Dead Fish and the Turning of the Wheel
We have a dead fish floating in our aquarium. (Unfortunately, it’s not the bully fish who’s dead; it’s his battered and long-suffering mate.) I wonder if we should disappear the deceased before Lucas comes home this afternoon or let him see that live things sometimes die. It kind of seems like a teachable moment, and sort of appropriate, given that it’s Mabon and we happen to have a tiny spruce tree seedling in the fridge that we could plant when we bury the fish. Any opinions on whether a four-year-old should have knowledge of and/or be involved in a small fish funeral ceremony?
For the equinox, I think we’ll gather some more new items for our nature table tonight and redecorate it tomorrow morning, the first day of autumn. Perhaps we’ll make applesauce together and a loaf of bread. It’s convenient that we can celebrate on a Saturday, instead of me having to get everything read for dinnertime tonight. I wish I were better at planning ahead. I always seem to wake up the morning of a holiday full of ideas and holiday spirit and nothing prepared.
September 22, 2006 at 4:14 pm
I think the fish funeral is a good idea. It seems better to start on the concept with a pet than a person, if your offered a choice.
September 22, 2006 at 4:29 pm
I think you’re right. It seems like a good opportunity.
September 22, 2006 at 6:05 pm
I like the idea of starting small with this lesson.