January 18, 2006 1:19 PM
Step Stool Revolution Part 2
Gwen wrote me:
Hi Barbara,I hope you are enjoying your blogobirthday. I really appreciate everything you write and have Mommylife set up on my google/ig page so that I can see when you post.
There were two things I wanted to write to you about. The first is something I asked in a comment on your site, but didn't get a response back from any of your readers - step stools. The picture of the stool that you posted looked like a great step stool to get my son. He currently is using a little IKEA stool that is very portable, but not very helpful. He can't see over the tops of the counters enough to be of any help, since he is just peeking over the edge. Could you recommend a stool that will be able to go the distance?
The other thing is about children working. I have a post on my site - Help in the Kitchen where I show pictures of Charlie eating the spoils of his labor. He's licking the spoon after we put our gingerbread in the oven.
I really feel that implementing your ideas about children working has been wonderful for him. He would rather help me cook than do just about anything.
I'm posting this here for two reasons: One is to show how making one little change can open up the doors of opportunity for our children and improve our family life and relationship with them. Sometimes when we read parenting experts, we feel overwhelmed and burdened afterwards. I know I'm dishing out a lot of information here, but it's all stuff I learned in my years of Montessori and also 36 years of mothering. So while I'm anxious to share what I know works, I hope you don't ever walk away from reading feeling burdened.
My motto is to let your ideals lift you up, not drag you down. And I heartily second Elisabeth Elliot's advice on what to do when you're feeling overwhelmed: just do the next thing.
Sometimes the next thing will be putting in a load of laundry or kissing an owie or tucking the kids in bed. And sometimes the next step might be buying a stool so your child is empowered to get up to those kitchen counters where Mom is cooking and doing so much interesting stuff. Believe me, a half hour of feeling like he's helping - even if it slows you down a little - will go a long way toward building his confidence and joy - and confidence and joy is what you want for your children to help them reach their potential.
And I like how Gwen put it at her blog:
I’ve written before about how I am trying to let Charlie help me in the kitchen. I desire to cultivate a spirit of helpfulness in him, and a spirit of usefulness (and neededness) as well. Part of my plan for that is to have him help me with my daily chores, be they vacuuming, cleaning, or cooking. Yes, these things are easier to do without Charlie. And, if not easier, certainly quicker, but it is the end goal that I am focused on, and a little extra time here and there will quickly add up to time saved (and worth boosted) in the future.
So it's the long-term goal we're after - that's what makes it worth it to put these little changes - little changes with big results - into place.
As to the perfect step stool, I've used the first one I posted under Kid-Friendly Environment at Barbara's Picks. Please notice that though it sells for $76something at amazon, that is the price for a four-pack. I know, it does sound weird, but maybe you could go in with some other moms and split it.
I just posted a second possibility - a two-step stool that folds and looks safe and practical. Any other ideas, readers?
Posted in Family, Montessori, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink
