I'll be there on 27th December
Friday, 24 December 2010
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Snowing in Greenwich!
After all my wishes come true! A verry merry and bright and really White Christmas 2010!
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Merry Christmas
A Merry Christmas means happy, calm , not hurried, no money worries, and simplicity...start from a lovely experience in London...Traditional Continental style market by the Southbank http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/traditional-german-christmas-market-article-7419.html
or even better Greenwich market...our local!
school fairs are lovely too!
But what a child remebers is decorating the tree with mummy and putting together a train set with daddy...simple things ...sweet memories...
or even better Greenwich market...our local!
school fairs are lovely too!
Traditional Christmas
I like a traditional Christmas. The tree decoratad with old fashioned natural and simple decoration- but no tinsel please!- I usually do this closer to Christmas Eve, maybe at around the Winter Solstice...- we hang the stockings...and yes my daughter aged 9 1/2 still believes in Santa and the spirit of Christmas is kept very much alive...I like going to church carols by candlelight...in fact...I like to put so many candles at Christmas all around the house...I get night lights and golden trays and put all the lights out...What I miss is a fireplace...I dream of a house with a big lounge and a sofa in front of the fire! Roasting chestnuts....the only thing I don't have a plate for is mince pies...sorry but two decades of Italian delicacies have made my plate very sensitive to bad taste! Oh the other thing is we don't do the turkey thing ....we used to cook fish or chicken but now I am back to being a Vegetarian...my husband doesn't seem to mund a veggie roast...but I personally like scrambeld eggs on toasted bagels on Christmas morning ( brunch) used to put smoked salmon but will have to find a delicious posh veggie alternative now! My husband likes a glass of prosecco at 11 am!
In Italy as a child I remeber we used to keep awake on the Eve and play bingo ( Tombola) and wait for the midnight so we could all open the presents....I was always so tired...but happy...it is much nicer to open them on Christmas morning because isn't it when Santa brings the gifts...any time between midnight and 5 am?!
On Christmas eve we watch the Muppets Christmas Carol film with Micheal Cane as Scrooge...bah humbugging all the way to the end as we munch on an early simple supper of best quality cheese ( cheddar, mature, smoked cheese, ble cheese...crusty bread from farmer's market and lovely pickled onions)...I like that...we have been doing this since my daughter was two or three...don't remember really...but it is at least the 5th or 6th time we watched it now!
prioor to all this obviously there is the Christmas shopping...I don't like shopping, I love brousing in pretty markets, but for essentials like coats/jumpers, socks and ....secret gifts I go on line, usually John Lewis...the traditional german style markets are lovely..I liked the one by the Royal Festival Hall yesterday...lovely traditional and family friendly atmosphere....I dilsike Oxford Street and do my best to avoid it!
The traditional German Christmas market is open from 10am – 10pm, Friday 19th November 2010 – Monday 3rd January 2011. Entry to the market is free. Southbank by Roayal festival hall and London Eye.
In Italy as a child I remeber we used to keep awake on the Eve and play bingo ( Tombola) and wait for the midnight so we could all open the presents....I was always so tired...but happy...it is much nicer to open them on Christmas morning because isn't it when Santa brings the gifts...any time between midnight and 5 am?!
On Christmas eve we watch the Muppets Christmas Carol film with Micheal Cane as Scrooge...bah humbugging all the way to the end as we munch on an early simple supper of best quality cheese ( cheddar, mature, smoked cheese, ble cheese...crusty bread from farmer's market and lovely pickled onions)...I like that...we have been doing this since my daughter was two or three...don't remember really...but it is at least the 5th or 6th time we watched it now!
prioor to all this obviously there is the Christmas shopping...I don't like shopping, I love brousing in pretty markets, but for essentials like coats/jumpers, socks and ....secret gifts I go on line, usually John Lewis...the traditional german style markets are lovely..I liked the one by the Royal Festival Hall yesterday...lovely traditional and family friendly atmosphere....I dilsike Oxford Street and do my best to avoid it!
The traditional German Christmas market is open from 10am – 10pm, Friday 19th November 2010 – Monday 3rd January 2011. Entry to the market is free. Southbank by Roayal festival hall and London Eye.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Winter Festivals
Winter Festivals and Celebrations
One aspect of Waldorf and Montessori education that is cherished is the celebration of festivals across the globe. Here we have gathered a list of some of the most cherished winter festivals, as well as a brief description of each, for you and your family to enjoy.
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Advent: Means “coming”. The season of Advent begins on the closest Sunday to November 30th, and is a period of making ready for the coming of the divine light of Christmas or the return of the light of the Winter Solstice.St. Nicholas Day: One of the most important holidays in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day opens the gift giving season in many parts of the world. For most, St. Nicholas Day begins on December 6th, and it is believed that Santa Claus has his origins in the life and celebration of St. Nicholas.
St. Lucia: December 13th follows the longest night of the year in Sweden, and this is the day that the festival of St. Lucia is celebrated. In this celebration, the eldest daughter is dressed in a white gown and a crown of seven candles placed upon her head.
Winter Solstice: The shortest day of the year, and the day that marks the return of the light that began to fade with the Summer Solstice. From this day forward, until the Summer Solstice, each day will become progressively longer. The Winter Solstice also marks the time in each of our lives where we celebrate the period of intense inner reflection that the darkening days can bring, and a return to the outward nature of our communities and lives with the return of longer days and warmer weather.
Las Posadas: Is a nine-day celebration that began in Spain, and that is now celebrated mainly in Mexico. Las Posadas begins on December 16th and ends December 24th. It is a yearly tradition that celebrates the trials that Mary and Joseph went through before finding a place for Jesus to be born.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights in the Jewish faith. This holiday lasts eight days, and commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.
Christmas: Held on December 25th, this is the celebration of the birth of Christ in the Christian faith.
Kwanzaa: Is a week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African Heritage and culture. This holiday is marked by participants lighting a Kinara (candle holder), and is observed from December 26 to January 1 every year.
New Year’s Eve: In western culture, it is a celebration of the final day of the Gregorian Year, and the beginning of a new year on the Gregorian Calendar. Other religions and cultures celebrate the coming of the New Year at different times and in different ways.
Twelfth Night: Is a festival that is celebrated in some branches of Christianity that marks the coming of the Epiphany and the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Epiphany: Also known as Three Kings Day and Twelfth Day, is celebrated on January 6th and is the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The feast celebrates the manifestation of God taking human form through Jesus.
Plough Monday: Plough Monday is the traditional start of the English agricultural year. It is usually celebrated on the Monday after the celebration of the Epiphany, and signals a return to “regular” work after the Christmas season.
Candlemas: Is a cross quarter day that falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring. Throughout history, this has been the traditional time to begin to turn the soil over for the coming planting season. It is a time when the promises of renewal from the winter solstice begin to take shape, and we begin the process of coming out of the hibernation of a long winter. In the Christian tradition, this is also the celebration of Mary’s presentation of Jesus at the temple.
Brigit (or Imbolc): A festival that marks the sun’s growing strength, and the first signs of Spring. Brigid is also one of the four Celtic cross quarter days.
St. Valentine’s Day: An annual celebration of love and affection, Valentine’s Day was originally named for a Christian Martyr, Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. It was deleted by the Roman Calendar of Saints in 1969, but is still celebrated and honored to this day.
The following is a list of wonderful books and websites that will give you more information on each of these festivals (as well as many others), and that will help you and your family celebrate each to its fullest.
The Children’s Year by Stephanie Cooper, Christine Fynes-Clinton and Marye Rowling
All Year Round by Ann Druitt, Christine Fynes-Clinton and Marje Rowling
Festivals Together: A Guide to Multi-Cultural Celebration by Sue Fitzjohn, Minda Weston and Judy Large
A Child’s Seasonal Treasury by Betty Jones
Circle Round by Starhawk, Diane Baker and Anne Hill
Festivals, Family and Food by Diana Carey and Judy Large
Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children by Sharifa Oppenheimer
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: Nurturing our Children fro Birth to Seven by Barbara J. Patterson, Pamela Bradley and and Jean Riordan
Living in Season E-Zine
The International Association for Waldorf Early Childhood Education
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This piece was compiled by the editors of Rhythm of The Home. SanTa LuCia
A Santa Lucia Festival
Photo by Claudia GrunderAdorns and cheers our way,
And still as darker grows the night
Emits a brighter ray.
~Oliver Goldsmith~
Long ago, but not so long that we have forgotten, legend tells of a young maiden dressed in white wearing a wreath of burning candles on her head. Coming from Värmland in Sweden, she crossed Lake Vantern in a boat to bring food to the starving villagers on shore. Sailing in the darkness of December, the villagers could hear her coming by the songs that she and her attendants sang and by the candles on her head.
The original St. Lucia was a young Christian martyr who lived in Sicily, Italy in the 4th century. She was known for her love and kindness.
Every December 13th this procession is played out in homes, schools, and businesses all over Sweden. Though Santa Lucia Day is thought of as a “Swedish” holiday, it must be noted that all of Scandinavia celebrates St. Lucy’s Day as well as many people of Scandinavian descent all over the world. It is a time for us to join together in joyful celebration of song and food during the darkest time of the year.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
luxury natural bedding for warm winter nights!
Your chance to win a <a href=”http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/win-a-luxurious-organic-bedding-package-from-gaiam”>Free Luxurious Organic Cotton Bedding Package</a> from Gaiam.com.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Your Children ...
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday.
--Kahlil Gibran
My beautiful fairy Morgana, age 5
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday.
--Kahlil Gibran
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Lantern making
http://ourhomeschooljourney.co.za/wordpress/142/how-to-make-a-lantern-for-waldorf-festivals-or-waldorf-inspired-gifts/
the below post was taken from this website
the below post was taken from this website
How to make a Lantern for Waldorf Festivals or Waldorf-Inspired Gifts
On Saturday afternoon we made a lantern each. I couldn’t face the paper ones this year. I saw what happened to them last year. They just got crumpled and ended up in a toy box. So we went with glass. Another reason being we live in a seriously windy area and the candle will continue to burn, if it is protected within a glass jar. These lanterns can be made for any festival, just change the colour of the tissue paper and stick different things on the side.
We’ll be making them again for advent in red, green and white. But then we’ll be gluing
beads, and glittery goodies on the outside.
Here’s a pic of the Martinmas lanterns in the light of day…
I’d like to share with you how we made them. They make beautiful Waldorf-Inspired gifts as well, not only for the Festival of Martinmas.
For the Lantern You’ll need:
A clean,dry glass jar per person.
Cold Glue/Wood/craft glue
Glue/paint brush
3 different colours of Tissue paper (we use yellow,gold and light gold (not metallic) )
For the handle you’ll need:
Baling or Florists wire
(we use baling as we’ve always got it lying around for fences and stuff)
Wool (we use a cream colour)
I used a square jam jar (250ml) for mine, and 2 Mayonnaise jars (750ml) for Jules and Sin. I then mixed decoupage glue, being 1/2 cold glue (that white wood glue) and 1/2 water.
Then you’re ready to go. Start tearing small pieces of tissue paper off. I tore them about
2cm x 2 cm. You can cut them but then the lanterns take on a bit of a Picasso Cubism look, which doesn’t appeal to me.
Paint the jar little bit, little bit and stick your tissue paper on. If the tissue paper stands up, just paint over it, it them sticks back down. Don’t forget to mix all the different colours as you go, and to overlay them.
When the entire jar is covered with paper, then give the whole outside of the jar a light
paint with the glue. Then allow it to dry.
I left ours overnight and then John put the handles on for us. You just take a piece of
wire, tie it around the rim, really tight. Tie it off using pliers. Then make a handle, a
semi-circle with a hook at each end. Hook the hooks under the wire attached around the rim. And again tie off with the pliers.
Then you wrap the entire wire handle and around the rim with wool.
Place a small piece of tic-tac/prestik at the bottom of the jar on the inside, Push a
tea-light candle onto the tic-tac and you’re good to go!
Here’s a pic of the lanterns in the dark last night. They stood up to the high wind, and a
lantern walk. We came back with the candles still burning.
There is a beautiful story on Melisa’s blog, which I told the kids as we made our lanterns, it’s all about Brother Sun and how he gives you a tiny golden spark to keep safe inside your lantern.
Enjoy making them, they become treasures that will always remind you of a beautiful day.
Blessings to you as you craft,
Sue.xx
We’ll be making them again for advent in red, green and white. But then we’ll be gluing
beads, and glittery goodies on the outside.
Here’s a pic of the Martinmas lanterns in the light of day…
For the Lantern You’ll need:
A clean,dry glass jar per person.
Cold Glue/Wood/craft glue
Glue/paint brush
3 different colours of Tissue paper (we use yellow,gold and light gold (not metallic) )
For the handle you’ll need:
Baling or Florists wire
(we use baling as we’ve always got it lying around for fences and stuff)
Wool (we use a cream colour)
I used a square jam jar (250ml) for mine, and 2 Mayonnaise jars (750ml) for Jules and Sin. I then mixed decoupage glue, being 1/2 cold glue (that white wood glue) and 1/2 water.
Then you’re ready to go. Start tearing small pieces of tissue paper off. I tore them about
2cm x 2 cm. You can cut them but then the lanterns take on a bit of a Picasso Cubism look, which doesn’t appeal to me.
Paint the jar little bit, little bit and stick your tissue paper on. If the tissue paper stands up, just paint over it, it them sticks back down. Don’t forget to mix all the different colours as you go, and to overlay them.
When the entire jar is covered with paper, then give the whole outside of the jar a light
paint with the glue. Then allow it to dry.
I left ours overnight and then John put the handles on for us. You just take a piece of
wire, tie it around the rim, really tight. Tie it off using pliers. Then make a handle, a
semi-circle with a hook at each end. Hook the hooks under the wire attached around the rim. And again tie off with the pliers.
Then you wrap the entire wire handle and around the rim with wool.
Place a small piece of tic-tac/prestik at the bottom of the jar on the inside, Push a
tea-light candle onto the tic-tac and you’re good to go!
Here’s a pic of the lanterns in the dark last night. They stood up to the high wind, and a
lantern walk. We came back with the candles still burning.
Enjoy making them, they become treasures that will always remind you of a beautiful day.
Blessings to you as you craft,
Sue.xx
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Glimmer Lantern Glimmer!
Lantern festival time!
I love this time of the year, when the light slowly fades and the afternoons get darker, the evening sparkly lights ...the shops, the street lights...the stars...when you can see them!
Blackheath- the Heath and church ( All Saints) at night.
The fireworks were amazing on sat 6th November...a good display for bonfire night...sooooo many people!
I love this time of the year, when the light slowly fades and the afternoons get darker, the evening sparkly lights ...the shops, the street lights...the stars...when you can see them!
The fireworks were amazing on sat 6th November...a good display for bonfire night...sooooo many people!
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Casa dolce casa
Wait for the new recent photos of our trip there...coming up soon!x
Friday, 8 October 2010
Home sweet Home
This is the time of the year when it starts to feel nice to have more time at home and , yes the house last night was smelling so sweet...that is because I had a chocolate lattice tart, crostata di nutella, baking in the oven with its buon profumo!
I like our little nature table, this is what it looks like at the moment but it gradually changes depending on what we find during our walks. the trick is not to put too much on it to start with! It's easy to over do it...I think I did!
The wind is blowing, blowing and blowing,
the wind is blowing listen to it now
The leaves are falling,falling and falling,
the leaves are falling on to the ground
Mother earth is calling, all the creatures listening
Mother Earth is calling, listen to her sound
listen to her sound
( Susannah Andrews)
On Morgana' window
Our nature cornerever changing...now we have a quince as well! not in the picture...watch this space...coming up soon!
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Time for Conqers
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In Greenwich Park last week looking for conqers, chestnuts, mushrooms and leavesSaturday, 2 October 2010
We are very sad. Morgana here was posing balancing on one of the two low branches...
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Seasonal decorations
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Other places have inspired me too like bergamo in Italy...is it because we nearly always go there in the Autumn Half Term?!!
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When you want to bring nature into the house is so easy especially this season as it is the season of gathering and picking...
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(note the very worn boots!)
This is a little secret road off Shooters Hill Road off it and in between Vanburgh Park Road...and there is a cute little cottage there with a fab garden!
It's like a little oasis as Shooters Hill is terribly busy and noisy!
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Our Autumn nature table last year...soon I will post the one from this year...my phone is playing silly and won't take pictures...sorry!
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Autumn treasures
More Autumn treasures!
All you need is a walk to the park, or even just around the block if there are any trees around your street. ( we live in Londopn- Greenwich, which is very green)
Collect acorns, leaves, conkers, etc...etc...
apples from the farmer's market and wool or garden string, sticks...and VOILA'...you can make pretty mobiles and Autumn decorations...
just like we did...
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Autumn festivals
I know it is soon the pumpkin festivals and Halloween...one thing at the time please, Michael's Dragon just passed and we can still smell the Harvest Soup and bread...then there's the first bonfires and roasting chestnuts...well pretty much for the next three months...oh....and nice vanilla and cinnamon cookies dipped in hot chocolate...hang on hang on...the leaves only just started falling!!!
But what is it with this world around us spinning faster than ever as if it wants to catch up with the future so much...what is next on the list becomes important...there is no rush...NO RUSH! STOP...and enjoy the moment...live in the NOW...more than anything doi it for the sake of your child too....avoid going to shops because they throw it at your face...HALLOWEEN masks and pumpkin fun and CHRISTMAS CARDS already!!!!!STOP, for GOD'S SAKE .........................................!!!!
anyway I thought that you can SLOWLY get ready for the mood of the festivals ahead...by understanding their meaning, the anticipation, or the journey we take to go there...when it is gradually getting darker each day a bit more....it is never sudden...it is gradual...people just don't take notice...I think Autumn ( and Spring ) are the so called seasons in between, like a transition...Autumn is all about gathering, the energies going downwards and inwards to Mother Earth...it's the gradual slowing down......after the excitment of the Summer where we were dancing with the Sun and we were away with the fairies...!Summer time is where we experience what is like to feel not grounded...then Autumn comes and we land on the ground and become each day more grounded...
Have alook at this link with my favourite blog:
http://rhythmofthehome.com/autumn-2010/martinmas-celebration/
But what is it with this world around us spinning faster than ever as if it wants to catch up with the future so much...what is next on the list becomes important...there is no rush...NO RUSH! STOP...and enjoy the moment...live in the NOW...more than anything doi it for the sake of your child too....avoid going to shops because they throw it at your face...HALLOWEEN masks and pumpkin fun and CHRISTMAS CARDS already!!!!!STOP, for GOD'S SAKE .........................................!!!!
anyway I thought that you can SLOWLY get ready for the mood of the festivals ahead...by understanding their meaning, the anticipation, or the journey we take to go there...when it is gradually getting darker each day a bit more....it is never sudden...it is gradual...people just don't take notice...I think Autumn ( and Spring ) are the so called seasons in between, like a transition...Autumn is all about gathering, the energies going downwards and inwards to Mother Earth...it's the gradual slowing down......after the excitment of the Summer where we were dancing with the Sun and we were away with the fairies...!Summer time is where we experience what is like to feel not grounded...then Autumn comes and we land on the ground and become each day more grounded...
Have alook at this link with my favourite blog:
http://rhythmofthehome.com/autumn-2010/martinmas-celebration/
Friday, 24 September 2010
Autumn treasure number one!
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Golden Light
Golden Light
yellow and bright
Gentle winds
blow warm
still
Cool is the night
when the pale Moon
shines until
the golden light
again...
yellow and bright
Gentle winds
blow warm
still
Cool is the night
when the pale Moon
shines until
the golden light
again...
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Greenwich life...
Sleep is what we need most of during transition periods like the change of seasons. Wrap up warm too.
Today I woke up after a long sleep...what a luxury to be able to stay in bed until 8.45! when I am usually up at 6.30 am every morning. After a bit of cleaning and tidying up I am going to swim with my daughter...I am going to Greenwich Park today to collect little 'treasures' ...we'll see....I'll keep you posted!
two weeks ago I had the luxury to have a thursday morning all to myself as my nanny job started from last monday...so I went to ST ALFEGE ( photo ) to listen to a piano recital...there was a young pianist from the Trinity college playing Bach, Mozart, ....wow what a treat! For your knowledge, these are lunch time concerts at 1.00 every Thursday and they are free! ( Donations )
The Church interiors are beautiful and the golden Autumn light at this time of the year makes it even more gorgeous inside...
two weeks ago I had the luxury to have a thursday morning all to myself as my nanny job started from last monday...so I went to ST ALFEGE ( photo ) to listen to a piano recital...there was a young pianist from the Trinity college playing Bach, Mozart, ....wow what a treat! For your knowledge, these are lunch time concerts at 1.00 every Thursday and they are free! ( Donations )
The Church interiors are beautiful and the golden Autumn light at this time of the year makes it even more gorgeous inside...
Friday, 10 September 2010
Autumn light in Blackheath and Greenwich
Amazing skies in autumn light...taken around Blackheath and Greenwich....the last couple of years...
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Original and amazing
Blossoming jewellery, vintage fabric cushions...etc..my friend's Cinzia who is an eco - conscious friend, talented artist , Waldorf inspired mama, gardener, cook, entrepeneuse...and much more...
check her blogs and websites...
http://blossomingtandjewellery.com/
http://www.re-makefab.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CinziaC-Jewellery/128163330539986
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check her blogs and websites...
http://blossomingtandjewellery.com/
http://www.re-makefab.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CinziaC-Jewellery/128163330539986
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Cinzia's boy, Eugenio, here was two..he is now three!
And here Eugenio was just a doll !.jpg)
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Wednesday, 8 September 2010
On being happy
http://networkedblogs.com/7D4RY
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Parent and Child relationship;
Home sweet home!
Home is the immediate surrounding of the young child; its smells, the light and colours that are around him, the mood and the atmosphere that fill the space around him…all this have to be subtle, yet strong; defining the child’s environment as safe. Home sweet home!
Yet…how many homes are really like that? There is usually a certain degree of loudness, maybe yelling or just a loud radio, or the vacuum cleaner, or the washing machine, the computer or the phone…perhaps even the decoration is too loud!
We have to remember that the critical years between 0 to 7 are so important in the child’s development. Here the child absorbs everything. He is at one with his surroundings.
As parents and carers we truly need to be caring. This means that the child needs to breath in our love. The child needs warmth. He needs to feel safe and loved. He needs to feel cared for and nurtured. All the child’s senses are engaged and it is very important to protect the child from external influences that may awaken his senses too early.
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Once more the child should not feel threatened or intimidated by loud noises and stranger’s loud voices; nor by toys which are too formed.
The best toys are the ‘domestic’ ones a mini home corner with miniature cooker, pots and pans, ironing board, etc... You could have a kitchen shelf, table and chairs, a cooker with pots and pans, an ironing table, a laundry basket, clothes driers, soft cushions, a soft dolls ‘house’, a tent made of cloths and sheets…and much more. the grown up could be busy around the house with various domestic activities, such as cleaning, baking, preparing snack, sewing, knitting .or painting…and the child/children should be content and should be able then to go deep into their own business and imitate the domestic environment with their creative play...the whole play experience is homely and the senses are engaged in a safe cocoon space which does have indeed a familiar experience.
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Familiar is a lovely word that explains the child’s need to be in a loving family/ social nucleus, and with people and things that he recognizes and with which he feels safe. That is also why the rhythm is important in our sessions; the familiarity and the comfort of knowing where things are, what is happening next…the routine, all these helping to form good social skills and good habits by example and imitation.
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The child experiences all the subtle gestures, the welcoming words, the reverence, the atmosphere filled with love and joy, the adult world at ‘work’, busy and absorbed in crafty activities, yet relaxed and sociable. It is good for children to see adults being adults. Mums and dads don’t usually need to play with children all the time. The children need to see the adult example and they need to copy that and use their imagination and reproduce the adult world in they play world. This is how they learn and how they engage with the outside world.
The doing is the most important thing and the being is the doing. The adults being there is not enough. The children need to feel the adults being fully engaged and relaxed while at work.
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When the occasion is right and it is fun for both of you, you can do an activity with your child, such as cooking- always a winner...Cooking is something I do all the time, everyday...and my daughter experience is to see me in the kitchen most of the time. But there were special moments where we needed to bake a chocolate cake for some birthday or celebration or other...what a lovely excuse to have messy-yummy fun in the kitchen. Yes the kitchen is for me the heart of the home!
The pictures I put here are about 4 or 5 years old, my daughter is nine years old now, and I think it is because of all the cooking at home that she is now not only a good eater ( she eats all the vegetables and pretty much all what we eat..healthy and varied food) but a good cook too...the other day she fired some courgettes for the pasta all by herself...slicing them first...she likes to make apple crumble and she does it all by herself ...I just do the oven bit as I don't let her near it when it's on...but she can stir, whick, chop, etc...
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We have made quiches togehter, cookies, bread, cakes, soups...well...pretty much everything!
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out and about, church in dengie, essex, front garden of old house in Essex,
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By the pond, Cator estate, nearby our current home...when do you find the time for outdoors...? Well, I am sure this was on the way back from school...we walk to school and back each day and it could take us 45 minutes to an hour and a half if we stop and play and look at things...I am sure this one shows excitement after spotting a squirrel running up the tree...
So, invest in thermals, get ready for the outdoor experience!
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Parent and Child relationship;
Home sweet home!
Home is the immediate surrounding of the young child; its smells, the light and colours that are around him, the mood and the atmosphere that fill the space around him…all this have to be subtle, yet strong; defining the child’s environment as safe. Home sweet home!
Yet…how many homes are really like that? There is usually a certain degree of loudness, maybe yelling or just a loud radio, or the vacuum cleaner, or the washing machine, the computer or the phone…perhaps even the decoration is too loud!
We have to remember that the critical years between 0 to 7 are so important in the child’s development. Here the child absorbs everything. He is at one with his surroundings.
As parents and carers we truly need to be caring. This means that the child needs to breath in our love. The child needs warmth. He needs to feel safe and loved. He needs to feel cared for and nurtured. All the child’s senses are engaged and it is very important to protect the child from external influences that may awaken his senses too early.
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Once more the child should not feel threatened or intimidated by loud noises and stranger’s loud voices; nor by toys which are too formed.
The best toys are the ‘domestic’ ones a mini home corner with miniature cooker, pots and pans, ironing board, etc... You could have a kitchen shelf, table and chairs, a cooker with pots and pans, an ironing table, a laundry basket, clothes driers, soft cushions, a soft dolls ‘house’, a tent made of cloths and sheets…and much more. the grown up could be busy around the house with various domestic activities, such as cleaning, baking, preparing snack, sewing, knitting .or painting…and the child/children should be content and should be able then to go deep into their own business and imitate the domestic environment with their creative play...the whole play experience is homely and the senses are engaged in a safe cocoon space which does have indeed a familiar experience.
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Familiar is a lovely word that explains the child’s need to be in a loving family/ social nucleus, and with people and things that he recognizes and with which he feels safe. That is also why the rhythm is important in our sessions; the familiarity and the comfort of knowing where things are, what is happening next…the routine, all these helping to form good social skills and good habits by example and imitation.
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The child experiences all the subtle gestures, the welcoming words, the reverence, the atmosphere filled with love and joy, the adult world at ‘work’, busy and absorbed in crafty activities, yet relaxed and sociable. It is good for children to see adults being adults. Mums and dads don’t usually need to play with children all the time. The children need to see the adult example and they need to copy that and use their imagination and reproduce the adult world in they play world. This is how they learn and how they engage with the outside world.
The doing is the most important thing and the being is the doing. The adults being there is not enough. The children need to feel the adults being fully engaged and relaxed while at work.
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The pictures I put here are about 4 or 5 years old, my daughter is nine years old now, and I think it is because of all the cooking at home that she is now not only a good eater ( she eats all the vegetables and pretty much all what we eat..healthy and varied food) but a good cook too...the other day she fired some courgettes for the pasta all by herself...slicing them first...she likes to make apple crumble and she does it all by herself ...I just do the oven bit as I don't let her near it when it's on...but she can stir, whick, chop, etc....jpg)
We have made quiches togehter, cookies, bread, cakes, soups...well...pretty much everything!I will have a day soon, I think, when I say that will be her cooking day...she will cook for us! She can choose the menu and do all the cooking for mummy and daddy...she would love that!
OUT and ABOUT...outdoor time
A walk in the park, or the woods is the lovliest thing ever to do with your child..children..now as a nanny and parent I am basically home educating and these activities really add richness and dimension to your days. Autumn is the best time as all the things fall on the ground ready for you and your children to pick them...must not be too greedy I say...let's leave some for the squirrels and little creatures! Conkers...tigs, stones, cones,leaves...nuts...berries...and also sopt the spiderwebs, and much much more!
Trees have been there always waiting...inviting my girl to climb them...Morgana is a natural tree hugger and climber...she feels at home on a tree!.jpg)
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It is sad when I often see adults out and about with their kids... lately especially ...I noticed more...They chat amongst themselves...which is fine...but often I spot them texting or chatting on the phone...long chats...
sad...what do you think...the adults are probably watching over but not fully observing or sharing the outdoor time with the children...I don't want to judge...but to me it seems rather important that the kids see the adults enjoying the experience...
On the the other side there are quite a few adults...and it seems more dads than moms...that actually 'play' with the children...that is nice to see and there is nothing quite wrong with it but for me the ideal situation is to be engaged in some activity ( could be mushroom picking, walking the dogs, painting...anything...really...even better...collecting willow twigs for basket making, or bark for a boat...twigs, for mobiles...something artistic or useful, or both...
I'd like my friends bloggers and followers to come with ideas.
I really like the idea of forest schools and I am intrigued...but it still seems very 'formed' and contrived...
I like to feel the connection with nature not because I have to but because i want to...It's not a question of let's go out wrap up warm and get some fresh air and then back indoors into a stuffy room for a hot cup of tea...it's more than that//it is about being relaxed out there in all weathers...
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For us parents and nannies the need to chat is vital! We need to compare notes all the time, and to share
parenting information. Yet if adults are in the group with a sense of purpose and are willing to learn and share skills, sing, join in and help around, the child will feel more relaxed and will benefit from the session. It doesn’t help to be there with the child and text your friend on the mobile phone! Let's leave these triviality of modern life...the technology and learn to be in the moment like children do. Let's be content and happy to be just for the sake of being....smell the flowers...slow down...stop thinking...just stop and breathe...observe the little child in front of you and leave the adult world for a while...just for a while!
a few years back, my sister Laura and Morgana: playing during the break of our long day rehearsals of Treasure Island production in the Dengie, Essex. Outdoor could mean just the back garden or a pretty local churchyard, open space, a common/heath, a field, playground...etc...
children love running and jumping, each season offers different things...
out and about, church in dengie, essex, front garden of old house in Essex,Playground
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By the pond, Cator estate, nearby our current home...when do you find the time for outdoors...? Well, I am sure this was on the way back from school...we walk to school and back each day and it could take us 45 minutes to an hour and a half if we stop and play and look at things...I am sure this one shows excitement after spotting a squirrel running up the tree...
So, invest in thermals, get ready for the outdoor experience!
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