Saturday, September 25, 2010

Why I Call My Children Raccoons













In case you're wondering about the raccoon thing, let me explain. Shortly after my oldest son turned 3 he asked me if I would call him raccoon.  I'm not sure what gave him that idea, but it was such a fitting nickname for both boys (picture raccoons digging through our pantry) that it stuck and our longstanding imaginative play related to raccoons was born.

Whenever possible, we use our raccoon fun to help us manage challenging situations. For example, a raccoon nest (a pop-up tent full of blankets and pillows) helped us work through some sleep issues.

We also serve raccoon feed on a regular basis as a way to get healthy food into our picky eaters. Raccoon feed is basically a trail mix made of whatever I happen to have on hand (dry cereal, nuts, goldfish, raisins, dried bananas). We often serve it in a little metal bowl just like they do at the zoo.

My kids' interest in raccoons has waxed and waned over the months, but my recognition of their raccoon-like behavior persists. Sometimes this is a good thing. Sometimes it is not.

As our homeschooling becomes more substantial, I can't help but imagine my children as two furry creatures attending school in a rustic cabin in the middle of the forest.....curious, adorable, and a little bit wild and rascally.


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3 comments:

  1. Very cute header for your blog and cute overall layout! Love how the raccoon idea came to be for you family.
    Look forward to reading your various posts when you get started with your blog.
    Also hope to run into you one of these days at co-op, too.
    Hope that you are having a happy weekend.
    Colleen:)

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  2. Hi Colleen!! I'm so glad you found the blog. I've been excited to share it with you!

    Hope you're feeling better. Yes, I look forward to seeing you at the co-op. Take care!

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  3. I LOVE it! What a great way to nurture their imaginations and connect new things they are learning to things they already know and feel comfortable with. Can't wait to hear more foraging stories about your little racoon school :)

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