The whole perfect-girl thing that was referenced in Peggy Orenstein’s princess article (see here) is getting a lot of airtime these days. Huge article in the Sunday Times a few weekends ago on the topic

Nerve-wracking. I have not consciously done so, but when I think about how we schedule Grace’s time, I realize I have totally reacted against over-programming. I am such a huge believer in unscheduled, unstructured time. I am so proud of the fact that on weekend afternoons she plays happily, ALONE, in her room for an hour or two at a time. It is another way in which my parenting has surprised me.

I’ve heard so much about her new school being a pressure cooker, about the numerous and varied stresses on the children, about how early the piles of homework and afterschool commitments pile up. Of course this is not a concern in beginners, but it’s something I want to remain vigilant about and attuned to. I can already see how Grace is a pleaser, her distinct interest in impressing people, and I hope this does not get in the way of her pursuing what her heart desires.

It is an interesting aside that male school success is basically ignored in the media today. I hope this changes as I would think it will eventually have a negative impact on a generation of men.

Random thoughts on a grey and rainy day.