Many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week and some of the things I’m most grateful for are my Park West community, and for the part each of you plays in our Co-op. As the days grow colder and darker, it’s nice to take a moment to think of the light you all bring to our school. Your children brighten our days, with their lively ideas and fresh outlooks. Your work for school bolsters our efforts to provide a meaningful place for children to play and learn. I’m thankful to share these days at school with all of you.
Along with shorter days and dropping temperatures, winter in Chicago can bring a flurry of activities. There are endless opportunities and events, all of which can be fun, exciting, and even joyful. The onslaught of activity, however, can also be overwhelming, stressful, and disconcerting, especially to young children. Little ones rely on routines and feel secure when they know what to expect, so a slew of new people, places and events may not be met with the response we hope for. Even the most social and energetic preschooler can have a meltdown when the demands are too great. Most kids can adjust to some changes in their schedule, but multiple weeks of travel, missed naps, and spending time with extra people takes a toll.
I know that parents can be pulled in many directions. You may be trying to balance family expectations, your own needs and desires, and the proclivities of a preschooler. You may have fond childhood memories you want to duplicate for your child, or you might be creating new traditions and customs. Increasingly, there are heightened expectations about ways to celebrate. It seems the demands increase each year, and we all try to fit in too many parties and treats and activities. Try to be realistic about how much you and your child can manage, and consider saying no to some invitations or cutting back on your own commitments.
Many of us try to pack every moment we spend with extended family full of meaningful experiences. We want to make the most of our time together, especially when it’s limited. Keep in mind that it can be the simple moments that resonate for your child. Consider your child’s personality, and pace, and advocate for their needs. If they’re not ready to attend The Nutcracker, they might like to hear the music while playing with their cousins. If long sit-down meals are overwhelming, they may be more inclined to have a chat with Grandpa over muffins in the morning.
Amid the bustle, schedule time for play on their own terms. Take them to run around at a playground, or find a quiet corner to sit and read a favorite book together. Finding these pockets of normalcy, even in unfamiliar places, can offer respite and a little bit of a reset for you and your child.
At school we strive to provide a sense of normalcy for kids, too. Amid the busyness in the rest of their lives, we maintain our schedule and routines. We do notice an additional buzz in the air, and we like to provide opportunities for kids to talk about the things they’re experiencing. Some may bring seasonal songs or games to the group, and many incorporate holiday ideas into their play.
Rather than say too much about any one holiday, or the reasons for celebrating, we focus on our shared experiences throughout these family times. For little kids, some of the most tangible events are gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal together. This is often what our conversations focus on at school. “Who will you see? How will you get there? What will you do?” Kids love to play about travel, and there can be a flurry of activity and conversation when somebody creates an airplane or a train on the block rug. Kids pack up their imaginary suitcases and hop aboard. Similarly, our play kitchens are busy with cooks and kids sitting around the tables, pretending to eat. There are often conversations about holiday meals. “Will you have dinner on Thanksgiving? Who will eat with you? What kinds of foods will you eat?” We look forward to our chats with kids and the chance to hear things from their perspective.
I hope you all have a lovely time around the table, whether you have a quiet meal at home or travel to gather with extended family. Over the next several weeks, I hope you can find and savor the moments of connection and commonality with your family and friends.
Warmly,
Anita