My children, entertained to the nines by a long, slow walk around the block, April 2008. We went to the drycleaner, the pharmacy, smelled flowers, jumped off of walls, counted bricks, petted dogs, and generally enjoyed at least an hour in our very own neighborhood.
I was delighted to find the following article, “Idle parenting means happy children.”
Gloria was here today, and she remarked on how lovely it was that Grace played alone in her room for such a long, happy time. I replied, as I always do, “Ignore them long enough, they learn how to entertain themselves.” Little did I know that auspicious minds have said this long before I did: “How to begin to educate a child. First rule: leave him alone. Second rule: leave him alone. Third rule: leave him alone. That is the whole beginning.” This from DH Lawrence essay, Education of the People, published in 1918.
I’m still looking for an essay in Cookie magazine in the last few months which was hilarious on this topic. I could not feel more strongly about this philosophical approach to parenting. Occasionally I wonder if I’m doing the right thing, for example when I see the masterful skills Grace’s classmates have at all manner of pursuits. She has a classmate who is an elegant swimmer, an accomplished skiier, and a something-or-other belt in karate. Not to mention bilingual, etc. But I return, again and again, to my firm conviction that there is tremendous value in the ability to entertain yourself, to develop an imagination, and to discover excitement and adventure in the everydayness of your everyday life.