Walking with Lillian
It had been a long time since I
walked with a small child. Given
the chance to walk with Lillian, her Mama and my wife so we could meet Dada I
accepted gratefully. As we all
walked I was able to watch her mother and later her father display good
parenting, which I always find utterly satisfying.
I had forgotten many things such
as:
To a two-year-old wearing boots
means we should be walking in the snow and not on the shoveled sidewalk.
Each successive puddle is a new
opportunity to splash.
Even with the goal of meeting Dada,
a walk is a series of jaunts toward interesting items and people heading, more
or less, in the general direction of Dada’s office.
Fallen leaves sitting on deep
snowdrifts are more appealing than leaves on the cleared sidewalk.
Aunties and uncles are fun to
chase.
And finally:
Doggies poop on the sidewalk, which
is of great interest to tiny people involved in potty training.
Have you walked with a small child
recently?
I am away from my computer today, but I will look at the comments as soon as I can.
I am away from my computer today, but I will look at the comments as soon as I can.
Great observations, Warren. The blog reminded me of when my children were little. When they were newly born, I thought of them in the "cat" stage-somewhat responsive and not particularly interested in anything but satisfying their own needs.
ReplyDeleteAt two, they were in the "dog" stage. This isn't derogatory, but it is an acknowledgement of the development a child undergoes. Your description of walking your niece could have been that of walking a dog. Jumping through puddles, taking detours, wanting to chase, etc.
Each stage is precious and important for a child. Taking the time to participate, giving them the feedback so they learn the stage's lesson, and enjoying the person they are becoming helps them on their way.
I like EB's observations. I hadn't thought of the maturation process in terms of cat and dog stages.
ReplyDeleteI'm suspecting that at the end of life we revert to the beginning stage and like cats we prefer warmth and curling up on a comfy bed, luxurious stretches an not worrying about what others think as we scratch ourselves.
~ Jim
I am loving these animal analogies! I think you guys have it right (as I curl up in a blanket with a cup of tea)
ReplyDeleteNothing is sweeter than a walk with a little one, feeling that tiny hand in yours.
She's a keeper, Warren.
How sweet! It's fun to see the world through a child's eyes. My friend's son is fascinated by the water dripping out of the downspout. It's something I never noticed until I walked with him.
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ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable child. I'm fortunate enough to live near my great-grandchildren, and my daughter-in-law watches them often. Since my son and daughter-in-law live sort of next door, I have a lot of opportunities to interact with the little ones since they were babies. It's amusing and delightful to see how they react to the world.
How charming! As they explore their world, young children can always teach us something about discovering (or rediscovering) the magic all around us.
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