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Purposeful Parenting : My Blessed Mess

This past week was Spring Break for Scott County Schools here in Georgetown… and I found myself with quite a challenge on my hands in keeping up with Amanda! Though a bit reserved in large groups, she is very much a “people person” and loves to have one or two friends (or mommy) to play with her. Whether it was a good idea or not—along with all the art projects, playground adventures, and random errands—I planned to take a bit of time to tackle the growing pile of “to shred” documents… and this was the end result…

Shredded Paper Mess

Now, I’m sure you’re thinking “OMG!!” much like I was at the very moment that the first bag of all my hard work was completely dumped out onto the living room floor! But, here’s the thing… It is so very important for us to set aside our pragmatic “grown-up” thought patterns every once in a while and allow our children some freedom to play and explore the vast number of possibilities that abound within their limitless imaginations! Play is a child’s work after all…

Girls Playing with Shredded Paper

So, practicality and cleanliness aside, Amanda spent the week playing with shredded paper bits (aka “confetti”) that ended up strewn throughout my apartment, in every nook and cranny imaginable (i.e., the toilet… really?)! She had a blast!

Girls with Shredded Paper Hair

She made “confetti castles” (which, in case you didn’t know, are much like sand castles… only different!), she created walking paths that went from one room to the next, she raked every last shred into middle of the living room and jumped into her homemade “pile of leaves,” she “buried” every single friend who came over for a playdate, she made new fashions… and hairstyles… and draperies… and nests, and we went on countless “treasure hunts” and “rescue missions” together!

Friend Playing with Shredded Paper

Sure there was paper everywhere and I’ll likely be finding little pieces here and there over the next few months… Sure we spent the week sniffling and sneezing with all the extra shredded paper dust flying through the air… Sure I have to vacuum the floors again and empty out the drawers that were stuffed full of paper… Sure I was embarrassed each and every time an adult stopped by the apartment to drop something off or pick something up… But, man, it was so very worth it! Definitely a small price to pay for all the wonderful memories that were created this week… and an absolutely, positivity, without-a-doubt exquisite treasure to hold close to the heart and cherish forever after having endured a horrid bout of postpartum depression through her early years!

Girls Buried in Shredded Paper

Now, what about you? Have you found yourself abhorring or even thwarting your child’s messy learning adventures? How so? Or, have you managed to “let go” on occasion and have some truly uninhibited and invariably harmless fun? Do tell…

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{ 4 comments... add your thoughts }

Perhaps in history she will learn about Oliver North’s shredding and will want to work for the US Government. Still, it looks like she had a lot of fun.

.-= Todd Elkins´s last blog… Places to Watch in Cyberspace =-.

Todd Elkins / April 10th, 2010, 10:37 pm

Way to go! You sure gave us a good laugh. You’re right … memories!!! They’re more important than a clean house.

Diane Bates / April 26th, 2010, 11:20 pm

hi there,

i just found your blog and it’s so engaging…and you live so close to me (i’m in lexington, ky)…so grateful for your work to get your corner of the world a bit more organized 🙂 warmly, -melanie-

.-= melanie´s last blog… peter shepherd =-.

melanie mauer / May 4th, 2010, 11:26 am

Melanie, thanks so much for your kind words! I spent a bit of time browsing your site this afternoon, and I am in awe. Your photographs are beautiful beyond words!

BTW, I’ve added you to my list of local resources… Just as in your business, trust and compatibility are tremendously important for my clients, and once that personal relationship is established, they inevitably ask me for recommendations to all kinds of service providers here in the Bluegrass… I’ll be happy to pass along your information!

[ real neat ] / May 4th, 2010, 12:20 pm

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