Radio Interview

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the lovely Hilary Harper at the ABC. We had a wonderful chat about craft, parenting and the book, and took some calls from listeners. I particularly loved the call from a grandmother in Mt Eliza who made a scarecrow with her two grandchildren who she sees only once a year because they live in Japan. Macdonald (the scarecrow) sounds like he might have become the newest member of their family - apparently her grandchildren ask about him every time they call. Heartwarming.

The call also reminded me how much I value my parents spending time with my kids and how much they love them. What would I do without their support? I am barely able to find the energy and mind power required to look after my children and I thank God for the saying 'it takes a village'. And in my case that is an extended village encompassing childcare workers, teachers, neighbours etc. etc. I am relieved I am not the only influence on my children. Imagine that??

These are some pics of my father and Max and Lucie at my parents' home in the country. Check out the cute trike (was my brother's when he was little).

Another call Hilary and I answered was from another grandparent who despaired at the incidence of young children at her after-school facility who barely knew how to cut a piece of paper because they had never been shown. It seems their parents worked full-time and did not have the time or inclination to teach them. I was quick to come to the rescue of the working parent. We FT working parents cop a lot of criticism. I'm not suggesting this lovely woman was wrong in any way, but I think it is important to acknowledge the things a working parent does teach their children. We all have to work at some point in our lives and it is important to me that my kids see me being industrious and loving what I do (I am a book editor). Hopefully they will carry my husband's and my work ethic with them when the time comes for them to enter the workforce. It is also important for me that they are not the centre of my universe every living moment. Of course, in the bigger picture, they are the centre of my world; but I also have another part of my day that involves other people and different priorities. Hopefully when my kids leave home (which I will be encouraging them to do in their twenties) they won't have any trouble cutting that cord!

Sadly, the last question Hilary and I responded to was from an anonymous caller that asked what to do about a man who was discouraging his young son from doing anything creative, despite the son's clear ability and passion in this area. I said that I didn't know how to respond to this, but actually I do. Creativity is an absolute must for everyone. What is it that this man wanted his son to do? Law? Medicine? Jobs traditionally seen as being respected and well paid? How silly to think that doctors, lawyers, scientists are not creative thinkers. Art, craft, creating - it's like a language, where a specific part of your brain is being used in an abstract and open way. Would this man discourage his son from learning another language? Probably not, but I imagine that the parts of the brain used to learn language may indeed be similar to those that are used in creative thinking. Signs, patterns, symbols - are these not also used in mathematics. And regardless of all of the above, art and craft is sometimes vital to a person's wellbeing. For me it is my meditation - a chance for me to collect my thoughts and recoup.

So, that is my response to that man, and I hope his lovely son finds a way to convince him that crafting is good! Or perhaps he'll have to rely on that big village to nurture his creative mind.  Thank goodness, hey?