We love watching VSauce on youtube, and recently we watched this video on distortion. Like many things we watch, it was interesting at the time, but even more interesting as a bit of information tucked away for later.Last night before bed we were doing our nightly exercises. Josh (9y) was doing jumping jacks and counting in Spanish. For whatever reason he wanted me to video tape him doing this, so I pulled out my phone and hit record. I noticed there was a delay from his actions to the same action on the screen, and called him over to hold the phone while I (tried and failed) did jumping jacks. "Whoa! It's just like that video on VSauce!"
We spent the next while experimenting with making delays on the camera. Josh discovered it was easier to see when the object was farther away and moving faster than up close and slowly.
Bug (3y) even noticed that the reflection of the fan spinning in the mirror spins the opposite direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ0hS7l9ckY&list=UU6nSFpj9HTCZ5t-N3Rm3-HA
Josh (9y) is playing on his electric keyboard. It has all sorts of songs in it's memory bank, and lately he's been fixated on Pachelbel's Canon. The keyboard also simulates all sorts of instruments. His favorite lately is the harpsichord. So I pulled up a recording online of Pachelbel's Canon performed by a string quartet. Then he wanted to hear it on a real harpsichord, so of course we did that. Then he wanted to see how a harpsichord worked, how it is different from a piano. Next I explained to him why it was called Canon "In D", and showed him a quick rundown of scales.
Satisfying his curiosity and filling the house with beautiful music- Double win. It isn't always this mess-free and relaxing. ;)
How many times has a stranger out in public made a snide remark about your peacefully parenting? I know it has happened to me and it made me feel so angry and so deflated at the same time. Tears of rage and embarrassment were barely contained long enough to get back to my car. Now how often has a stranger out in public said something positive about your peacefully parenting? For me, never. I feel like this has to change. We have to be more supportive of each other, our fellow parents, as we each make this journey.
While I was getting groceries last week I saw a woman with two small girls stopped in the entryway. One of the girls was having a bit of a meltdown, and the mom was kneeling down at her level talking her through it. We passed by, but later happened to walk by them again in the store.
I'm usually pretty shy, but I'm becoming more bold in my peaceful parenting advocacy, so I said, "Hi. Um, Excuse me." She looked over at me. "I just wanted to say it was really refreshing, seeing you being patient with your daughter earlier."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me. Its just so hard sometimes," she responded. Tears were welling up in my eyes too. "I know. It is SO hard. But it's worth it." She nodded. "Yes, it is." Then we awkwardly parted, not sure whether to hug each other or just say goodbye.
For all the patience, love, support, and understanding we strive to give our children doesn't it just make sense for us to treat our fellow adults the same way? Isn't that how we're hoping our children will still treat each other when they're grown? Let's be a good example for them, and show them kindness is not just for children. It's for everyone.
This popped up in my newsfeed yesterday-
"I just wanted to say good luck to all the Texas students who are taking the STAAR test tomorrow, and *burn in Hell* to the political bureaucrats who mandated this idiotic test that has taken over our educational system and replaced it will drills to pass a test that in no way measures or improves actual life skills.
I was a great student in school, and I probably would have acted like passing the test should be a given, but now as a parent I realize the error of my childhood views: You will never encounter anything like a test in your career. There will always be resources to refer to during any task, allowing you to make the most of whatever your personal manner of thinking might be.
So yes, go to fiery Hell, Texas Board of Education. You have managed to turn even our best and brightest young minds into ones that despise the educational process. You've replaced their joy of learning with anxiety about a test that only serves the purpose of distributing funding. May your own jobs be challenged yearly by a series of tests that, if you fail, you lose not only your livelihood, but your entire future standing in the job market as well. That's basically what you're doing to our children. Screw you."
-Dale Crawford
Am example of how the words we say to our kids will become the words they use to communicate. We were laying in bed last night and I was exhausted. I was laying on my stomach with my face turned away from Bug (3y). He was chattering away and asking me all sorts of questions like, "Does Thomas sleep in Tidmoth Sheds?" to which I'd reply, "uh huh".After a few minutes of this Bug seemed to be getting frustrated with me. He said, " Mom, will you please use words and talk to me? " I was so proud that he was able to express himself so clearly and respectfully.
We were listening to this, which features a piece written by yours truly, and Josh (9y) WIGGED OUT that my name was mentioned."What if it gets on the radio? What if tv people want to come to our house?! What if we become famous?!?! WE COULD GET FREE ICE CREAM!" His excitement was so endearing. I hope you'll check out Parents For Liberty and subscribe to the Education Freedom Report. It's an amazing organization run by an amazing family.
Education Freedom Report 03/25/2014 - School Suicides, Parents Opt-out of Star Testing
soundcloud.com
So yesterday I posted a picture of Papa and Bug and a little meme and I got this comment on it- "Awwww, it's Brad! I love love love this family. So kind and inspiring! His wife saved my life after my son was born. Would be completely lost without her."I spent 2 hours with her. 2 hours. Supporting her choices in how to feed her baby. Listening to her. Encouraging her. Reminding her that she could do this, that she had support. I showed her how to wear the baby in a ring sling. I made her a meal and left while she napped. All that almost a year ago. Haven't seen her since that day.
For that interaction to still inspire her to write that comment just shows how much impact our experiences during and after birth have on us for the rest of our lives (and on the life of the child as a consequence). It is one of the most vulnerable times in a woman's life. We must be sure to treat each other with respect and love, always, but especially then.
