One Dad's take on being a Lunch Helper:

"I did not know what I was in for when I walked into the OCC lunchroom. Two separate lunch groups; two waves of energetic Montessori kids to supervise and help.

About halfway though the lunch hour I began to see and understand my daughter's life in a new light (even though she was not participating in lunch that day). I walked away not only with a new view of what other parents send with their kids for lunch, but I now feel like I saw childhood in its wide splendor.

Watching and helping both groups of kids made me realize that I was up to this point, only seeing a small portion of my daughter's (and a child's) life. The whirlwind of the lunch hour and my experience with all of the wonderful OCC girls and boys opened up my field of view in childhood behavior, and helped explain some of the mysteries of what's left (or added) to Marah's lunchbox at the end of the day.

I also was surprised at the reaction to having a "dad" as lunch helper. I was received very favorably and the young boys were very curious about my presence--and I was "webbed" several times by several young men aspiring to be Spider Man. Overall, this was a great experience and I will try and do this again very soon. Thanks for the great opportunity, OCC!"

Submitted by Paul Johnston, 2nd year OCC parent

Hi OCC families,

This is one parent's view of what it is like helping out with lunch. Please feel free to comment on your experiences as a lunch helper. Why not consider trying it out in November if you haven't been a lunch helper yet? I'm lucky to be able to enjoy the lunchtime with your children every day. I love watching them grow and develop over time as well as watch them hone and refine eating, cleaning and social skills. It is truly an amazing experience.

Thanks, Tricia

On the Edge of Sleep-Deprivation

Sleep-deprivation is a given in our "open 24-hours a day" culture. As the daily pace increases, sleep is now considered a luxury rather than a necessity. Many of us under-sleep by choice, reasoning that more time awake will lead to greater productivity when, in fact, just the opposite occurs. After 17 hours of sustained wakefulness (6 a.m until 11 p.m.), our ability to react and respond equals someone with a .05% blood alcohol level.

Almost all adults need between 7 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Teens need 9.25-10 hours, school-aged children need 10 hours and preschoolers require 12-14 hours of sleep each day. Parents must not only set a good example by getting enough sleep, but we must ensure that our children do as well.

But what does sleep, or lack of it, have to do with the children and parents of OCC? Consider what sleep deprivation does to the body. Many studies conclude that lack of sleep causes concentration problems, stress, and anxiety. As the sleep deficit increases, health deteriorates, learning suffers, and irritability increases. Is that what we want for our children, for ourselves?

How can we enjoy to our child's sense of wonder and excitement in the ordinary if we are too tired to show interest? Can we provide our children with meaningful real world connections if we are distracted and irritable?

Fall is the perfect time to reevaluate what we do, how we choose to spend our time, and what kind of example we wish to set. As we become well-rested families, we may all find time to see the dew drops clinging to a spider web and see the rainbow in the puddle. We might also savor the quiet comfort of a "Good night" hug.

As we join our children in the moment, let's not sleep through it!