Recognizing Kids' Freedom

Last week, my 7 year old daughter came to me and said, "Mummy, mummy, I want to make a book!". "Make a book ?! How you are going to do it?", I asked her, suprised. In my mind I was thinking how could a child come up with a book. She explained to me she that needs colored papers. I said okay. I used to buy A4 sized papers of few colors for art and craft purpose. 

She asked if she could have of those papers. I said okay and told her she can take one of it. But then she wanted more! I told her she cannot waste those papers and she cannot take more than one. She turned her face and seemed upset. Then, it strikes me if I want my child to explore with freedom then I must to give her opportunities to do so! They are like little adults with their own feelings and needs. 

So, I nodded and told her she can do whatever she want with the papers. So she happily took the papers and started to do her work. With some cuttings and writings finally she was satisfied and showed me her piece of work. What I saw was a 'book' from a kid's perspective. She read out for me the 'story'. I was quite amazed how she could think of such story line. It was hilarious and funny although it has lots of grammatical mistakes. But, for a first 'book' , I guess mistakes are allowed.

Sometimes, without realizing, we tend to create boundaries for them. With many restrictions by saying, "Don't do that!, don't do this!". But, instead, we should assess the situation and allow them to do so if it is okay. Let them to explore, exhibit the qualities and values within them.

So called a 'book cover'

'Story oh story!'