I'm into Free Range Parenting

And proud of it.

You may remember a few posts back when I posed this question to the blogging community. I asked because my son called me to bring something of his in.

I told him no. *gasp*

Nope. Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent.

Does that mean I didn't want to do it? No. I totally wanted to get his project, jump in the car and run it down to him. But I didn't.

Why? You ask. Because he needs to learn that he is responsible for remembering his work. It's not my job. It's his job. If he wants to get the credit and the good grades then he needs to do the work and remember to hand it in. Not me.

I had a couple of friends post this article from Time to facebook. I loved it so much that I'm sharing the link here. Take some time to go and read it. It's worth it. Believe me.

Can These Parents Be Saved?

One of the highlights? I loved where it talks about the school that instituted a "No Rescuing" policy because one day "a mom rushed in with a necklace meant to complete her daughter's coordinated outfit." Is that crazy or what? I would love a "no rescuing" policy.

I also let my kids walk or ride their bikes down to a local gas station to get a drink. Granted, I have them take the cell phone with them. And my six year old hasn't joined their ranks yet, but one day she will. My 11 year old daughter has walked to her friends house that is close to a mile away from ours on her own. I still get nervous having my youngest walk around the block to play but I'm working on that.

Another thing that I thought of as I was reading this article was that I got a call the other day from the head of "Reflections"(a program here in Utah to help students develop their artistic sides. Great program) informing me about the awards ceremony that was to be held Thursday night.

Both George and McKenna entered this year. I was informed that George would be receiving and Judges Choice for Artistic Merit. Cool! George's artistic abilities have really taken off this year. He has found a love of doodling and drawing that is awesome.

But the this mom seemed very apologetic that George wasn't going on to the council level. And even more apologetic that McKenna would only receive a certificate instead of a medal or a trophy. She apologized about that exact fact saying "We know how hard it is when siblings are involved." What?

There is absolutely nothing wrong, in my mind, with the fact that George received a medal and McKenna received a certificate. Nothing. That is how life is. Sometimes we get the Judges Choice and sometimes we get certificate. Heck often times we don't even get either of those! McKenna has received awards for how well she's done in national testing and George hasn't. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And kids need to learn this.

Last night as the kids got their awards I think that they did a fabulous job of presenting and making every one of those kids feel great. McKenna and George not only got their awards but they also got a Gift Bag that had some pretty cool stuff in it.

Anyhow....

My kids are pretty much free range kids. Maybe not completely free range because we do have rules but they are not over scheduled or stressed. At least I don't think they are. Maybe I need to ask them and make sure.

They are also aware that sometimes life is going to throw them curve balls. And that life really isn't all that fair. And that sometimes they aren't going to be the winner or the best at something. I and they are okay with that (most of the time). And, as a parent, so am I. I love my kids no matter what and I guess when it comes down to it . As long as they know that....

That is all that matters.

A little piece of me died inside

As I was driving home from dropping my three older children off at piano lessons my youngest asked that dreaded three word question,

"Is Santa real?"

She didn't even give me a chance to answer she just went straight into, "Did you wrap my presents last year mom?" Asking in a slightly teasing and mischievous tone of voice.

My heart skipped a beat...or two. I drove on. Stunned. My six year old was asking me this.

My youngest.

I thought I would have at least a couple more years before this conversation occurred.

I kept driving. My mind working furiously.

I'm really not good at this conversation. In the past I have directed them to talk with their dad who does a much better job conveying the importance and understanding of the magic of Santa Claus. And here I was put on the spot, out of the blue.

This is an important conversation. Especially for "BELIEVERS", of which I am one.

(and yes that word deserves to be capitalized and italicized.)

So I parried her question with a question. "Do you think I wrapped your presents?"

Her reply? "Yes."

"Well I believe in Santa." I offered up to her. Not good enough. Then I gave her the standard "You know, Santa doesn't bring presents to those who don't believe."

"We'll Sally* doesn't believe in Santa and she got presents last year."

I went silent and drove on.

And a little piece of me died.

And somewhere Santa cried.


*names have been changed because I can't remember the actual name that she gave me.

She Shoots

I've had the privilege of taking some family pictures lately. And I've finally gotten around to editing some of them. I still have a TON to go through. This computer is uber slow when it comes to editing large photos. *sigh*

Anyhow I'd thought I would share. This is my cute nephew and his wife and their adorable son.

Just a couple of shots here. If you would like to see the rest head over to my Photog Blog.