Playgroups need to be more than just a 'meeting place' for children and parents (okay, mostly mothers).
Why not look at these little gatherings (even the word, 'little gatherings' makes me cringe) as a place for a new revolution in how we can nurture mothers, support children in healthy development, provide parenting support with practical strategies, build foundation skills for reading and writing through movement games and songs, and- this is the big one- help society to view "Motherhood" as a healthy career choice in the 21st century. Motherhood, in my eyes, is a terrific CREATIVE PLATFORM, (not the only one, but it is often the first time a women can contemplate her inner creative needs) and as you know, I believe women who embrace their creativity can really change the world.
Mothering our little ones is a extremely important task. After all, these little children will one day rule the world.
I've been contemplating the idea of playgroup as an opportunity for social revolution and realise we have a long way to go. But we have to start somewhere.
Speaking of starting somewhere, I thought I'd share a few pictures of how a Moondew playgroup begins- well before the parents and children arrive. Every step of the day needs a little preparation, and is what helps our morning to run smoothly. This is what makes Moondew a peaceful, happy, settled place to be.
By the way, I am a 'career girl' who is really looking forward to re-entering the workforce full time, albeit self employed, once my little one starts school. My work, for now, has to fit around his needs, not the other way around.
Today, and for a few more years, Motherhood with a capital M is my occupation. I believe we owe it to them to devote a big portion/chunk of our time to being their main caregiver in the first five years. After all, we chose to give birth to them.
I'm a little scared to write this as I know there are a great many career women out there who obviously feel different and who might defend their right to work at all costs and argue the point for lots of reasons.
I'm not judging anyone and absolutely believe that we each need to make our own choices for our own life circumstances, and that some people really do have to work outside the home to put food on the table.
But I do believe that Motherhood (especially for the under school age) should be a valid choice in the 'career' equation.
3 comments:
I like the look of your playgroup. I found I never felt like I fitted in at any of the playgroups I tried where I live. If I wasn't 'too old' I was 'too young'. I also didn't like the clique-iness I sensed in some groups. Instead, my children and I explored the library (we did like the reading sessions though), the art gallery and musuem, as well as hanging out in the parks. I don't feel that they missed out on company by not going to playgroup, but again, I think we would have fitted in well at yours!
Also, I don't feel a woman should be forced to defend her choices in life regarding her body and reproduction. I love telling people 'home duties' is my occupation. Good on you for your post (and thank you for the lovely comments you left on mine).
I just wish 'home duties' paid a bit better!!
Amber, I'm also a past career girl myself - I remember clearly telling my hubby before we were even engaged not to expect me to be a stay at home mum!! In fact I was so career orientated my MIL thought we weren't planning on having kids (over a decade later we now have three).
I personally found it to be a HUGE culture shock to be stuck at home with a baby. I knew how to work but I didn't know how to be a mum (even though I helped raise my siblings).
I think that as women we need to support each other, whatever choice we have made. Now that I've been on both sides of the fence I finally get it, but it's taken me over five years of mothering!!!
Now I am happily a stay at home mum and to be honest wish I had done it years earlier.
From a personal development perspective becomming a mother (and a stay at home one) was the best thing I ever did for myself.
BTW I wish I had access to such a lovely and well organised group as yours looks.
Thanks for sharing.
Kym
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