It's The Little Things

It’s hard to predict how a day will go with these Sweeties. I can plan all I want, but often they let me know we need a different plan. Here are some examples of ‘interruptions’ to our day.

Sometimes, like today, an “owee” can turn a little person’s day inside out and we just need lots of cuddle time with books or a movie. Other problems that respond well to this usually effective remedy are teething, over-tiredness, getting over an illness, weaning, or  recovering from a drastic change in schedule (like a vacation or grandparent’s visit). If it’s really bad, then rocking and singing may be necessary during the cuddling, too.

Sometimes energetic, over-exuberance bubbles over and threatens to become misbehavior… I can usually cure this with Tickle-Monster Attacks, puppets, or a dance party.

Enthusiastic learners will often want the same art, songs, stories, fingerplays, or videos (thus, we probably must know all the words to “Madame Blueberry” by now) over and over and over and over and over. I try to let them show me their interests and I expand upon them.

Misbehavior is often just a cry for attention, so then I can start a Stroller Parade, get them moving like different animals (the gorilla-walk is my current favorite), or start a game of “Find the Color.”  Counting and cheering while they jump on the trampoline, can be good for this, too,

Crankiness, irritability, or frustration can cause them to be overly rough (banging, ripping or knocking things around). This is when some classical music and a calm activity, like an interactive book on my lap, can really help. Sensory activities, like playdough or fingerpainting, are awesome at these times, too.

Taking turns, and sharing the same small spaces and toys can be frustrating. This is when I try to distract, help them use their words, trade, share, play together, or settle for something else somewhere else. Playing catch (a dozen different ways) helps them practice taking turns – good distraction, too.

All these ‘interruptions’ aren’t really derailing their important lessons, rather they ARE their lessons. No matter what we’re doing I always ask myself… “What are they learning from this?”

These small events make up the fabric of our day. The academics (letters, numbers, shapes, colors, manners, science, motor skills, etc.) are all woven in there together. When they are bigger I will expect a certain amount of conformation to more formal lessons/activities on their part. Right now the best I can do for them is conform to them and their needs as they have them.

Why I Do It

In this blog I’ve mostly spoken about the good, fun, encouraging things that fill my days here with the kids.  After all, the bible tells us to dwell on things that are good, lovely, worthy of praise, etc. - and that’s just good, sound mental health advice, if you ask me. Also, frankly, there ARE many, many instances all through the day, every day, that are that are absolutely wonderful.

However, I do get discouraged sometimes. I will be dodging peas, wiping milk spills, trying not to step on the dropped blueberries and asking the kids the same things I always request of them ("Use your big-kid words. Food stays on the table please. We take SMALL bites and chew, chew, chew!") while the same kids’ songs play over and over. Or I will clean up the same messes over and over until I could just scream from back-ache and weariness. Don’t even get me started on the many dirty diapers and other bodily messes that are almost constant. There are many tedious, difficult, and down-right GROSS things that I do on a daily basis. My goal (and prayer) is to do them cheerfully and with love. Mother Theresa (a personal hero of mine) said, “There are no big things, only small things done with great love.”

Here alone with kids all day, I sometimes wonder if anyone knows, or cares, about the thought, effort, and energy that I pour into these children (I don’t wonder that a lot, since I DO, thankfully, have parents who are very caring and appreciative, and who show it on a regular basis). There are, though, so many little things (and big ones) that I do that hardly one knows about – singing tons of songs to comfort, amuse, entertain, teach, and encourage good choices, cutting bread and other food into interesting shapes to discuss while we eat, making up games, coming up with sensory and creative opportunities for them, using every possible opportunity to teach the kids counting, letters, manners, colors, shapes, and kindness to others, and mostly taking the time to talk, laugh, dance, tickle, cuddle and joke with them.

What a gift it is to have the time to look into their eyes and really listen and respond to their discoveries and concerns. The fact that I get to experience the miracle of their growing and changing is what makes it fascinating and, over all, never boring. Sure, sometimes the walls can feel like they’re closing in on me. But it’s only temporary. The opportunities here with these babies are limited time offers and I understand how fleeting and important that is. So I sigh, smile, and press on.

Here it all is in a nutshell - I know what I do all day… from the wonderfully rewarding things  to the dreary grunt-work…. God knows about it, too. ….Most of all, the kids know and will be better off for it. They are so absolutely worth it all and more.