Modern childhood and Waldorf Education

Modern childhood often seems at odds with Waldorf Education, and as a parent following Steiner’s methods with my own child I struggle, it often feels like walking a tightrope as I try to strike a balance living in a community where nobody knows about Steiner and everyone we meet sees us as going against the grain. I know I won’t be the only one who feels this especially when your heart is invested in this beautiful approach to experiencing and growing in life.

It can be all too easy to be hard on ourselves, but I want to remind any parents out there who feel this way…don’t.

Yes choose natural over plastics where you can, choose nature over TV, but don’t underestimate the wonder and power both these things can nurture. Who couldn’t be blown away by the enchanting light on these tiles as it sits on the table surface, just like that magic of stained glass windows, and open ended too. Who couldn’t be in awe of the wonder of clips from Attenborough’s planet earth for example. Let’s not forget how technology too has kept the world in touch during much needed times.

I don’t know what Rudolf Steiner would make of the world we are in, it’s granted a lot of his predictions and fears have manifested as we have moved through the modern age, however it’s not all doom and gloom and as he was a scientist I am pretty sure he would be blown away by some of the things we have willed into reality from the very depths of our own imaginations in this technological age.

Technology is not going to disappear, so let’s raise our children to slowly embrace it for the good it can harness with a deep respect for the natural earth they are part of for the future.

Technology modern toys and gadgets should not be so prevalent as to mould our children. But at the same time ideas from past should not define their future.

So if you have a dilemma I had, if there is a ‘modern toy’ you feel would absolutely set your child’s imagination on fire. Don’t feel bad or second guess it, that spark could be one that stays with your child their entire life.