Battle Cry of a Liger Mom

No, this isn’t a post about Napoleon Dynamite’s favorite animal. Nor does it involve a lion. I am talking about the “Lazy Tiger Mom.” That is the simplest way to sum up my parenting style. I have noble ambitions, and strive for perfection, but oftentimes my sloth takes precedence.

While I was pregnant, Geoff really wanted a girl.  I tell you, he never met a little girl he didn’t think was sweet & adorable.  I really wanted a boy.  At 30, I still have “mother issues” and dreaded the teenage girl syndrome.  But thankfully, I was over-ruled and Maia entered our lives as calm as can be.  I don’t think a boy would have meshed well with my laissez-faire despotism. 

Admittedly, I have high hopes:  I want to rear the next Marie Curie.  Additionally, she must be well read and a musical virtuoso.  As such, I feel compelled to be the driving force in this little fantasy of mine.  Bring on Maia’s mommy issues.  

Reading

Reading fosters the imagination and opens doors to worlds I cannot bring to Maia. It is very important to me that she learn to read at a young age, and love to read.

This was the easiest goal to tackle, as I don’t even have to get off the couch. Maia and I read a lot together.  Books don’t create mess (until you amass over 200) and requires little physical effort from me (except for re-shelving).  I also appreciate that they introduce all kinds of subjects.

We started with the Your Baby Can Read system, but that wasn’t right for us. Sight words are great, but phonics rule my literary world. With that in mind I hit up Hooked On Phonics when all sets were 70% and bought each set. Leap Frog also has a great DVD set that help kids learn letter sounds.

Every day Maia and I would try to tackle at least one lesson in the workbook. Once Geoff showed an interest in her workbook progress, she really started speeding through the lessons.  In fact, I really appreciate Geoff stepping up to the plate there. Because both she and I were getting frustrated and lesson progress slowed. Unlike the typical Tiger Mom, I didn’t think it was worth my while to fight with her and force learning to read on her.  A while back I lamented to a friend that Maia had lost her eagerness to please attitude. I guess I was wrong and that she still has some left over for Geoff. Maybe being with her the most, I burned through my opportunities.

Now we are moving onto the First Grade Set.  She may not be a full fledged “reader,” but I am happy with our progress.   

Next blogging session, I'll tackle just how I intend to make a Curie of her yet...