[email protected]

In a message dated 7/5/2004 1:47:35 PM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
On Laurie's second holiday, she was given so many gifts that
she looked at me and said, "Do I have to open any more?" We asked
family to give her books or gift certificates after that. They were
buying expensive toys that she had no interest in. Blocks that my
dad made her, a mud puddle and small action figures were her
mainstays. That started a love of 'less is more' for us and both of
us enjoy the uncluttered minimalist type life now. If we don't use
something for a year, we donate it to Goodwill. We hate spending
money and only do so when necessary. She won't even buy name brand
clothing at Goodwill - saying that it advertises for companies she
doesn't want to support.
***
Hi Valerie,

Emma has just turned 5 and she doesn't want to give up any of her toys. I've
tried, on the occassions that I have a clean up/organize day in her room, to
pare down to just the toys she plays with regularly....talked about donating
to Goodwill, or to younger friends but she never wants to get rid of any of
them. She has on a couple of occassions given toys to younger friends, but for
the most part, she says she loves them all and likes to just look at them even
if she doesn't play with them. I'm hoping that this is just a 'stage' : )
She's not developed any real deep empathy for others yet...it's still mostly
about her.

Yes, I know you're in Lake Charles! I discovered your book from hearing it
mentioned on one of the lists. Bought it and and then devoured it in one night
actually! Our little unschooling clan here thought it really cool that we
were practically neighborswith you...and were/are in total awe thinking of you
unschooling during the time when there was absolutely no support available.
When we grumble about there being a lack of unschoolers in the area, I think of
you...back then in Lake Charles, of all places! You were really a pioneer!

Warmly,
Denise


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Robyn Coburn

<<<Emma has just turned 5 and she doesn't want to give up any of her toys.
I've tried, on the occassions that I have a clean up/organize day in her
room, to pare down to just the toys she plays with regularly....talked about
donating to Goodwill, or to younger friends but she never wants to get rid
of any of them. She has on a couple of occassions given toys to younger
friends, but for the most part, she says she loves them all and likes to
just look at them even if she doesn't play with them. I'm hoping that this
is just a 'stage'>>>

Jayn (4.5) is like this also, although I doubt that it is a stage as dh is
exactly the same about keeping stuff. We even still have her infant toys put
somewhat away in a box. She is adamant about keeping them. Then of course if
we have a baby visitor, as occurs often, she is so delighted to be able to
get them out for the baby.

I notice that Jayn returns to her toys after a period of time, sometimes
after more than a year. She will suddenly, spurred by I don't know what,
just ask where such-and-such is. I keep her toys and tiny accessories
organized by using two different sizes of Ziploc bags and do a lot of
categorizing with her. It helps her find stuff. She is also gradually mixing
her different types of toys more and more in her games. Our house is a bit
of a haven for other kids whose parents don't give them stuff on principle.
However we don't have so much stuff that Jayn can't find it when she wants
it. I only buy her toys she asks for, not extras.

Having lots of ready made toys does not stop Jayn from wanting to be
creative, an argument I sometimes hear in non-unschooling circles. Jayn
still likes to make paper dolls and figures, and is really into creating
doll furniture from ordinary household objects and packaging materials.

We are beginning to sew clothes for her Barbies also. I will bring the crazy
hat she designed and we made together to the conference. If anyone would
appreciate it, it would be you guys. I have gotten a few odd looks from
members of the public when wearing it, but Jayn is so proud.

Robyn L. Coburn


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Valerie

Hi Denise and thank you for the plug for my book. ;-)

I'm sure Emma will get tired of looking at them some day and you'll
be able to see the floor again.

I'm wondering if you impulse shop too? (I used to be BAD at it). If
you are, then maybe if she saw you donating to Goodwill or others,
she'd follow your lead. Just a thought.

love, Valerie

> Hi Valerie,
>
> Emma has just turned 5 and she doesn't want to give up any of her
toys. I've
> tried, on the occassions that I have a clean up/organize day in
her room, to
> pare down to just the toys she plays with regularly....talked
about donating
> to Goodwill, or to younger friends but she never wants to get rid
of any of
> them. She has on a couple of occassions given toys to younger
friends, but for
> the most part, she says she loves them all and likes to just look
at them even
> if she doesn't play with them. I'm hoping that this is just
a 'stage' : )
> She's not developed any real deep empathy for others yet...it's
still mostly
> about her.
>
> Yes, I know you're in Lake Charles! I discovered your book from
hearing it
> mentioned on one of the lists. Bought it and and then devoured it
in one night
> actually! Our little unschooling clan here thought it really
cool that we
> were practically neighborswith you...and were/are in total awe
thinking of you
> unschooling during the time when there was absolutely no support
available.
> When we grumble about there being a lack of unschoolers in the
area, I think of
> you...back then in Lake Charles, of all places! You were really a
pioneer!
>
> Warmly,
> Denise
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]