I've come to the conclusion (for the millionth time) that our children absorb everything we do. Let me give you an example (although many of you can picture the things your own children do).
Taylor was laying on the floor yesterday, nothing out of the ordinary. He was definately hungry, and ready to be fed. I was frantically trying to hurry dinner along so Ryan could eat between work and mutual...I obviously shouldn't have sat at the piano to unwind, because there were things that needed to be done. Back to my case - Tanner was playing in the front room when Taylor began to wimper, probably from a hungry tummy, and I pushed aside the thought to stir dinner...Then Taylor began to wail. I dropped what I was doing, afraid that Tanner was inflicting pain of some sort - only to find Tanner across the room from Taylor, saying, "Stop! Stop!" with a definate 'talk to the hand' gesture...It was all I could to not to laugh. This is not the first time Tanner has 'ordered' Taylor to stop crying. It was however, hilarious to see this spunky two-year-old tell his three-month-old brother what to do and how to do it.
I gently asked Tanner with all the composure I could muster if he had hurt Taylor. He shook his head no, and said, "Sad". (If there's been any pain inflicted, Taylor is usually screaming harder, and I catch Tanner right before he leaves) After checking Taylor's body for any wounds, I got him nursing as I sat against the couch and stroked his sweating head - he had really cried hard! Tanner was so sweet to sit by me and stroke Taylor's head, too. He has begun showing us that he really does understand feelings, actions, words, and a general Spirit of peace or frustration in our home.
Just watching the way Tanner talks, cracks me up. Very seldom can we persuade him to use an 'inside' voice - he usually talks very loud, and with this very serious face - with that comes lots of big hand gestures and 'big' talk. We cannot really tell what he's saying, but he knows, because he'll repeat it exactly the same two or three times until we respond with 'something'. The way he communicates is most likely a reflection (this is hard to admit) of the way he's talked to...lots of big words, hand gestures/movements, loud talking, and occasional yelling - okay, more than is probably necessary. But still, he's learning - whether it's good or bad, I'm not sure. Case in point, Ryan and I need to watch it a little closer and tone it down.
Sorry neighbors - we'll keep it down - or at least try to!
Good Book Find of the month Link Here (Ryan's doing, actually) - "Einstein Never Used Flash Cards - how our children really learn and why they need to play more and memorize less" Drs. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Michnick, and Diane Eyer. My eyes have been opened quite a bit more...Primarily, I love how they explain how our children learn...it totally makes sense and they have great research to support their findings. Enjoy, all you people who have a ton of extra time! (Yeah Right! - Luckily Tanner lets me sit to nurse - that's when I read.)
5 comments:
It is amazing how much they do pick up from us, isn't it? It amazes me every single day. They grow up way so fast! :)
Just yesterday, I was in the kitchen making Parker an egg, Parker and Preston were in the living room. Parker comes running in and says, "No, baby, no!" And then he points to his mouth and makes a gagging noise. (crazy, I know!) I go into the living room, to see what Parker might be talking about, Preston is sitting on the floor playing. I "finger swipe" Preston's mouth, and low and behold, there is a quarter-size piece of wood in his mouth. Had Parker not come to me and told me (as much as a 2 year old can communicate), Preston might have choked on it! After crying, and telling Parker over and over again how thankful I am that he is "such a good big brother", I said a prayer that even at a young age, they really do "pay attention" to the things we do.
Our children are TOTALLY mirrors of their parents! Katelyn (4 years old) was told to go downstairs, get dress, and then she can eat breakfast. She INFORMED me, MOM, "No, mom. I'm going to eat breakfast FIRST, then I'll get dressed." I said, "you can say whatever you want, Katelyn, but you're not getting breakfast until you're dressed." guess what her reply to that was. "You don't say 'no' to me, mom." hm. Needless to say, she was kindly and patiently re-introduced to 'the way things are.' Funny kid. First born. VERY STRONG first born. Love 'em all!
Lisa, That is hilarious (as an outsider). Tanner is always telling me how it is - his favorite word is "STOP" (We tried not to use no, so we used Stop...yeah, it backfired!)
Kate - I am so glad that Preston is okay! That is scary! Tanner loves marbles and pennies - he's good about not putting them in his mouth, but I worry about him putting them in his brother's mouth...Even in their primitive language they can be helpful!
Glad you're doing well!
thanks for the comment! it really was a trying . . . year? i don't know. anyway, thanks for keeping up on your blog! we really need to get together sometime.
Yes, it really humbles you when you hear something you shouldn't have said coming out of their little mouths. :) You'll have to tell me more about this book, sounds interesting.
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