Overly Organized American Childhoods?

11/30/2004

Overly Organized American Childhoods?

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." - John R. Wooden

Overly Organized American Childhoods?

Last week's New York Times Magazine (November 28) was devoted to what it called "The Ever More Carefully Arranged, Artfully Blueprinted, Technologically Devised, Painstakingly Organized American Childhood." This title would make you think this was going to be an all-out attack on the over-structuring of childhoods. But it is not clear whether the editors think this is a good or a bad phenomenon. For example a story on the design of children's rooms, which showcases the work of modern designers, declares, "Having children inspired contemporary designers to make sleek minimalist cribs and changing tables. Now if only the kids would keep their grubby hands off all the stuff." In any case, it makes fascinating reading and can certainly be used to trigger healthy discussions in staff meetings and parent conferences about contemporary childhoods.

In his Exchange book, Places for Childhood: Making Quality Happen in the Real World, Jim Greenman takes a much less equivocal stand on "institutionalism of childhood." In his chapters, "How Institutional Are YOU?," "Children Need to Live in the Real World," and "Amidst the Daily Sound and the Fury: What is Important?" he argues strongly against robbing children of their childhoods. To check out Places for Childhoods, go to: http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0463

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.