Frank and I were at the library yesterday. A toddler was in the parking garage making all sorts of noises and listening to them echo. The adult he was with was encouraging and participating in this experimentation, and they were clearly having a fabulous time together. Frank and I, from the floor above, listened and smiled.
Such a little thing, that moment, but so huge in terms of acceptance.
I wish moments like those were the norm in our culture. Just imagine all those moments strung together in a child's life to make decades of interaction with adults who enjoy their exploration, join in on the fun, and put "life focus" on joy.
This 9/11 Morning
5 days ago
6 comments:
Overhearing moments like that can just make my whole day. :)
Far more often I'm the uncomfortable witness to children being told unnecessarily to be quiet, be still, hush, stop that.
Yes, me, too. I often complain about it here, so it was really nice to have a good story to tell for a change!
Thanks, I love this. :)
A while back, I started a post about seeing this little boy and his father in a parking lot. The little boy was holding a nintendo DS and didn't put it down fast enough when the father ordered him to, so the father grabbed it, and when the little boy cried about NOT SAVING THE GAME, the father said, "Too-bad-so-sad" in a sarcastic tone to the boy, who looked about 4 or 5.
Sorry that was so long. Now I'm mad all over again. I'm going to shut up and reread your story. It was much nicer. :/
Um. My word verification is "Jackesse". Should I be offended?
Laura, I totally undestand how those ugly moments can stay with you. I still obsess about this woman I saw in Borders about two years ago. Her baby was in his carrier, screaming his heart out, while she stood with her back to him, perusing books. It was one of the coldest things I've ever seen.
It was a relief to have a nice moment to write about!
I am really struggling with seeing these negative parenting moments--thanks for sharing a positive one.
The story made me think and reassess the meaning of my parenting skills when my son's friends all still call me "mum". They are all around 30 now and still use this endearment.I must have done something right.Your echo story made me remember many fond moments.
Post a Comment