By Anna Wallis
From a child’s perspective, an imaginary letter written on behalf of every delightful and precious baby about to become mobile and discover the power of movement. It could be from your little boy or girl from the age of four months or so.
To my wonderful parents and guardians,
You are the best parents ever and that’s why I am such a happy, content, thriving, cheerful, gorgeous baby.
I know one shouldn’t brag, but hey, I see it in your eyes every time you look at me, hold me, hug me and talk to me.
When you have to be away from me your love just glows within me. It helps me feel secure in the gentle, loving care of my caregiver, because I know that I can always look forward to your love when you get back. I thrill in the knowledge that you just can’t wait to be with me and hold me. Your enthusiasm, smiles of joy and pride in all my accomplishments, simply help me thrive.
As I am about to get more mobile, I think it’s only fair to warn you of some changes to come. As I start to move around more my personality, newly found skills and abilities will begin to unfold. It’s my job to teach you a few things as well. Over the years we’ll be learning a lot from each other.
I’ll show you that there is no one-size-fits-all manual for raising kids. Sure, it is absolutely essential for you to be as informed about my development as you possibly can. It is important keep abreast of the current developments and research. Just remember to use manuals and programmes as guiding principles. You will have to keep changing what you do as I am going to keep changing and my needs will too.
I learn through playful interactions with you and the fun and giggles we share. Your love, encouragement, the way you talk to me, read to me, sing to me the way you comfort me when I cry all help me grow and learn.
We can play a lot of new games now like ‘peek-a-boo’. By the way, I know that you are there! You can’t fool me! I’ve noticed that when I drop something you will pick it up. I am beginning to discover cause and effect. I’ve also noticed that when I have a bath my toys float and water splashes when I move my hands. There is just so much for me to discover in the wonderful world around me.
Everything I do each day lays the foundations for all the things I’ll need to learn later like math, science, life skills, reading and writing. I learn through my senses and the joy of movement. I’ll soon be sitting, crawling, pulling myself up, walking, climbing and running as fast as I can.
No need to worry if I prefer a set of Tupperware containers over the puzzle you carefully chose for me – I have this amazing capacity to learn in the way that’s best for me.
Math is more than numbers, science is not just about formulas. There is more reading than letters and sounds. Life skills are not about fitting into a template or passing readiness tests.
If I feel that you are worried or unhappy about something I do, I will pick it up because I’m very sensitive to your moods.
So please relax, trust me and enjoy me just the way I am at each stage of growth. And, most importantly, trust your parenting skills. You are the best parents in the whole wide world and you know me best. You can give me a little nudge in the right direction when I am most receptive, just don’t rush me. Let me set the pace.
And yes, I will give you a hard time every now and then. I might even have a meltdown or two at the most inconvenient and most embarrassing time for you when I am a toddler. It’s my job, you know, because I need to test what works and what doesn’t. Try and approach it in a positive way and with a touch of humour. It will teach you the art of diplomacy and negotiation in the best of contexts. And trust me, you will really need those skills when I am a teenager!
With love,
The Apple of Your Eye
