Category Archives: Freya

When Junk Food Is Not

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Freya went to a museum today with her school. She took a lunch box with her, which included some organic corn rings, but she wasn’t allowed to eat them. She was a bit upset when she told us about the incident, so I spoke to her teacher, Annie, today, to find out the reason.

Annie explained that she and another teacher had looked at the packet, and although they saw the snacks were organic they thought that the other children might ask questions. When we were notified of Freya’s outing we were told not to pack unhealthy food, so this may have had some of the children wondering why Freya is special (because she is, I say). As well as being organic, the rings were made of corn, corn flour and vegetable oil: no sugar, no preservatives.

I suggested that as an educator Annie should inform the majority, and not penalise the innocent minority, to which she half-mumbled an agreement. It is not only important, but I think vital, that children are made aware of alternate lifestyles, especially when they are based on sound principles, and not just see a crisp packet as junk-food; that the teachers fall into this trap, or take the easy option that requires no thought, is saddening.

This made me think once again of our (the parents) role in bringing up children. I often find myself giving Freya indoctrinated no’s when she asks to do things that are inconvenient to me, or to which have no real underlying thought. Most of the time I am able to catch myself, and change my no to a yes, explaining to Freya that there is no reason why she shouldn’t be allowed to do what she asks and that I don’t know why I said no. There are, of course, times when inconvenience no’s are acceptable. As these occasions seldom crop up I feel fine about it, even if I have no real explanation for Freya.

As it turned out, Freya didn’t even like the snacks when she tried them this evening. I can’t say I blame her, they did taste pretty bland.

Tis The Season To Be Poorly

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Today I’m at home with Freya, who spent much of last night throwing up into a bucket, on sheets, on towels and on herself. The joys of Winter are upon us, and often inside us, with one or more of the family having spent much of the last couple of months fighting off numerous illnesses. This time of year is onerous enough, the short days and inclement weather causing fatigue and apathy, so to have the physical and mental burden of perpetual ill-health is irksome, as well as detrimental to our economy.

On the up-side, Freya’s current malady does at least allow me a day away from work, which is particularly tough at the moment. I usually feel pangs of guilt being at home, even when I am ill, so it’s a welcome break to experience a day absent from school without those feelings.

A Hairdresser Suggests

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Freya was pretending to cut my hair yesterday, when she suggested that I should have a (pretend) tattoo. The short, but fascinating conversation follows, its imagery worth much more than the spoken words:

Freya: you could have a tattoo.
I: OK. What do you have?
Freya: a butterfly?
I: No, thank you.
Freya: a worm?
I: Hmmm, sounds tempting…
Freya: a tent?
Jo and I laugh at Freya’s word-association ability
Freya: an arm?

I reckon the least likely of all the above that I’d choose is a butterfly, but it may be cool to have a worm, tent or a tattoo of an arm on my arm.

Sisterly Love

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Well, it’s week nine of Jo’s pregnancy – little baby is currently about 2.5 – 3cm long (should that be tall?), with 2mm long feet – and I’m still trying not to think too much about the possibility of a sibling for Freya, in case anything goes wrong.

Freya, on the other hand, is taking it all very well. She often strokes, cuddles and kisses Mum’s tummy, which is cuteness beyond belief. She has been telling us all the things she can do to help the baby: holding its hand when we cross the road, holding it when it goes to toilet, carrying it to us when it cries, and feeding it.

Mum explained that for the first year or so she’ll be breast feeding. Freya ingeniously explained that she could put some food on her breast, and the baby could eat from there. Mum then explained that the milk she produces would be better for baby, to which Freya said nothing more.

Freya really is very keen on the idea of a brother/sister. I hope she gets one.

Water Babe

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Freya has gained new skills in swimming, thanks in part to her swimming pal, Signe. Signe has been able to swim short distances for a few weeks or so, and Freya has been only to willing to test her boundaries. She cannot actually do much in the way of moving around, but she is throwing herself into the unknown, and managing to bring herself up to the surface. I don’t think it will be long before she is able to swim in the same manner as Signe.

Also, she has been learning how to breast-crawl, with very good coordination. Again, she is not able to sustain herself, but the actions are there. Doggy-paddling is coming on very nicely, as well.

It is a slightly strange thing to experience, I must say. Seeing Freya try to stop herself from drowning, but knowing she would have no chance in a real situation, is a tad unnerving. I will be a happier Jon when she can keep herself afloat and be able to head towards the safety of the side of the pool, which won’t be long if everything continues as it is.