Friday 22nd April 2011 - Tim the builder.

So this afternoon I decided to put together some shelving I got from Bunnings last week and at the same time listen to 3RPP. 3RPP is a community radio station down here on the peninsula. Friends of ours were on this afternoon with some Bible readings and a gospel presentation. Well it is Good Friday after all. This is the day we celebrate Christ dying for our sin. Of course He wasn't actually crucified on a Friday at all. In fact it was a Wednesday. Wednesday afternoon about 3 PM to be precise. But that is a whole nutha post for another time.
Young Timothy was having his afternoon nap and woke up whilst I was putting the shelving together. For Tim everything must be examined and if possible given the taste test.
Here is some of the results of that.

 This first photo is of our children. From left to right, Michele with Timothy sitting on her lap. Cathy is next. See the dress Cathy is wearing? That was given to her by Nana Cher, Stephanie's mum. Cathy loves that dress and would wear it all the time if she could. I don't know where Nana Cher gets the dress', but they are all top quality and last for years.

 About now Timothy decides to get into the act. First there is the tape measure. He looks to me, almost looking for my approval to look at it. Looking is good. Playing is good. Exploring is good. Safety is important and so we take into account that when we let him loose.

 I can't remember what he is looking at. Maybe he is just looking.

 Now it is really time to get into things. Go Timothy. Your never going to learn if you don't explore and we don't let you.

 Michele looks down and spots what Tim is doing. Cathy is too preoccupied with the camera to worry about what Tim is doing.

Now the girls have spotted Tim and what he is doing. They are surprised that he is allowed. But as I pointed out to them, they are allowed, encouraged even, to explore and get involved, why shouldn't he. I can give him Bob the builder toys, or I let him play with some tools that are safe. I can supervise the safety and at the same time let him explore and learn and have fun. And yes, he will get hurt. But that is how he will learn.
The girls are the same. The other week Michele wanted to cut up some onions. The knife was sharp, very sharp. She slipped and cut her finger. Of course she panicked momentarily. Because I was there I was able to bandage her immediately and in no time she was back at it. But more carefully this time. If I hadn't let her, she wouldn't have learnt anything and not had fun working with me. I also would have missed out on her company.
What was mum doing? Enjoying a relaxing time whilst the kids were having a ball.
Till next time........