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Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 18, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Welcome to parenthood. Whenever you "join the club," you will learn that there are many responsibilities associated with being a parent. There's the personal assistant, chef and maid. And the snuggler and storyteller (two of my favorites). And, there's being the teacher. The teacher of "what and everything you want your child to know about their world." How cool is that? Pretty darn cool, I think.
Today is Martin Luther King Day. Need a refresher in history class? Check out: Martin Luther King Jr..
Are you thinking about when and how is the right time to celebrate and educate these types of holidays with your child?
Yes, I know. There are a lot of deep and big issues with some of these. How do you explain the impact of Dr. King's work to an infant or toddler or preschooler? Do you even try? Is it appropriate?
As I mentioned before, I'm an "everything in moderation" kinda gal. That philosophy comes into parenting too, especially when it comes to educating my child about the great, big world out there.
I do believe there is a developmentally appropriate place and plan for educating even the youngest children about holidays such as MLK day.
It doesn't have to be deep or grand. It can be simple and sweet. It can be meaningful.
Mine may be as simple as acknowledging that today is a special day: "Today is a special day. It's Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King was a very special person who helped ensure that all people could be who they want to be."
My munchkin is 2. I keep it simple. Maybe she will get it this year. Maybe she won't. This may only plant the seed of knowledge that will grow through the years.
If you're lucky enough to live in a community where there are public celebrations, now is the time to start checking them out. No, you may not make it through a full ceremony or speech, but see if you can find a few minutes of celebratory music, a work of art, or even people that you may not have the opportunity to generally connect with. You may be surprised how much you learn through these types of outings (not to mention, your munchkin).
Looking for other resources? A quick Amazon search yields 3000+ books on Martin Luther King. Here is one (a board book) I found that may have some words most appropriate for talking with children about this extraordinary gentleman: www.amazon.com/Story-Martin-Luther-King-Jr/dp/0824941446/ref=sr_1_1.
Enjoy every role you have in parenthood.
Embrace every opportunity you have to educate.
You may find that you enjoy learning once again too.
Happy Martin Luther King Day!
