This week, at our regular playgroup, my lil Toddler started out the class a little shy. This was very typical of him a few months ago but more recently he's grown confident and outgoing. The odd time however, like this week, he'll huddle around mommy's legs for a bit before warming up to the crowd. The teacher said in her swinging voice, "hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Roooooossssii" to which he puckered his lips, jutted his head to one side and said "NO". Now, I'm not the type of mom who gets mortified by such things cause I know it's a toddler thing so I rolled my eyes at his teacher and said "lil cranks this morning I guess". By the end of the class, he had his rhythm goin and was dancing up a storm. I encouraged him to say thank you to the teacher and he went and gave her a big hug, soo cute!! I patted him on the cheek and said that was a much better way of reacting to the teacher, "I think she liked that very much!".
On the ride home, I thought back to the week. How he was staring at someone in line at the grocery store..and stared.....and stared. I whispered in his ear that if he wanted to stare at someone he should at least say hi. Then at the dept store - he was entertaining the ladies by being his charming self. Then the Doctor's office I encouraged him to return the good morning to the ladies at the reception and then to the people on the way out who were staring at him. He refused to say hi to one of the ladies who talked to him and she returned to him, " you are right! You shouldn't talk to strangers". hmmmmm, that got me thinking...is there a perfect stranger? I mean who qualifies as safe to speak to, hug or "take candy from"?
I grew up in a VERY small town in Newfoundland (we're talking 200 ppl). Shout out to my Newfie readers!!! Anyways, there everyone knew everyone and all the details of their every move. I was accustomed to playing in the streets, popping into my playmates house for a cup a tea and a lassie bun :) There was hardly a concern if I was late getting home. My parents knew just who to call if they were concerned and it was generally obvious of my whereabouts. But these days, it's sadly different. I wouldn't dream of letting my son even play in our backyard without supervision...IN MY OWN HOME!! The headlines are plagued with frightening stories and we grow more and more paranoid as our lil ones approach independance. So comes my inner debate on when to teach my son the difference between being polite and being cautious. One of the things we adore about our children is their innocence, so at what stage do we teach him that the world is otherwise? If I do say so myself, my son is rather charming :)
I certainly don't want to be the one to quash (weird word) that and make him an introvert to new people but at the same how do I teach him to be cautious??! Now I know I am getting a little ahead of myself here. He is just 2.5 and is never anywhere without an adult but at what age do I start to teach him about such things? Do I start the first day of school? Here son, today you start school. Not only are you entering a whole new world of structured curriculum, new teachers, and funny librarians but just to shatter your world - this is a crazy place we live in full of monsters and adults you CAN'T trust - have a nice day!!
Thankfully my husband has a better sense for this kind of stuff so I'll rely on him for more direction. But who knows what the right answer is...just some food for thought I guess.
Little update on our little cat napper. She's not a great sleeper and that's just who she is I guess :) Although there are days where the naps are great! But for the most part, we are up even more at night (every 1 hr - 1.5 hrs). Our Ped advised that the night time feedings are still necessary. She hasn't gained a ton of weight lately so I'm "happy" to feed her as often as possible till we reach the magic 6 month mark where she can start eating the real stuff! Can't believe it's that time already. She is hitting all kinds of milestones - rolling over (attributing to even more wake ups), giggling, and grabbing at her toys. I really do love this stage. She is tons of fun and it is getting easier now that she can play along with Rossi and I in her own way. Keeva has tons of personality and I just know she is going to grow to be a strong and thoughtful woman. She certainly tells me what she wants with her loud voice but also shows me how much I mean to her with her beautiful smile and deep telling eyes.
My kids mean the world to me. I'm no perfect mama but love is what I have to give and I hope that it shapes them and comforts them, and let's them know that home is always a safe place.
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