Children – Sydney Schavietello

Family Business

Posted on November 26, 2013November 29, 2013 by schavski

When the world deals us blows we’re not quite ready for we turn to our families. If you’re lucky like I am, your family is a cache of beautiful people who, even if you don’t share blood, will be in your corner round after round no matter how hard you’ve been hit. When it comes to family, top to bottom I’ve got spades. We’ve got stories that span many years, deep traditions, and some really fabulous little ones. Spending time with the children of the incredible women I shared a childhood with is an tremendous gift. They’re like mirrors that reflect our past, but somehow allow us to simultaneously peek into the future. These kiddos are some of the most wonderful human beings I’ve ever known and I can’t wait to watch the people they become.

Little Ones

Posted on June 11, 2013June 11, 2013 by schavski

As my days here wind down and I prepare to leave Gracias behind, I can’t help but think of all the things in this wonderful little town that will leave me with the sting of missing. The first of many is the sheer joy these little guys brought with them into each and every day.

Children are amazing. They’re imaginative, honest, unashamed by their emotions, and excited to share their wild little worlds with you. They dream of impossible things, creating whole universes with wide eyes and unbridled laughter. They learn quickly, eat slowly, and say exactly what they mean. I could never have guessed that I’d learn so much about how to carry myself in the world from 2 and 3 year olds. Not only did they teach me to speak Spanish, they taught how important it is to see the world for the fascinating, and awe inspiring place that it truly is. It has been such a gift to see the world through their unspoiled eyes, a gift I hope to carry with me forever.

Toddlers and Tiaras…

Posted on March 10, 2013 by schavski

Life in the Minerva Preschool has been a dizzying whirlwind of preparations for the 2013 Summer Fashion Show the last few weeks. The little ones have been studying their colors and practicing their model walks in order to make the big event as perfect as it can be. As such, my day-to-day life has been filled to the brim with sheer cuteness–check these kiddos out:

I certainly have a long list of complaints about this absurd, though adorable, little activity. Why are we instilling the “importance” of being attractive into toddlers? What are we teaching them by having a fashion show be the most important activity of an entire partial? Aren’t there more important things we could be doing with the 20+ minutes a day we spend preparing for this modeling extravaganza? Shouldn’t we be teaching them that they’re all smart and beautiful exactly as they are? In spite of my objections and aggravation (we’ve been forced to do weekend and after school practices…it’s gotten a bit ridiculous and I’m ready for it to be over) I recognize that it’s fairly important to the administration for whatever reason, and the kids really seem to enjoy it. So, I bite my tongue and laugh… it’s hard to be angry when you see these excited little faces smiling back at you.