Rethinking Parenting: Solitude
One gift from a global pandemic.
After tucking the kids in bed for quiet time, my husband and I made our way for a quiet stroll around the block. Meeting friends along the way, they questioned where our children were. It was approaching 9:00 p.m. They questioned how our children could be safely in bed and we questioned how they managed with theirs playing boisterously as the moon rose.
Everyone is welcome to their different parenting styles. For us, the time and space in the peace and tranquility of the evening air, separate from the kids, with all of us taking a moment to ourselves is essential.
In a culture where immediate gratification seems an increasing demand on all ages of society, the need for solitude is becoming more apparent.
Solitude: the state or situation of being alone, especially when you find this pleasant (Oxford).
My curiosity piqued on this subject. Connecting with other parents with differing opinions, I found myself diving in to learn more.
New York City public school educator and curriculum advisor Diana Senechal argues that children’s ability to think and reflect independently on a given topic is critical. I certainly agree.
