picklespeach

I also took baths with my son when he was younger, and still do on occassion. He's still only 2. Primetime with my son now is getting ready for dinner. Our routine usually is to first unload the dishwasher from the last meal that was prepared. He drags a chair in from the dining area and climbs up in front of the sink where I give him a couple bowls and utensils and turn the water on for him. He merrily washes his dishes while I unload, and we "talk" about whatever happens to come up. Conversation is pretty easy with a 2-year-old. When that is done, I start pulling out ingredients for whatever I'm going to cook. I purposely have arranged my pantry and fridge so there's almost always something I need that is at his level to reach and bring to me. Anything that needs throwing out I give it to him and he puts it in the trash can. Again, his chair is dragged over. He gets some veggie and a child friendly utensil for chopping. More conversation. We set the table and serve the food. He has very particular places where he wants the salt and pepper to be. If I forget to put something out, he remembers. For instance, whenever we have spaghetti, he knows that parmesan cheese goes on the table and will make sure it is there. He calls his dad to the table, we have family dinner and then we all load the dishwasher together, again with the chair up to the sink. This got started when he was just a tiny baby, still not even rolling over yet, and I would put him on his tummy on a blanket on the kitchen floor while I cooked. I'd give him a saucepot and a big wooden spoon. I'm hoping that as he gets older, he'll still appreciate this time with mom and really enjoy cooking the same way I do. I'd like for this to be something we can always share.

I'm Deanna. I have been a bit active on the RoR board lately, and Michael invited me to join you here. I have been lurking for a few days getting the feel of things. I don't call myself an Objectivist. I was just recently introduced to Objectivism by way of Atlas Shrugged. I am still learning and deciding. I look forward to being a part of this group.