Kids Teach Us So Much!
These funny little critters say and do the darndest things. We marvel, we laugh, and moon over their every word and action. When they first learn how to talk, the sounds of their tiny voices are so soft and sweet, we think it's music to our ears. We can't believe how smart, lovable, cuddly ... and full of kisses and hugs they are. We let them fall asleep on us and their warmth is pure bliss that envelopes us and makes us almost fall asleep with them. They remind of us of things we loved and may have forgotten a long time ago. They know how to smile and their laughter sounds like something from the angels in Heaven, and we love to hear them laugh. In fact, for a lift, we go out of our way to find videos of babies or little kids laughing because there's nothing to compare it to...it's the best sound in the world.
Kids see things as black and white....there are no shades of grey in their little worlds. It's either good guys or bad guys. Their little friend is either sharing with them or not. Someone is a stranger or not. In a restaurant, it's hard for a four-year old to understand that all the people at the nearby tables are strangers and that we at our table are not strangers to ourselves but strangers to everybody else. Confused? So was the four-year old. Their dogs bark, go outside, poop, get a treat, and play with them. They have an imaginary pet dragon living in their back shed with purple and pink polka dots. They know this because grandma tells them so for their bedtime story :-).
In a child's world, late day snacking is not a half-way deal and demonstrates how persistent kids can be. If allowed to get hungry, they're soon going to eat you out of house and home. They don't care whether it's too close to meal time or not. They know where the snacks are and will be like a moth to a flame until they get 'something' into their growling little tummies. They will fling open every cupboard door and dump out the boxes onto the floor...like crackers and spaghetti for instance. They will open the fridge and pull out the cheese strings and the beer sticks. They will shove them in your face and ask that you peel them. They will ask for the blue Freezee, but if you don't have blue, then any colour will do... Note to parents: Freezees should be left out to thaw for a little because especially for two-year olds, they don't understand that hanging onto a really cold Freezee will turn their little hand into an ice block. Certainly, nobody likes a brain or a hand freeze..
They would prefer jelly beans or licorice but will settle for yogurt, milk, or cookies. Ice cream cones, pudding, and Jello are all-time favorites. Yet, savvy parents are persistent too. They know there is a trick to snack time. Timing is everything, but remember, you may or may not beat them at their own game. There is no guarantee you will win, but take heart, everyone loses once in awhile. Parents know there is only a very small window of opportunity to work with. Snacks have to happen before hunger pangs get sharp. If not, once you're here, it's all overeating and totally wrecking any chance for the next nutritious meal. Adults do exactly the same thing, remember? The better idea is to offer cut up fruit like bananas or apples, along with Cheerios or another healthy cereal much sooner while they're still playing and before they even start to think about their tummies. Keep them hydrated too because thirst sometimes feels like hunger. Staving off those intense cravings early enough is a parent's persistence at it's best!
Kids generally know no fear and have great imaginations. They will jump into your arms from half-way up the stairs without even an inkling that they could be hurt by the fall. They fall backwards onto the bed or couch like nobody's business. Of course, little by little, trips to the emergency room happen, stitches happen and they learn that they really can get hurt...Since they have a steady diet of superheros, they may tell you that they are a superhero. They aren't lying....at a certain point in their lives I think they really believe it. Let's hope they don't think they can fly... After all, it would make sense since most of them have at least one life-sized red or blue cape in their bedroom. They wear it playing around the house, visiting at their friend's house, or even out shopping at the mall with Mom and Dad. (This is when someone has to have a serious talk with them about what is in their imagination and what is real). Their pyjamas are Spider Man or Tinker Bell. Their t-shirts are Super Man or Hello Kitty. Everything else is either a Ninja Turtle, Star Wars, Dora the Explorer, Diego or Batman....you get the idea?. Their sheets and clocks are Thomas the Train, Buzz Light Year, Toy Story, or Cars. Their blankets,bicycles, helmets, running shoes, back packs and lunch boxes are all something of note too. Is it any wonder that little girls sometimes grow up to think they are princesses who look like Barbie? After all, they get to dress up any time of the day or night. Wearing ballerina outfits, princess ball gowns, fairy dust and make up, they can serve tea to anyone. How could you refuse whether you're at home, daycare, the neighbour's, or Mom or Dad's work? They love all things in miniature like Polly Pockets and dinky toys like cars, trucks, motorboats, motorbikes, buses, and semi-trailer units. I think to begin with all kids like bugs and frogs and other little things they can examine at length.
Wearing something plain is almost unheard of....But, I went ahead and bought all my grandkids matching flourescent green t-shirts with writing that said "I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL!" Because, yes....you bet they are...they are a REALLY big deal and I hope they never forget it. I want them to feel so good about themselves that they are unafraid and have the strength to grow up and conquer the world.
Kids are nothing if not the product of all the generations that have come before them. They have the benefit of learning everything we know up until now. They get to watch either a VHS Pinocchio video or a new show on NetFlix....they have their pick. They have all the Golden Books and Nursery Rhymes we all had as kids plus a whole pile and I mean a whole pile more that have sprung up since. They have reruns of Mr. Dress Up, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street along with Whinney the Pooh, Garfield and all the new shows from today. The kids of today will be nothing but brilliant if they can absorb even a fraction of this tremendous amount of knowledge. Knowledge is key, so if it helps, then good.
Children are great sports and very open to any kind of attempt an adult makes to play with them. Doesn't matter how silly or goofy, a child will play along and give you the benefit of the doubt that you know what you're talking about. You can make up anything and they will absolutely play along. If you don't believe me, just try it some time. They don't generally tell you you're stupid or give you heck. They don't do this because they are too busy grinning from ear to ear and enjoying the attention you are giving them, no matter how little it might be. Just go and lay on the floor and see what happens. Within minutes, they will be crawling all over you and jumping on you and tickling you.
Kids have excellent memories. Like elephants, they never forget. They remember every magical story you ever made up. Every pretend character you taught them. They don't forget, even if you do. As they get older, they know every word to every storybook you have ever read to them, especially if you make a lame attempt to try to shorten or fake your way through it. Remember, as you get older to see, you personally will need more natural light...This could become a bit of a problem for bedtime stories when you're reading by their dimly-lit bedside lamp...(flashlights work wonders and kids love them!)
Kids are very enthusiastic! Most grandparents can tell you the rush they get from seeing their grandchildren. These little people are so excited, they're jumping up and down and squealing with delight just because you came to visit them. They stand at the window and wave you into the house as vigorously as their little arms will let them and do the same thing when you leave. They are kissing and hugging and blowing kisses and waving with such enthusiasm it takes your breath away.
At the same time, they're dying for you to talk to them and play with them. They want you to jump into their world and live it right in the moment with them, right now. Whether it's to play trains or Ninja Turtles, babies, house or the Wii, they'll play whatever you want. They'll even give you the best toy or controller. They are always ready for a game of Eye Spy, colouring a picture, painting, cutting with scissors, and making things from pipe cleaners and play dough. Most of all they love to play outside. Running in the back yard, and playing in the sand box is the best.
If anybody can remind you how to play, it's a kid. They will cause you to laugh and to cry. You may think you're teaching them my friend, but really, it is the other way around. Remember, there's still one somewhere inside you....you just have to find it!
These funny little critters say and do the darndest things. We marvel, we laugh, and moon over their every word and action. When they first learn how to talk, the sounds of their tiny voices are so soft and sweet, we think it's music to our ears. We can't believe how smart, lovable, cuddly ... and full of kisses and hugs they are. We let them fall asleep on us and their warmth is pure bliss that envelopes us and makes us almost fall asleep with them. They remind of us of things we loved and may have forgotten a long time ago. They know how to smile and their laughter sounds like something from the angels in Heaven, and we love to hear them laugh. In fact, for a lift, we go out of our way to find videos of babies or little kids laughing because there's nothing to compare it to...it's the best sound in the world.
Kids see things as black and white....there are no shades of grey in their little worlds. It's either good guys or bad guys. Their little friend is either sharing with them or not. Someone is a stranger or not. In a restaurant, it's hard for a four-year old to understand that all the people at the nearby tables are strangers and that we at our table are not strangers to ourselves but strangers to everybody else. Confused? So was the four-year old. Their dogs bark, go outside, poop, get a treat, and play with them. They have an imaginary pet dragon living in their back shed with purple and pink polka dots. They know this because grandma tells them so for their bedtime story :-).
In a child's world, late day snacking is not a half-way deal and demonstrates how persistent kids can be. If allowed to get hungry, they're soon going to eat you out of house and home. They don't care whether it's too close to meal time or not. They know where the snacks are and will be like a moth to a flame until they get 'something' into their growling little tummies. They will fling open every cupboard door and dump out the boxes onto the floor...like crackers and spaghetti for instance. They will open the fridge and pull out the cheese strings and the beer sticks. They will shove them in your face and ask that you peel them. They will ask for the blue Freezee, but if you don't have blue, then any colour will do... Note to parents: Freezees should be left out to thaw for a little because especially for two-year olds, they don't understand that hanging onto a really cold Freezee will turn their little hand into an ice block. Certainly, nobody likes a brain or a hand freeze..
They would prefer jelly beans or licorice but will settle for yogurt, milk, or cookies. Ice cream cones, pudding, and Jello are all-time favorites. Yet, savvy parents are persistent too. They know there is a trick to snack time. Timing is everything, but remember, you may or may not beat them at their own game. There is no guarantee you will win, but take heart, everyone loses once in awhile. Parents know there is only a very small window of opportunity to work with. Snacks have to happen before hunger pangs get sharp. If not, once you're here, it's all overeating and totally wrecking any chance for the next nutritious meal. Adults do exactly the same thing, remember? The better idea is to offer cut up fruit like bananas or apples, along with Cheerios or another healthy cereal much sooner while they're still playing and before they even start to think about their tummies. Keep them hydrated too because thirst sometimes feels like hunger. Staving off those intense cravings early enough is a parent's persistence at it's best!
Kids generally know no fear and have great imaginations. They will jump into your arms from half-way up the stairs without even an inkling that they could be hurt by the fall. They fall backwards onto the bed or couch like nobody's business. Of course, little by little, trips to the emergency room happen, stitches happen and they learn that they really can get hurt...Since they have a steady diet of superheros, they may tell you that they are a superhero. They aren't lying....at a certain point in their lives I think they really believe it. Let's hope they don't think they can fly... After all, it would make sense since most of them have at least one life-sized red or blue cape in their bedroom. They wear it playing around the house, visiting at their friend's house, or even out shopping at the mall with Mom and Dad. (This is when someone has to have a serious talk with them about what is in their imagination and what is real). Their pyjamas are Spider Man or Tinker Bell. Their t-shirts are Super Man or Hello Kitty. Everything else is either a Ninja Turtle, Star Wars, Dora the Explorer, Diego or Batman....you get the idea?. Their sheets and clocks are Thomas the Train, Buzz Light Year, Toy Story, or Cars. Their blankets,bicycles, helmets, running shoes, back packs and lunch boxes are all something of note too. Is it any wonder that little girls sometimes grow up to think they are princesses who look like Barbie? After all, they get to dress up any time of the day or night. Wearing ballerina outfits, princess ball gowns, fairy dust and make up, they can serve tea to anyone. How could you refuse whether you're at home, daycare, the neighbour's, or Mom or Dad's work? They love all things in miniature like Polly Pockets and dinky toys like cars, trucks, motorboats, motorbikes, buses, and semi-trailer units. I think to begin with all kids like bugs and frogs and other little things they can examine at length.
Wearing something plain is almost unheard of....But, I went ahead and bought all my grandkids matching flourescent green t-shirts with writing that said "I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL!" Because, yes....you bet they are...they are a REALLY big deal and I hope they never forget it. I want them to feel so good about themselves that they are unafraid and have the strength to grow up and conquer the world.
Kids are nothing if not the product of all the generations that have come before them. They have the benefit of learning everything we know up until now. They get to watch either a VHS Pinocchio video or a new show on NetFlix....they have their pick. They have all the Golden Books and Nursery Rhymes we all had as kids plus a whole pile and I mean a whole pile more that have sprung up since. They have reruns of Mr. Dress Up, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street along with Whinney the Pooh, Garfield and all the new shows from today. The kids of today will be nothing but brilliant if they can absorb even a fraction of this tremendous amount of knowledge. Knowledge is key, so if it helps, then good.
Children are great sports and very open to any kind of attempt an adult makes to play with them. Doesn't matter how silly or goofy, a child will play along and give you the benefit of the doubt that you know what you're talking about. You can make up anything and they will absolutely play along. If you don't believe me, just try it some time. They don't generally tell you you're stupid or give you heck. They don't do this because they are too busy grinning from ear to ear and enjoying the attention you are giving them, no matter how little it might be. Just go and lay on the floor and see what happens. Within minutes, they will be crawling all over you and jumping on you and tickling you.
Kids have excellent memories. Like elephants, they never forget. They remember every magical story you ever made up. Every pretend character you taught them. They don't forget, even if you do. As they get older, they know every word to every storybook you have ever read to them, especially if you make a lame attempt to try to shorten or fake your way through it. Remember, as you get older to see, you personally will need more natural light...This could become a bit of a problem for bedtime stories when you're reading by their dimly-lit bedside lamp...(flashlights work wonders and kids love them!)
Kids are very enthusiastic! Most grandparents can tell you the rush they get from seeing their grandchildren. These little people are so excited, they're jumping up and down and squealing with delight just because you came to visit them. They stand at the window and wave you into the house as vigorously as their little arms will let them and do the same thing when you leave. They are kissing and hugging and blowing kisses and waving with such enthusiasm it takes your breath away.
At the same time, they're dying for you to talk to them and play with them. They want you to jump into their world and live it right in the moment with them, right now. Whether it's to play trains or Ninja Turtles, babies, house or the Wii, they'll play whatever you want. They'll even give you the best toy or controller. They are always ready for a game of Eye Spy, colouring a picture, painting, cutting with scissors, and making things from pipe cleaners and play dough. Most of all they love to play outside. Running in the back yard, and playing in the sand box is the best.
If anybody can remind you how to play, it's a kid. They will cause you to laugh and to cry. You may think you're teaching them my friend, but really, it is the other way around. Remember, there's still one somewhere inside you....you just have to find it!
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