I apologize if this isn’t the right sub for this, but My son has a birthday coming up in a couple months and his grands have requested a wishlist. He has all the non-toy items he needs, so I was hoping to get some recommendations for open ended toys that won’t just be clutter in a couple months? What were hits in your homes?
Context: We moved to the Netherlands a few years ago, originally from the US. Generally, I’m okay with the Dutch school system, but I’ve always been attracted to Waldorf philosophy. There’s a Waldorf school close to our house that we’re considering for our 5 year old, who currently goes to a Dalton school.
Anyway, most nights my son asks if it’s a school day tomorrow and gets pretty sad when I say yes. I can’t tell if this is normal 5 year old behavior that will happen regardless or if the school setting itself is what makes him “hate school” as he claims.
There are other reasons we’re considering the change, too. For example, it’s highly likely that our son as ADHD (mom is diagnosed, dad is probably but doesn’t care to be evaluated). We have found that less screens and lower stimulating environments really help. His current school is not that stimulating, but it’s definitely more than Waldorf classrooms.
TLDR; Did you switch to Waldorf and see a difference in how your child viewed going to school?
I know this is a very individual and personal question. I’m curious about others’ journeys.