Convicted and Conflicted

So here is the deal. Ever since Erin was born I have fallen in love with simplicity and back to basics parenting.

I work hard not to overstimulate our kids with noise and crazy lives or push them before they are ready.

I have learned about what it is to live in an imaginative world and how to supply your kids with the tools to do just that....use their imaginations and play.

That is one of the main reasons I homeschool. I want my kids to be kids. I want them to learn through play, create and develop their cute little brains.

When you come to our home you'll notice what my kids play with are rocks, blocks and pretend play such as kitchen or dollies. I have supplied them with the tools for that imagination, working on story books play areas and leaving them alone to explore their little world.

Anytime we have caved in and bought them something that makes the noises for them or because it looked cool they have discarded it in about a week. Flashy lights and sounds are good for five minutes of entertainment but a basket full of blocks and rocks creates an entire world of play for hours and it is wonderful to witness.

Everything is a balance of course. We do live in this world of consumerism and commercialism, and of course there is a side of me that wants to see my child squeal when they open the package. That is the point isn't it? to pat ourselves on the back knowing that we were the ones to make our child happy for a while??

But I constantly ask myself what good am I doing my child if I cave into the commercialism. Just like what good would I do them if I fed Lara Pogo Sticks everyday because that is what she likes. Would I be a good mom then? I mean...she would be happy. no?? Absolutely not. I would be a terrible mom if I did not teach her that vegetables are good too and food is for nourishment and not only for pleasure.
So why do we comprimise the same when it comes to nourishing their minds and education?

I think I offer a good balance in my home between plastic crap and beautifully made toys, but with the approach of a new little soul to nourish I'm feeling quite convicted about taking a stand.

Perhaps it is because now we have fast internet and I'm able to find all the fabulous toy stores our there on the web that offer beautiful wooden and handmade toys ect. I am excited that I'm finding a network of people that believe the same way I do and are living their lives that way. I don't feel like the oddball anymore and feel I can just be who I am without explaining myself all the time.

All I know is we are moving to the farm so we can live a simpler and natural life, so I am not going to take with us the cheap plastic noisy crap that does nothing for our family. I am going to set up the most beautiful little kitchen in the corner of our dining room with silks and wood and stuff our kids can cherish and appreciate. That is what I want for our family so too bad so sad for the people who disagree with me.

My biggest regret is caving last christmas and buying that stupid plastic, cheap barbie castle for Lara. I did it because it was affordable and and I knew she would like it. But has it already started to fall apart ? yes. Does Lara play with it after two months? no. I should have stuck to my instincts and bought her that wooden doll house that would last. Well I've found all that on the internet now and I am thrilled. NO MORE CHEAP CRAP!!!! My kids will appreciate what they are given because they won't be given as much...but what they are given will be beautiful and will last.
How wonderful to play with something made from a loved ones hands. A knitted doll...something from that persons heart.

If you are curious to learn about what I am talking about, check out some of the links on my blog. The website ''A toy Garden'' contains the toys I am talking about.
If you want to learn more about my principles of living, they come from a principle called Waldorf. There is a ton of info on the web so I urge you to look into it.
If you are a friend or relative of ours and are reading this, Adam and I would appreciate it if you take what I say to heart. You may not agree with us but I would like your support.

Blessings
Alyson