It’s not as hard as you might think. And it’s free!

TOP is taking part in the Mother-Talk blog book tour for A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, & Free Time Create a Successful Child by Rae Pica.

As I was reading this book, there was a continuous running commentary in my head saying things like “Yes!,” “I agree!” and “Why don’t the powers that be who keep forcing curriculum down our throats get that?”

A Running Start is a book that I’m really glad I had the chance to read before my son is old enough to be registered in anything more than rhyme time at the library. It resonated with me as a teacher who’s fighting for less “objectives” for the six year olds I teach as more and more are piled on and also as a new mother trying to do her best job as a parent in this crazy world. Rae hits home on so many issues related to the sad state of competi-parenting, and compels parents to, above all else, make sure family comes first. Sounds great, but for many parents it’s harder said than done. Rae shares research and fact-based reasons why families need to make the effort to eat dinner together every night (with no TV on), why competitive sports can wait until the teen years and why compassion is so much more valuable than competition. She devotes an entire chapter to helping you figure out when your own children are ready to be registered in sports (and, as cute as it may be, why the preschool soccer league might be better replaced with a family walk in the park).

Rae also dispels the “super-kid myth.” You know, the one that tells you your four year old daughter needs to be in dance, soccer, play group, a pre-ivy-league preschool and also needs to practice her flash cards after dinner? The one that tells you your son needs to register for hockey and practice three times a week at three years of age because he will, of course, be the next Jarome Iginla if you just give him a head start? In our minds, I like to think most parents know that the super-kid myth is just that. A myth. But it’s hard to resist the pull of the multitude of classes and programs that are available nowadays. Over scheduled kids are usually the victims of very well-intentioned parents. A Running Start brings us back to the basics. Back to the days when looking for animals in clouds and climbing trees with your brother filled the hours after school before the family dinner (instead of the rush through the drive through so you’re not late for baseball practice).

Perhaps my favourite section of this book was the section on relaxation. Many children truly don’t have enough down time today. Childhood is the only time when we get to experience true wonder. As parents, there’s such a short period of time when we get to be parents of small children. Rae eloquently, but with no guilt implied, speaks to the need for allowing boredom in order for imagination to take over. Living in a house full of the newest technology and with a husband who is a techie by profession, we try to make a concerted effort not to expose our son to electronic sources of entertainment. As he grows older, it will be harder but after reading Rae’s book I am reaffirmed in my efforts. My kids WILL be allowed to be kids. After all, they’ve only got one chance.