As parents, one of our most important jobs is to help facilitate our kids’ ideas. Not that I’m always good at deviating from my adult routines, which all too often dominate. But once in a while, I find myself caught up in their vision, and it makes for memorable, important experiences for us both.
On such moment was the neighborhood kids club my daughter decided to host. She was around 8 years old at the time. We often had families with younger children visit, and she had an interest in these little ones. Her girlfriend who lived next-door was also, and one day they hatched the neighborhood kids club idea.
They created elaborate plans which they excitedly showed me. A permission slip was designed. Lists of games prepared. A detailed schedule constructed, including when the children would take a potty break and have a nap. The 5 children invited ranged from 2 to 4 years old.
We chose a date, and the girls called each of the parents. The children were thrilled to have been invited to “Katie’s house.” The mothers’ reaction was much the same. And so the plans were set.
The girls worked hard to get everything ready. They refined their lists. Got out the age-appropriate toys. They enthusiastically shopped for snacks and juice boxes at the store. They could hardly wait.
The moms and kids arrived and signed in their children. Smiles were on all faces as these young girls took charge of these delighted little ones. Much to my surprise, most of the moms actually left, which tells you how desperate mothers can be for time away!
For the next hour and a half, the budding teachers cared for their little charges. They played Ring around the Rosie, and toss the balloon. They had a snack and played outside. They read a story. They also chased around little boys who wouldn’t sit in a circle, or play a game, or do anything they were told to do. They learned that sometimes the schedule doesn’t work and that kids do what they want to do and you can’t make them do what YOU want them to.
At the end of the club, the mom’s picked up their children, who got hugs and kisses before they reluctantly left. The teachers were not so reluctant to see them go. They were exhausted!
“Mom, that wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be,” said my tired daughter.
“Well, let’s talk about that,” I responded. “What did you learn?”
A lot, we concluded. Little kids don’t sit in circles very well. They like to play outside the best. Some kids don’t like to color. Snack time was a success.
“I think stations for coloring and snack would be a good idea for next time,” she concluded. “And we’ll play more games outside too.”
And they did. The next club was better than the first. But she was still pretty tired at the end. Reality.
I’d recommend encouraging your interested kids to host a neighborhood kids club. It was a great experience for my daughter and didn’t take much planning or extra work for me. We had all the resources at home. The kids made the entire plan. I played a supporting role and enjoyed it.
I’m not sure if my daughter is destined to be a teacher or not, but I know that she learned a lot, not only about kids, but about having an idea and seeing it come to life, imperfections and all. And isn’t that what life is about.
-posted by Donna Detweiler, who sees how having older children interact with younger children is a win for everyone.
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