Little Support Systems

Just a little reflection. It is so interesting to see that even at this young age, our toddlers, have built their own support system or found support buddies in their day-to-day environment. Our children are basically growing up with each other and as one (or two) moves on to the older classrooms or different classrooms, they have to find their environment again but it became crucial to have a friend to lean on. Not much different compared to the grown-up world where even as adults, we seek the familiarity to guide us in uncharted territory.

For Erik, he has not yet transferred to the older classroom if 2 and 3 year olds. However, as his older friends leave like Kelly, Jackson, and Gabriel, he regularly peeks over to the big kids' yard longing to be with them. At the same time, Erik also leans on his other buddies more, such as Karalyn, who became the classroom "mommie" after the steps of Miss Kelly.

Mondays are always a little hard for Erik and he can get clingy but not crying or whiny, just wanting extra hugs and kisses from Mommy or Daddy. Who wouldn't want those affections from their own mommy or daddy!?!. Usually we drop him off outside but this morning, it was inside since Mommy was a little early. Erik was a bit apprehensive in going into his classroom so a big squeeze and hug outside and into the room we go. He immediately looked around and got clingy, until Mommy pointed out, "Look there's Karalyn playing" and really, it was like a "sigh! of relief - good, my friends are here!" and he happily trotted over and got a Duck Puppet to play with. Then he saw Audrey in the next room, always grinning away, and Erik definitely got a lot more comfortable and even sat down by himself on the table with Luke.

Daddy Chhimi has also introduced a new 'pick-up routine' for Erik. He gets to go to the big kids yard at the end of the day and there Miss Kelly is one of his big support buddy and vice versa. Kelly would wait for Erik to cross the big wooden gate and give a big HUG for a friendly greeting. And OFF they go...to the xylophones, to the big sand pit, to the bikes, etc. These two even pretend to have 'picnics' together with the wood chips! One day when Kelly was picked up early, Erik literally searched high and low for his "Bid Kid" buddy. Jackson is another that loves to come and greet Erik as well. Last Friday, Jackson led prego Mommy Allison all the way across the yard just to play xylophone with Erik and those two shared so nicely and played quite a harmonious tune!

I am so glad that Erik is already building his network of support and hopefully also giving support to others as well! It's an added bonus when the parents actually like each other and want to hang out on the weekends too with the kids! It really gives them a lot more interaction opportunities with each other.




Who wouldn't want to befriend this little guy?



I'm already dreading the Kindergarten age when most of us will go our 'separate ways' via public school or private school! ARGH!

Who Knew That Snow Can Be Fun?!

Continuing on my rant of "Nature Deficit Disorder". Okay first of all, there really is no such thing as a disorder but it was just coined by an author, to sell his book, as you may think.

Anyhow, I decided to "Just Do It" as in the 90's Nike Ads and take Erik up and play with the snow a little bit. What a wonderful experience!!! We absolutely enjoyed ourselves and can't wait to get the right gears and have another go at it! YAY! I had to wonder, what the heck is it so scary in the first place?!

So a great big Thank You for Lynette and family for encouraging us to go to the snow in the first place and lending us their fantastic sled (hope the 3 of us didn't break it!)

I'm now "less scared" of the snow. Next time we meet, ask me about my first camping experience for a good laugh :o)

Inspire Your Children

From a blog that I follow closely, AdventureDad recently posted a Readers' Digest article he read. It was on "How To Inspire Your Children".

Small Excerpt:

1. What you say: "You're the best!"
What they hear: "Your job in life is to make me happy."
A better way to say it: "You should be proud of how hard you worked."

2. What you say: "Watch your language!"
What they hear: "I've tuned out what you're really trying to say."
A better way to say it: "I'm so glad you came to talk to me, but I have one request for the future. I find that word offensive, so please don't use it."

4. What you say: "Don't worry -- it'll be okay."
What they hear: "You're such a drama queen!"
A better way to say it: "I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it."

I am definitely guilty of item #4 whenever Erik wails. However, I also "sportcast" and tell my toddler that he's feeling sad, frustrated, angry, upset and it's okay that he wants to cry or need Mummy or Daddy to hold for a little bit until he's okay again. So maybe I'll just stop saying the "Don't Worry, you're okay" to Erik?!

Read more on the article and see if you agree or disagree. Comment either way.