okay, bare with me.  Bea' s my first child. So I can't compare her to my others. And yes, I'm a preschool teacher so I know a thing or two about little ones. But my expertise doesn't really begin until age 2.5. This is a series of photos I took of Bea this afternoon while I was making dinner. 

 


 
 

I'm beginning to feel a tad bit intimidated by her.  Look at her.  She's rolling out the pizza dough. We started the scene with mama doing the work and Bea watching from my back. Then she howled, "DOWN, DOWN!" I knew what was coming. She came down and we carried the yellow stool to the cabinet. And up she went. She took over. Don't you think she's good for 18 months?  Is this typical? Or am I nurturing some sort of homemaker prodigy? 

You should see her clean the walls, shovel dirt, bring folded laundry to appropriate bedrooms, etc. I've not forced a bit of this homemaking business onto her. Yet, she is intensely interested in imitating me day in and day out. She hasn't played with a toy in I can't remember how long. She's extremely sweet and dear to watch, but really, are all children this interested in homemaking?  

I'm thinking that in a year from now, she'll be able to take over my job of cleaning, cooking, gardening, sewing, and be better at it than I am.  She'll take charge and forge ahead with real assertiveness.  Not like her mama, who likes to dilly dally into the waters ever so slowly and carefully. 

Byron and I joke that next year, she'll be telling us what to do. Which is okay I guess, as long as she minds her manners. Manners are very important. 

I bet all of your kiddos are doing this or did this when they were Bea's age. I'm sure I just need to hang out with more mamas to know that Bea is totally normal.  

Comments

[jenny @ Let the children play]

Goodness - I'd just step back and let her go for it - she'll be cooking dinners for you in no time!

[Donna]

She's awesome! And what a "Montessori" moment~
You know I am personally childfree, but she seems remarkable to me!

[Stephinie]

So, so cute :) I love it! My own are also very, very involved in work. It seems as if a toddler through preschooler will always choose "real work" over "play".

[Nichole]

Hi Donna!!!

And I'm a tad bit biased ~ so I, of course, agree with you!

xo

[Nichole]

Yes, you know, I know through my schooling and experience that this is what happens when you allow the child to have freedom and an environment that supports their successful contribution. Still, sometimes I find myself watching her and thinking to myself, "holy #$%# this really works." It is so incredibly refreshing to see this innate drive flourish - not only in a school setting as a teacher - but in the home, and as a mother too.

[miranda makes]

She is a very capable girl with mother who sets a very good example and gives her the freedom she needs to fully be a part of the world around her.

[Stephinie]

It is isn't it..... I think the best feeling as a mom is knowing you are doing something right... even if you can't put it into words you just *know*. Perfection :)

[gina]

So very, very like Miss E. I am only hoping little e loves doing all the same. Miss E has been by my side since very early on, making salad, making bread, folding laundry, putting things away, cleaning. She *still* is asking for the mop she hasn't gotten yet. Not because she needs to add it to her collection, but because she really wants to MOP the house! The Swiffer isn't good enough for her. It's just fun to see them evolve. I'll be excited to see Bea when she starts in with sewing, because you know how Miss E has blossomed over the last year. Maybe "exploded" is a better word? You are so very lucky to have such a fun little girl. Makes up for the toddler craziness, doesn't it? ;)

[Evergreen]

I don't know, seems pretty remarkable to me! Pinecone is increasingly more interested in helping, though she has her own ideas on what should go where, so it gets pretty chaotic. I love Bea's focus and attention to what she is doing. She must be a wonderful companion to spend your days with. :-)

[6512 and growing]

Looks like she's off to a great start!

[Baby By The Sea]

Fabulous! This reminds me so much of my first. At two, she really, really cooked. She became a big sister but she's always been so able and willing. I say, cherish her joy in her work. I'd like to say my other girls are just like their big sister because, after all, I'm their mom. Well, no. Each is one's own.

I love Bea's look of concentration.

So, no, it's not normal. It's wonderful, special and something to be proud of. I wonder what she'll do next...

[Nichole]

Ha ha...Bea still has her own ideas too. But as gets older, it seems like she's more willing or able to work with purpose (at least for short amounts of time). Now, I feel like I can really talk to her and explain my reasonings or my plan(very simply). She likes that, I think. She is usually quite willing to comply.

[Nichole]

Aw...Thanks Gina. Yes, I am the luckiest of lucky, I think. Bea's eagerness and joy for living certainly makes up for the challenges of toddlerhood.

I'm sure little E will follow in the footsteps! I just love Miss E's curiosity and willingness/joy in participating in all that we do. It's the sweetest!

[Nichole]

Well...I do try. :)

[Nichole]

Wow...thank you. I sure will cherish her love of work! I think I'll be asking myself "what's next" for a long, long time to come. :)

[Diana]

I love that age because they are so driven to work along side you. And can do some things so well. Bea is doing a wonderful job! I will say that when Elliott hit the age I felt comfortable with, I found it was hard at home. He wanted to help with so much, I was frustrated - it was hard to find ways to always involve him, especially when I needed something done in a certain time frame. In my inability to adjust at home, I squelched some of his love of it all. Oddly though, when friends come for playdates, he pulls outs the window washing, the vacuum, and the dust mop. This is the ONLY time he takes it out - the timing is just odd. :)

I would say if you can find ways to always involve her, she will continue. Child #2 kind of divided my time and energies. I believe you will do much better than I have... the stuff I see Bea doing is sometimes more than I gave Elliott.

[jojoebi]

great post!
You have been featured on the Montessori Goldmine,
http://themontessorigoldmine.blogspot.com/2010/10/weekend-round-up_23.html
Please help yourself to a badge,
thanks,
jo

[mamaUK]

The more little bits I read of your blog (I keep coming back when I have a moment and have been enjoying looking through some of your archives) the more tiny little thing I find we have in common...I am also a trained primary school teacher specialising in Early years education age 3 - 8 . I am a full time mum now though to my two daughters. :)

[Nichole]

Oh goodness, you are Montessori trained as well? I'm certain we could have plenty to talk about over tea during nap time, don't you think?

It was fun re-reading this post again. It's been awhile! Bea has grown so much since then. And that's the main reason I continue to blog. To *scrapbook* our everyday moments together...

I'm so happy you are enjoying the archives. I've been peaking into your blog as well!

[mamaUK]

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough, not Montessori trained, just a 'regular' primary school teacher (in the states I think they call that public school...or Kindergarten for the Early Years? I'm not sure) I did a degree in Film and Drama, went on to do a post-grad in Education and then after that was all finished 'discovered' Waldorf education and I also became aware of Montessori too. I would actually like to read up more about it and was wondering if there was a book that you might recommend and I could try to get it from our local library?

[Nichole]

Yes, of course, (as I tap forehead):)

I like The Discovery of Childhood by Montessori. And I also really like How To Raise An Amazing Child The Montessori Way.