Feliz dia da Mãe!

Can you recognize them? Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie and Daisy!

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s a perfect representation of the kind of adorable miniaturized  cuteness that defangs–or at least makes less immediately noticeable–its toxicity.  What could be less harmful than this cheerful pair of people at rest, depicted in a world of shiny primary colours?  But look again: the thing in the middle appears to be some sort of cactus, and the two figures wear what appear to be sombreros.  They seem to be Mexicans, then–sleeping Mexicans, the essence of a “mañana” stereotype, as in the old song:

My mother’s always working, she’s working very hard
But every time she looks for me I’m sleeping in the yard.
My mother thinks I’m lazy and maybe she is right.
I’ll go to work mañana but I gotta sleep tonight.
Mañana, mañana

Mañana is soon enough for me.

(Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour, 1948)

Or in other words:  this set is an ethnic slur, a nasty evocation of a cultural stereotype.  I bought it because I found it fascinating that such a thing as this set existed.  It meant that its manufacturers assumed there was a market for such things, that people actually wanted to occupy their home environments with insulting depictions of a cultural group that, I have to assume, they themselves didn’t belong to.  Somehow, then, they were deriving comfort and cosiness from an environment that represented their superiority to and distance from the members of the other group thus represented.  Part of what made their home homey was its expression of an inherent prejudice against those different from themselves–different enough to be cute and decorative as a result of it.

I soon discovered that Mexicans were not the only minority group populating the sunny but toxic world of salt-and-pedderdom.  As I’ll describe in future posts, my own collection has grown to include stereotypical depictions of various Asians, Africans and African Americans, and above all, North American Natives.   It’s become a second major thread of my collecting, along with the sets that depict two different objects as part of the same set.  And it’s these ethnic-and-racial-slur sets that most express my ambivalence to my possessions, and my sense that no matter how ironic and un-empathetic is my appreciation of them, there’s still something weird about choosing to keep them in my own house.  Perhaps the many African Americans who have become such avid collectors of  salt-and-pepper sets and other household ornaments and such representing racist stereotypes that they have driven up the prices for such objects exponentially share my ambivalence.  (As I write, a set of “Vintage Black Americana Aunt Jemima Mammy Cook JAPAN Salt and Pepper Shakers” is currently available on eBay for the astonishing price of $145.00.)  It’s certainly a strong memory of an ugly history that shouldn’t be forgotten–or in the case of the lazy Mexicans and the savage Natives, a strong reminder of a still widespread and even commonplace prejudice.

About the  Mexicans, meanwhile:  One is for salt and one is for pepper, clearly, but I’m not sure what the cactus they lean on is supposed to be used for.  It comes with a small spoon, seen in the photo above leaning on the tray the three objects sit on; so maybe it’s a mustard pot?

As adults we have each developed our own preferences to the various sensory stimulants including sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.  Responses to these stimulants can be emotional, psychological, cultural, and learned – but they are definitively individual.   What colors, lighting, textures, or smells do you have an immediate connection or reaction to?   You already know I love the smell of play-doh!  Did you know I have a total aversion to the texture of styrofoam? Like, it completely creeps me out.

styrofoam cups

For our youngest children, they have not yet made these associations so their responses are pure.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to watch how our children respond to new things, and can help us identify what their individual interests might be.  I’m going to share some tips on how you can create a multisensory space in your home.  The most important thing we can do is provide sensory opportunities so that kids can naturally learn through their own means of discovery and exploration.

**********************MY TIPS********************

Allow the ability to construct real and imaginary places through a space that offers physical flexibility;  keep them stimulated by facilitating constant change.    Incorporate modular furniture that is easy to move or stack.

Pony Modular Furniture

Evoke a sense of wonder by including items that might sparkle, reflect, create sounds, spin, or be in motion.

Etsy pinwheel mobile

Hide items in different nooks for them to discover new each day.  Limit the amount of toys that are displayed and swap them out regularly so you can avoid overstimulation but also provide that sense of change.

hide things in different nooks everyday

Hang a temporary set of string lights or paper lanterns, or introduce a mirror to provide a fresh transformation.

Cotton & Cable design your own string lights

string lights

Kids of all ages also love a variation of levels which can be incorporated through loft spaces, risers, ramps, and seating.  When they are at a higher or equal level with adults it gives them a sense of empowerment which helps them build confidence and self esteem.

sleeping loft

craft loft

Livingstones

Create a spatial wonderland to match the greatest of swing sets.  Who says swings are only for the outdoors?  Spice it up!

With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our homes should provide kids with a sense of belonging and security.  You can create a cozy environment that allows sensory connections by incorporating elements that are soft and personable.   Warm colors, soft furnishings, interesting textures, and elements of nature help a child feel emotionally and physically comfortable.

cozy nook

An overall neutral color palette will provide a calming backdrop and allow your child to personalize it with colors through toys, artwork, photos, and accessories that can change over time.   A child’s identity begins at home, so give them a sense of self and your family and allow them to participate.

allow your kids to participate

DIY garland

The easiest and quickest thing you can do is find everyday items that can be manipulated or experienced through touch or smell.  Warm woods, cool glass, rough stone, textured fabric, clays, sand, rice, cotton balls, shredded papers, foam peanuts, feathers, shells, flowers, leaves, marshmallows, buttons, and dried pastas are all great.  Pair these materials with items such as measuring cups or spoons, mini shovels, lids, cookie cutters, sponges, straws, toilet paper tubes… done!

sensory tub with rice

sensory tub with cotton balls

Finally, consider incorporating natural light, fresh air, and views to the outside into these spaces.   Nature provides our children with connections that help them to understand things like seasons, as well as the light and dark cycles of a day.   These cycles regulate a lot of our human behaviors; exposure to daylight is especially important for the production of serotonin to give us those feelings of general well being.

incorporate daylight and views to the outdoors

So there you have it.  Did you create a sensory wonderland for your kids?  Send us pics so we can share your great ideas.

Have fun!

Mother and daughter tennis. Wash and dry in the sun. This last Sunday.

This Saturday I made the pudding. Grandmother’s recipe given by my Mother. Delicious!

Outras técnicas manuais aqui e aqui.

Yesterday we painted soft watercolors. We are going to paint a lot this year, and use different techniques and have fun!

I have been organizing my sewing box, it feels great!

Brincar depois da escola :: Playing after school

Estudo e trabalho sobre imagens afectivas e comportamento :: Affective images and behavior studying and working

Every week is different. Although there are parts of these two past weeks I don’t want to repeat, I also had good moments.

Plasty Play (modeling together!)

Snowflakes (these look even better than our first!)

In December we can dive into the Christmas Spirit. Yesterday was a holiday in Portugal and we spent  the morning making Christmas crafts at home.

Yesterday we did our first snowflake! We used paper and scissors. Now we are going to practice for Christmas decorations!

The celebration of 2 years is almost here! Playing on that, we created a tasty LEGO cake this weekend!

(image: JH)

Occasionally I like to get one of the books on the shelf. One of the latest additions was O Futuro Inventa-se!

(image: JH)

Fall time. Inspiration to draw!

(images: JH)

The theme of today is the Baby play mat. This is ours handmade by Grandma with fabrics chosen by me. Can be used in countless ways, scoring plenty of memories of great moments. It’s my favorite, is always on hand!

Hoje há reunião na Universidade.

(image: JH)

New week, try to progress in research and writing of final report. Today there is a meeting at the University.

(image: JH)

The yellow fabric is Laura Ashley’s. I bought it in Paris years ago. I was working for OECD. Sometimes, while travelling I enjoy buying fabrics. I made a tea towell (simple handmade hemline). It looks pretty and cozy!

(image: JH)

Working mother: Time, Environment and Happiness

(image: JH)