Sometimes the smallest things remind me of what a big, important job it is to be a parent. At work we’re sometimes given awards points when a manager decides to recognize us for something. We can then use these awards points to buy items from a catalog. Just after Christmas I used a portion of my points to buy The Babito a Razor tricycle.
It’s a tiny, fold-up tricycle without pedals that toddlers move around on by pushing with their feet. When we first put The Babito on the bike he didn’t have any clue what to do. He did figure out how to go backwards on it but it took some working with him to figure out how to go forward and to steer it.
I didn’t even think about the fact that he may not know how to ride it. This just reminded me that babies are truly a blank slate that the parents and others must guide and teach and that every one of your actions (especially lately) is closely watched, and sometimes imitated by them.
The events in a child’s first few years of life play a huge part in what kind of person they will end up being. It’s both exciting and scary to realize just how big of an impact you will have on someone’s life.
I want him to learn patience, sharing, kindness, and respect for his elders. I want him to develop a love for learning and reading. I want him to learn how to handle adversity. If we’re to be successful in instilling all of these traits in him we’ll have to be role models for these behaviors ourselves. It’s something to always keep in mind.
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#1 by Bryan on January 7th, 2008
I completely agree, there are so many things that my sons need me to show them. Your tricycle is a great example, sometimes I am almost intimidated by how much I have to be able to “teach” them and when they are 2 years old, how do you know when not to teach and just let them figure it out on their own.
Then out of nowhere he does something amazing and I think, “where did you learn that from? I know it wasn’t me.”
#2 by Daddy Dan on January 7th, 2008
Bryan: I’ve had the same experiences. Out of nowhere he comes up with something new I’d never seen him do or say. I think he learns a lot at the babysitter’s house where he’s around a few older kids all day.
#3 by becky on January 7th, 2008
its so true. but its also crazy when your kids get bigger and they become their own person. so many times hannah’s said or done things that me and matt are like WTF afterward. we’re like man, we had NOTHING to do with that…yet she did it anyway. she’s a total reflection of us, dont get me wrong. but its crazy to think that your kids might actually do or say things that DONT reflect you!
i’m rambling lol. you’ll see what i mean in a few years lol
#4 by Daddy Dan on January 8th, 2008
Becky: I think I’m already starting to see that. The Babito is slowly becoming his own person. He wants more and more to do things on his own, without Mommy or Daddy’s help.
#5 by Romi on January 8th, 2008
You seem like you have a really good handle on it as well as a solid foundation, I’m sure he’s going to turn out great!
#6 by Daddy Dan on January 9th, 2008
Romi: Thanks!