Happy Friday, everyone. On one sunny Sunday in 2008, Lenore Skenazy dropped her 9-year-old son off at Bloomingdale’s and told him to find his own way home by riding the New York subway alone. She shared the story in her newspaper column a few months later, and was immediately dubbed ‘America’s Worst Mom.’
Thank you for sharing this! So, my birthday is around the corner, and I usually become more reflective around this time. Basically, this post is all about me! This article made me wonder if my independent nature led me to Montessori. I was raised by my aunt who worked 2nd and or 3rd shifts and so I had cousins nearby who watched after me. For the most part, I was the 'latch key kid.' Each day I arrived home from school, played outside with my friends, did my homework and then had dinner. I never missed an assignment, and I did not have anyone to remind me to get it done. Soon after, 7th grade, I asked my mom if I could go on a faith journey (learn about different places of faith, church, etc.) because our current one did not sit well with me. My aunt was sad but gave me the ok. Forwarding to high school, I went to Paris with my French Club, and somewhat bothered by having to follow the itinerary that the teacher put together, I decided to take the train by myself to explore. I made it back to the hotel, safely, and before it got dark…. So, what am I saying? Being independent is a risk, and independence can lead to good and not so good choices and outcomes. Ultimately, my independence led me to a career that does not feel like work, and a faith that recenters me when I get off track or stuck. Cheers to another year!
Thank you for sharing this! So, my birthday is around the corner, and I usually become more reflective around this time. Basically, this post is all about me! This article made me wonder if my independent nature led me to Montessori. I was raised by my aunt who worked 2nd and or 3rd shifts and so I had cousins nearby who watched after me. For the most part, I was the 'latch key kid.' Each day I arrived home from school, played outside with my friends, did my homework and then had dinner. I never missed an assignment, and I did not have anyone to remind me to get it done. Soon after, 7th grade, I asked my mom if I could go on a faith journey (learn about different places of faith, church, etc.) because our current one did not sit well with me. My aunt was sad but gave me the ok. Forwarding to high school, I went to Paris with my French Club, and somewhat bothered by having to follow the itinerary that the teacher put together, I decided to take the train by myself to explore. I made it back to the hotel, safely, and before it got dark…. So, what am I saying? Being independent is a risk, and independence can lead to good and not so good choices and outcomes. Ultimately, my independence led me to a career that does not feel like work, and a faith that recenters me when I get off track or stuck. Cheers to another year!
3, 4 and 5 years old.
Old enough, Japan 34 and five-year-olds. Not surprised having taught in Montessori early childhood.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81506279