Playdough

Words of Wisdom...a lesson in child development!

This isn't rocket science or anything...

The older that Parker gets, the more I can see the importance of all the things that I learned in child development...I can relate all of those hours spent in Lynn Scoresby's class and realize that there was a point to all that I learned. (In reality, I never really doubted it - in fact this class that I took during my Freshman year will always be one of my favorite classes that I took at BYU!!!) So, here is a my hand-on knowledge of child-development at a 2 year old level.

1. Kids THRIVE on structure!

They like structured play. They like to have set activities. They love attention. I have found myself wondering lately, "why in the world does Parker make such a mess?" "How come he insists on emptying my office drawer every day?" Okay, I probably knew the answer - but didn't want to admit it. Parker wanted attention. Parker wanted to play and be with me. From all of my teaching and experience, I know that kids cause trouble when they are bored or don't know how to focus their energy. We do pretty good to go out and do activities, but it is when we are hanging around the house that the frustration sets in.

I love what my friend Maggie put on her blog a few weeks ago. She was reflecting on President Hinckley's talk from conference on cherishing the moment. About this Maggie said, "It is easy sometimes to wish away the hours until I can put our kid down for bed, or wish away being students to the day when my husband has a career, or wish away the time we are spending away from our families, or any number of things." Wow...I definitely do that. However, I LOVE this stage of life. I love watching Parker learn and grow. I love the new excitements every day. I might not love the messes - but I can love the challenges of finding things to keep him excited and learning. I know for my sake and his that I need to continue having structure and in that cherish the little moments.

The next morning, after reading this and thinking about this, I started the morning with playdough. Parker loved being able to add all of the ingredients to make it. Then, we added the color and he got to mix it in the bag. Last of all, he got to play with it and make all sorts of creations. Best part is...it is fun that we can have over and over again :)

2. Kids TEST their limits.

Even a 2 year old wants to know if you mean what you say. For example, today it was over laundry (yes, Heidi...Parker took lessons from Teagan and unfolded all the laundry). I know that in his mind he was trying to be helpful, but clearly he wasn't. I removed him from the situation and then told him he wasn't allowed to touch. A minute later, he came back and while carefully watching me tried to touch the laundry. NO. He immediately stopped and then tried again. This time, I told him if he did it again, he would go on timeout. He came and touched it and then said "Timeout." He wasn't even upset, he knew what he had done and wanted to make sure that I would follow through. After that, he didn't bother to come near the laundry again...I guess that he got his answer...

Luckily for me, I have a pretty obedient child - so once Parker learns that something is off-limits...he stays away :)

3. Kids follow the example of their parents.

I am sure that most of us have heard the importance of example. Kids watch us even when we don't realize it. Kids are listening even when we don't think they are. It is funny because a few times this week, I have been on the phone and Parker has heard something that I say and immediately wants that thing...For example, I was talking to my sister Wendy about being able to spend time outside again now that it is cooling off...Parker immediately wanted to go outside. Today, he heard me talking to my mom about an amusement park we went to last week and because of this started talking about the rides and saying, "YEAH!"

The same is true for a child wanting to do what he/she sees a parent doing. If a kid sees a parent reading, often times it teaches them that reading is good. I know that whenever Parker sees me reading a book or my scriptures, he wants to do the same thing. If I am eating on the couch, Parker wants to eat on the couch. If I am laying down, Parker wants to. If Rich has a tie on, Parker wants to wear a tie. If Rich is wearing is backpack, Parker wants to wear his backpack too. It's like the whole theory "Monkey see, Monkey do!"

It is very cute to see him follow our example. Through all of this, however, I have thought a lot about...what kind of example are we setting?

The list could go on and on...but that is it for today's words of wisdom on child development!