Chris and I are self described slow-lifers. We don't own a car, soak our beans at least 12 hours before making nachos and hang our wash to dry on a line. Now that we have Lucy, I find myself wondering how our lifestyle impacts her. What are the benefits and cons of raising baby slow?
As far as positives go, that's pretty easy. I can't help but think Lucy's sense of patience is honed daily by having to wait for food that doesn't come from a box. I can't tell you how many times I've turned on the oven light so she can watch the potatoes or mochi cook! And when the food hits her highchair, it's as if knowing all the preparation that went into it makes it taste all the better.
I believe also that Lucy has a keen sense of community that comes from traveling mostly on foot. We visit the same grocer's at least five times a week and are always waited on by the same friendly woman. Bus drivers sing her name. She and I have strolled the same route in all seasons, watching as leaves fell from the trees, soil turned to mud and the empty field across the way bloomed into a veritable garden of green and pink and red.
But I also think there are things Lucy misses out on. Since we own no car, getting around takes effort and coordination; I'm not always inclined to go across town to the children's museum or the zoo or even to story hour, a mere mile walk. Most of Lu's peers swim at the pool, take music classes and visit the science museum once a week. Lu does none of this. On the one hand, I pride myself in the fact my toddler has no "schedule" of activities, but on the other, I can't help but feel as if I'm depriving her of something really good.
I suppose as in most cases, there must be a happy middle ground. We mostly do make it to story hour (the librarian knows all the kids by name!) and she does go to the coffee shop with her father every Saturday morning to play with friends. Maybe now that she's down to one nap a day, I'll be able to get us both out more. I can certainly try!
What do you think? Are you raising baby slow, too? Fast? Both? I'd love to hear how you strike a balance between "too much" and "too little!"
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