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Today I got to do one of my most favorite things - teach a doll craft party to 15 little girls ages 6 to 9. They were adorable and so eager to dig in to all the supplies, it's hard some times to get through the brief general directions and safety spiel before all the little voices start going "Can I?......How do I?.......Whats that?...........I want to ..........."
I always have lots of Moms on hand to help. Did I say "help"? .................. Most of the Moms are great helpers but today I had a "grandmother from hell" at the party. She was suppose to be assisting her granddaughter , Amanda, but instead she was "dictating" the young girls design of her doll. There she was "those colors don't match" and "that doesn't look right in her hair!" and "you're putting on too many beads!"
I always have lots of Moms on hand to help. Did I say "help"? .................. Most of the Moms are great helpers but today I had a "grandmother from hell" at the party. She was suppose to be assisting her granddaughter , Amanda, but instead she was "dictating" the young girls design of her doll. There she was "those colors don't match" and "that doesn't look right in her hair!" and "you're putting on too many beads!"
Man, do I hate that!! Creativity, is the whole purpose of this activity and it drives me crazy when adults try to direct a kids imagination. So much so, that I simply refuse to let it happen, so with great tact and intervention skills, through clenched teeth and with a big fake smile I told the "control freak" grandma how I heard they desperately needed help in the kitchen. She was gone in a flash! Yeah!!
At the close of the party we had a little fashion show where each kid comes up and shows off her doll. Each doll gets a tiara and a sash with a title on it , "Miss America or Cutest or Beauty Queen, etc." Amanda came up and proudly displayed her doll that rightly earned the title I save in case there is a very unusual work of art " Freaky Funky Teen". She was so proud of herself and the other girls were applauding for her.
At the close of the party we had a little fashion show where each kid comes up and shows off her doll. Each doll gets a tiara and a sash with a title on it , "Miss America or Cutest or Beauty Queen, etc." Amanda came up and proudly displayed her doll that rightly earned the title I save in case there is a very unusual work of art " Freaky Funky Teen". She was so proud of herself and the other girls were applauding for her.
I saw grandma in the back of the room shaking her head and I couldn't help myself I just laughed out loud, not even quietly to myself. Nobody noticed me, there was too much ruckus and party noise - just like I like it.
7 comments:
That would make me nuts too. Get your own doll then Grandma. Good for you getting her away
I saw mothers like this when we did an arts and crafts camp last week. I was the only mom who let her kids do their crafts their way. I only stepped in when the kids asked for help. My kids' crafts looked like little kid crafts, the other kids' crafts, looked like adult ones. I was so sad. Kids only learn by doing.
We're making your rattlesnake next Wednesday. a bunch of kids are coming over and we're having a craft party. LOVE your blog.
Thrilled to hear your making the snake - kids really love it!
Do you think the parents who won't let their kids make it themselves are
1- trying to re-enact a childhood they didn't get?
2- Think their kids project will reflect their parenting image?
3- Perfectionists who can't let go of their obsession for their kids benefit?
What is the reason for this helicopter parenting that is stifling kids?
I had an art teacher in middle school who came over to look at a painting I was making of a parrot, swirled some dark paint onto a brush, and made a splotch on the bird's head. She said something about how it added depth or made it more interesting, but I was so stunned by how thoughtlessly she invaded my artistic space and how little respect she must have for me and my artistic vision that I don't even remember her reasons. She didn't share her perspective and offer a suggestion--she took it upon herself to "improve" my painting. She may have been an artist in her own right, but I can honestly say she is one of the worst teachers I've ever had.
I can totally relate to that situation. My dd painted a landscape picture in middle school and it was hung in the school cafeteria. At open house we went looking for it and when we found it my dd was stunned! The art teacher had changed some of the colors and added trees. I was furious!!! What a horrible way to teach. What the child learns is "My work wasn't good enough." I wanted to go and punch out the art teacher, but my dd begged me not to say anything. Kids are so touchy in middle school. Any way we retrieved the picture and fixed it and I was pleased to hear later that the teacher was terminated- for what I don't know....Hmmmm Karma!
Hi, I totally understand where everyone is coming from. I agree and good job getting the grandma to do something else. I had an art teacher in high school who told me how to create my art and what to do. I didn't do any art for a year, drawing, charcoal, oil paints for a year. I didn't even write stories for a year. I'm in ECE early childhood education. We are taught that you need to let children be creative in their way because it can stifle their interest. That's a terrible thing to do.
Happy to hear there are teachers who inspire not push and control. Teachers are the most unappreciated profession and so crucial to our childrens future! Thanks for being a teacher:)
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