The new year inspires us to look forward to new beginnings, new adventures, new ways to enjoy our many blessings. The most important blessings, of course, are our children. And it is soberingly true that those “blessings” keep growing up faster and faster with the passing of each exciting new year. To combat that jettison of childhood it is increasingly important to slow down from time to time and to stay focused in the moment. In doing so we allow them to take their “sweet time” to grow and develop at their own pace. Which is tantamount to cautioning adults to be patient and allow children to express interest in engaging in activities, most specifically when introducing academic activities such as writing their name, working on letter recognition and sounds, or math concepts. Contrary to conventional thought, more is not always better. In fact, although undoubtedly well intentioned, pressuring your child to “just try” these skills before they are ready may be counterproductive.
At the end of this month we will offer an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss the growth of your incredible children during the first few months of school. Be assured that the teachers know your child very well. More importantly, they are early childhood experts. As such, they can and will explain their assessment of your child’s progress in all areas of development with confidence. Respect and share their confidence trusting that they will convey honest and informative viewpoints. Remember.....there is always more to report than the fact that your child is adorable!
There are a myriad reasons why the following poem stirs sweet memories of a once mini 3 year old who grew up way too quickly for this momma, had three of his own children, and sent them all to the same beloved preschool he attended with, and to the joy of, this momma. Where did the time go?? After nearly twenty years, and on the eve of his thirty eighth birthday, this is for Jared ..... just one more time.
I TOOK HIS HAND AND FOLLOWED
My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn't make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.
Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I,
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky.
We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood;
My kitchen wasn't swept today
But life was gay and good.
We found a cool, sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest,
Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.
We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill,
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,
We plucked a daffodil.
That my house was neglected,
That I didn't brush the stairs,
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know, or even care.
But that I've helped my little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years, the whole wide world
May look and see and know.
From the book, "Parent on Purpose", by Amy Carney.......Build empathy instead of entitlement. Children are born with the capacity for empathy, but it needs to be nurtured throughout their lives. Empathy is, at its simplest, an awareness of the feelings and emotions of other people. It is a crucial element of emotional intelligence, or the link between self and others. If we want to raise empathetic kids, we must be willing to take the time and make the effort to create space in their lives for opportunities that will build empathy rather than an impressive resume.
Weekly Prayer: Heavenly Father, I place my trust in You to keep me safe from harm and to guide me in times of strife. Help me to feel peaceful and find comfort in that knowledge. Amen