I recently had the pleasure of seeing Carl Honoré author of: In Praise of Slow and Under Pressure (affiliate links), speak on “Slow Parenting”. He addressed the fast paced world in which we live and the negative impact it is having on our children. He also addressed the common mistake of over-scheduling our children.
Although my husband and I already take a “slow” approach with our children, Carl’s talk reaffirmed my/our choices as parents. This posting includes pictures from our weekend of “slow”, some of the most memorable quotes from his presentation and how his speech relates to my own family.
“Childhood has become a race to perfection.”
I don’t want my children to feel they have to be perfect. I want them to be happy with who they are. Yes it’s a competitive world with a competitive job market. Yes our children need to be educated but education goes beyond multiple extracurricular activities, books and memorization… it includes a confidence and a comfort in being their own person. It includes a passion for something… not necessarily exposure to everything.
“Children are almost being raised in captivity.”
I want my children to see and experience the world in a real way… not just through television, movies, the internet or apps. I want them to be able touch, feel and experience life – fully and completely.
“When you give your child the best of everything, you are denying them the opportunity to learn how to make the best of what they’ve got.”
Toys. Electronics. Media. Social activities. They don’t need it all. How many times have you heard of a child opening a gift and having more fun with the box than the gift itself? Family, nature, a few treasured items, our time and our attention… these are the best “gifts” that we can give our children.
That is my Magic of the Mundane this week. Slow. Enjoying every second, every minute, and every moment….
If you’re interested in Carl Honoré, he has a 20 minute video presentation on Ted Talks which can be accessed through this link.
Great post! That is how we strived to live, too I hope you don’t mind me linking this to my FB page.
Glad you liked it! I would be honoured if you linked it to your Facebook page! :)
Amen! Amen! Amen to that. To ALL of that!
I loved this awesome reminder of what we also hope to instill in our children, and all the adorable pictures to go with it. I am really enjoying watching your daughters grow up, through your words and photos. They are so very blessed to have you raising them up this way.
Can’t wait to check out that TED talk, thanks for the link! :)
What a great reminder to slow down and put down the phone and computer. Thanks for sharing!
I found Carl’s talk to be so inspiring. Sometimes we need to be reminded to give technology a rest and slow down.
I read his book a few years ago and it really resonated. I try to incorporate the ideas – less structure, less need for millions of activities, just go to the park etc… I ebb and flow on my success but agree with the premise. I also think kids need to learn to entertain themselves – by always scheduling and programming them, or leaving them to watch TV, they aren’t getting the chance for the unstructured play that lets them learn to do that, problem solve, and be creative.
Lovely post!
It’s a great and encouraging book isn’t it? Thank you so much for sharing your perspective Louise!
Love this! Taking it slow. Closing the computer. Letting them finish their sentences without finishing them for them. Letting them put their own coat and shoes on when you know they can and they want to show you, even though you know you could do it quicker. Letting them help in the kitchen, even when their way is messier and you know who’s going to end up cleaning up after. Letting them be part of the day even when your way is the ‘most’ effective. Letting them be.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Steph. We often rush through these simple, beautiful moments. Our children need the opportunity to experience that “slowness” just as much as they need to “learn” academics.
Thanks for sharing your perspective.