Monday, January 15, 2007

Ghandi, King and Kids


I know that it is Martin Luther King Jr. day but yesterday we did a spot of geocaching and discovered the Ghandi statue in Union Square Park. Both King and Ghandi used the same principles of passive resistance to make the world a better place. I honestly believe that words are much more powerful then guns and actions speak louder then words.

As we walked through Manhattan today I reflected on how children become miniatures of their parents as the mimic our actions. If we always cross with the light then they will do so. If we jaywalk then they will think it is just fine to jaywalk. They cannot learn everything, however, by passive absorption. Sometimes we need to step in and explain why things are done and how they affect our world. This weekend involved Ghandi, robot building and pillow top piecing. Without explicit instruction in all three, our kids would not understand any of it. The instruction may have come via books, in the case of the piecing, or through one on one instruction as in the robot making. Sometimes a profound discussion must occur as in the case of Ghandi. When I discussed him with Little Squid he understood and made the connection to King. Raising kids is a tricky business. You always hope you catch the holes in their education and provide them with necessary and valuable information. Today was one of those days when we saw some holes and plugged them.

*****
Continuing with our ongoing tour of NYC ...

Chelsea Market which used to house NBC. Nope, not that NBC but rather the NBC that later became NaBisCo -- the National Biscuit Company. Yes, this was where Oreos were made. One day I'll take you inside and show you the railway spur on the second story of the building. It is a part of the High Line and I hope they open it to the public when the High Line is opened as a park.
and the White Horse Tavern. White Horse is best known as the place where Dylan Thomas collapsed after drinking far too much. He died shortly afterwards just a few blocks further uptown at St. Vincent's Hospital. The White Horse was known for the literary types that it attracted during the 50s, including Norman Mailer and Jack Kerouac.

5 comments:

Ann said...

It's amazing how much they learn from their parents..and parrot back to us when they are in the near adult stage.

Cookie said...

I think you're doing a wonderful job at finding and plugging the holes.

Sprite said...

I love your NY tours. Some day I want to go to NY and play tourist.

Most of all it totally warms my heart that you and your husband are such active *hands on* parents. That you are aware love begins within to show it through out - and that you *love* your children to wholeness while filling holes. *big hugs*

Susan said...

What a lovely family y'all are! I think you're each very fortunate.

And I'm really glad to see that the White Horse still lives. I'd read of it, but just thought perhaps it had gone the way of dreams.

Anonymous said...

Most people don't get it... all this how to create good people stuff.

I'm glad you and your honey do.

Wish more people were this thoughtful.

*HUGS*