I just spent 30 minutes picking up broken glass…
…and I was happy to do it. Here’s why:
We never gave Sam sippy cups or anything like them. He has a few melamine dishes but for the most part we give him the real stuff and have since he was, oh, about seven months old. I believe (and it is part of the Montessori educational philosophy, which is one of the many concepts that have been incorporated into my educational philosophy) that giving children real tools make them feel important and teaches them that they are part of the world. That doesn’t mean that I think using sippy cups teaches children that they are unimportant, but it was a priority for me to use real dishes with my kids. Besides, Sam wouldn’t touch sippies. It’s also worth mentioning that he’s always been careful with dishes, which I’m sure is just part of his personality. Some kids might require a lot more supervision with glass and china, and I know I might not be willing to put forth that effort. But the stars aligned and my ideals matched up with Sam’s needs/wants, so there you have it.
In nearly three years since he started eating solids and drinking water from a cup, three or four things have been broken. TOTAL. (Not counting stuff that Will and I have broken. Which is probably about the same. Making Sam our equal.)
So just now, when I gave him some ice in a bowl at the bar and he dropped it, shattering it all over the carpet? I was not thrilled at having to clean it up, but only because (nearly) seven months pregnant is really no time to be on hands and knees picking up shards of glass. I had to take a couple breaks. But a broken bowl is really not such a big deal.
***
I wrote this on Friday and didn’t publish it for fear that it comes across as smug rather than anecdotal. But now I’m thinking it comes across fine. I hope I’m right!
October 27th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
We use sippy cups and plastic bowls, but I completely agree with you. Our kids throw their bowls and cups, but I bet they wouldn’t if doing so had real consequences, like shattered china. As in many other arenas, using sippy cups and plastic bowls was a parenting compromise between Husband and me.
And I don’t think you sound smug.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
oh, what i wouldn’t give for a child who was careful with dishes. any dish. when H is done with something he yells “all done!” and HURLS it from his chair. he has broken 2 thermoses, several dishes including melamine ones… UG! his kleen kanteen looks like it’s been through a war zone.
i totally agree with you though. and i love the montessouri philosophy. my aunt is a montessouri teacher. she’s my model for what a good mom is (since mine is so crappy).
October 27th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I’m just glad this is a flashback post, because I was reading it thinking: “Wow, again? Really? That is so unlike him!”
October 27th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
If it had happened again I would not have blogged about it. I would have called you in tears. ONCE WAS PLENTY.
October 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Yeah, sippies over here though boob is still prefered and bottles NEVER happened. She does like to drink out of “real stuff” but mostly just to play. She is really into throwing things so real dishes don’t work so much for her.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Karlie is like some of the kids in these responses. Not only does she throw her cup when she’s completely done but also every time she takes a drink. We call her “Destructo Girl”. However, I’m glad Sam’s personality has meshed with your priorities. And no, you didn’t sound smug. You quite gave the impression that if Sam had had a different personality, you would have adapted to it. Which is also cool. And not smug.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I don’t think there is anything remotely smug about this entry.
I believe (and it is part of the Montessori educational philosophy, which is one of the many concepts that have been incorporated into my educational philosophy) that giving children real tools make them feel important and teaches them that they are part of the world.
I don’t know if I will ever be a mom, but I’m remembering that & filing it away.
October 30th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Not at all smug. Quite impressive! Considering I’ve gone through life breaking dishes and glasses all over the place.
I really should be studying more educational philosophy on my course. Thank you for your input to my education!