John Maxwell was right about this, and incidentally, about so many other things: “A child’s formative years are the most important in instilling the right attitude.” I can’t help but think that our fast-paced American society short-changes our little ones when they are so programmed for success that they lose the little things which will succor and support them as individuals in the trials of life.
What is so wrong with the home nurturing and holding close rather than sending little ones off with their backpacks to babysitters and nursery school? We’re so intent on “teaching” our little ones their letters and numbers and pushing them toward “success” and competitive edge, that we lose sight that what they really need is hugs and self-assurance that they are loved first of all just because they ARE. They will easily learn the “stuff” others consider important, but will they learn the enjoyment which comes from the wonder of sitting at a sunny window watching dust mites, or fingering the fabric which is smooth, or the emery board which is rough?
I watch little Kaley, so complete with her insatiable curiosity, and just marvel at how satisfied she is to just BE Kaley. Sure, we rejoice that her vocabulary is extensive, that she can accomplish so much, that she loves to interact with people, and that she is so delightful to be around. But what I love most is that she just loves to BE. She can entertain herself with a piece of paper, folding and unfolding it, rubbing its texture, putting it into and taking it out of a tissue box, completely lost in the joy of just being.
We can learn so much about what is so very important from just watching a toddler. She’s not trying to prove anything. She’s not trying to be better than someone else at a skill. She’s not building speed, or multitasking, or impressing anyone. She’s just being Kaley, in all her genuineness, in all her ability to enjoy life, and in her attitude of wonder.
How I pray she will keep on being the delight she is, and that when, in due time, she needs to prove herself in one way or another, she will keep the formative principle of being who she is, a beautiful, capable, and inquisitive child who is satisfied with simple pleasures learned as a toddler.
All the rest is simply window dressing society demands.
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