I had an ah-ha moment today when my visiting teacher came over with her 3 year old little boy. I always knew that teaching was going to be preparation for parenting. It says this in my patriarchal blessing. Today's ah-ha moment came when I picked up on one parent's cue phrase for thanking the child for listening to them. Her phrase was "good listening". In my teaching classes we have been taught to never just say "stop", or "thank you". We as teachers need to use those cue phrases in specific situations such as "good listening". I don't know why, but I had never connected this with parenting. I always thought please and thank you were the great standard. But, it isn't specific. The child doesn't know EXACTLY what they are doing wrong or right in situations.
As the visiting teaching continued, the 3 year old was wandering around the front room, doing what any 3 year old does, and I could see Mom was horrified he was wandering. I wasn't thinking of it 2 seconds. I brought the boy into the conversation. I asked questions and really let him feel at home. It ended with my visiting teacher saying, "Wow, you are good with kids."
I guess I am. I have been an aunt long enough. I love my nieces and nephews. I miss my nieces and nephews. I didn't tell my visiting teacher that I am expecting. We are not ready to announce it to everyone around us. But, it was a nice little tip of the hat that even random people say I am good with kids. Now I need to get better with babies. I know that is a weakness of mine...and a fear. Still researching development stages to know what is appropriate at some ages. Am I a scientist or what?
1 comment:
Just remember with babies they are on their own timetables. Don't ever compare your baby's development with other babies. I know it's hard not to but they are so different! My girls are early on most "milestones." My friend's son was 6 months late on most of it but he's healthy and happy and developing. That's important. You'll be a great mom.
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