“Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow.”
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
What makes my six year old daughter Mia so amazing to speak with is that she is, and always has been completely unafraid to ask questions. I get the gift of gab from my mother, and passed it to my children. Daisy and I have added plenty of food and water to this quickly flowering seed.
We both believe that it is important to speak with our children as though they understand, with unforgiving vocabulary, well ahead of any expectation of a reasonable response. Eventually they will reciprocate, and those defining moments leading to that inevitable verbal eruption are each and every one majestic.
The fact that Mia is so undaunted when it comes to asking questions, means I’m able to lower my filter when I open my mouth. I’m confident that if something flies over her head, there’s a near certainty that she’ll throw her arms to the sky and try to catch it. Of course I keep the grown-up talk in the cupboard with a white, plastic child safety lock latched across the top, but I’ve never hedged on the vocabulary. This strategy has paid in dividends far more handsome than any mutual fund I’ve ever contributed to.
Mia’s language was good when she was two, great when she was three, and amazing now at six. I understand that comparing my daughter’s articulation to compound interest might seem a little off, but really it’s quite apt. At first, contributions are high while the returns remain low. Sooner or later, the interest earned starts to exceed the initial investment.
As is true with most successful ventures, we must start early to finish strong.
I am in awe of the connections that Mia is constantly making, and the verbal balls we are now bouncing back and forth. Even more amazing is that she’s able to weave new experience into the countless little details that she has absorbed over the long years of her short life. Mia will often reference things from her distant past, tying tidbits from long gone lessons to newly discovered details.
Knowing that Mia is storing everything inside that amazing little brain makes me far more mindful when it comes to our four year old Max. Our first born is the child who teaches us to parent, the second is equalized by all the lessons we learned by paying attention.
With Max, I have learned that everything matters.
We only get one life, and in that life a single childhood made from a million moments, most of which fall neatly under our jurisdiction. If there was one thing I could say to each and every parent, it is this:
Our children get it, and we should never do them, or ourselves, the disservice of underestimation. There are no do overs.
Writer Dad
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About Sean Platt
Hi Writer Dad – I love that…with parenting… “there are no do overs”. Such important words to remember.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Blogs – Information You Won’t Find In A Text Book
Hi Writer Dad – I love that…with parenting… “there are no do overs”. Such important words to remember.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Blogs – Information You Won’t Find In A Text Book
WriterDad, I love this approach. My own children have a vocabulary broad enough to differentiate them from their peers, although not quite extensive enough to get them beaten up. :D
It’s the vocabulary I didn’t expose them to that amazes me. And I’m not talking about the words you keep in your cupboard.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
WriterDad, I love this approach. My own children have a vocabulary broad enough to differentiate them from their peers, although not quite extensive enough to get them beaten up. :D
It’s the vocabulary I didn’t expose them to that amazes me. And I’m not talking about the words you keep in your cupboard.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..What I Learnt From Crashing The Car – Part 2
If your daughter matures to be anything like me, her questions will continue but be more and more mature and intellectual.
I recall a high school English teacher thanking me for raising my hand in class because there were probably nine other students who would have raised their hands but were either afraid or apathetic.
I ask a new question every day. And I learn a new answer every day.
Here’s to questions and answers – and to your daughter!
Ari Herzogs last blog post..Anything is Possible
If your daughter matures to be anything like me, her questions will continue but be more and more mature and intellectual.
I recall a high school English teacher thanking me for raising my hand in class because there were probably nine other students who would have raised their hands but were either afraid or apathetic.
I ask a new question every day. And I learn a new answer every day.
Here’s to questions and answers – and to your daughter!
Ari Herzogs last blog post..Anything is Possible
Using advanced vocabulary just means that they can put it in context and will be used to hearing it. I think I’m going to steal your parenting method – me like.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..An American Hero
Using advanced vocabulary just means that they can put it in context and will be used to hearing it. I think I’m going to steal your parenting method – me like.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..An American Hero
My son was actually criticized by his Reception year teacher for asking too many questions.
As I sat there at Parent’s Evening with my mouth open, I asked her whether his questions were relevant to the lessons or whether he was just wasting time.
“Oh no”, she said, “they are all about what we are learning. He is just insatiable. He never stops asking me to qualify what we are learning.”
I came home and told my boy to never change and that his thirst for knowledge is a wonderful wonderful thing and if his teacher can’t answer all his questions, come home and mummy will do her damnest to.
He also went to school with a huge thirst for knowledge and he couldn’t wait to read and learn how to write and I was told to slow him down so he could walk with his classmates before he could run.
I’m hoping there is a good reason for this as I cannot comprehend why I should hold my bright little man back.
Taras last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: What’s the first single you ever bought?
My son was actually criticized by his Reception year teacher for asking too many questions.
As I sat there at Parent’s Evening with my mouth open, I asked her whether his questions were relevant to the lessons or whether he was just wasting time.
“Oh no”, she said, “they are all about what we are learning. He is just insatiable. He never stops asking me to qualify what we are learning.”
I came home and told my boy to never change and that his thirst for knowledge is a wonderful wonderful thing and if his teacher can’t answer all his questions, come home and mummy will do her damnest to.
He also went to school with a huge thirst for knowledge and he couldn’t wait to read and learn how to write and I was told to slow him down so he could walk with his classmates before he could run.
I’m hoping there is a good reason for this as I cannot comprehend why I should hold my bright little man back.
Taras last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: What’s the first single you ever bought?
Wow, Tara, slow your child down so he could walk with his classmates? God forbid the teacher should have to work a little harder for your child’s benefit? That sounds suspiciously close to “dumbing down” or appealing to the least common denominator. Almost 50 years ago, I was allowed to skip a grade in elementary school. I can’t imagine what would have happened with me if I hadn’t. Although I was younger than everyone, I was engaged and excited about learning.
Sean is eloquently stating that we parents are the gatekeepers to our children’s spirit – their intellectual curiosity and their enthusiasm about what is to be learned. Dampening that spirit, or allowing an external dampening while they are in our care, is unfathomable.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..COMPASS
Wow, Tara, slow your child down so he could walk with his classmates? God forbid the teacher should have to work a little harder for your child’s benefit? That sounds suspiciously close to “dumbing down” or appealing to the least common denominator. Almost 50 years ago, I was allowed to skip a grade in elementary school. I can’t imagine what would have happened with me if I hadn’t. Although I was younger than everyone, I was engaged and excited about learning.
Sean is eloquently stating that we parents are the gatekeepers to our children’s spirit – their intellectual curiosity and their enthusiasm about what is to be learned. Dampening that spirit, or allowing an external dampening while they are in our care, is unfathomable.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..COMPASS
Hi WD,
I always try to speak to children using the same words I would use with anybody. Fortunately for me, three years in a seminary mean that I hardly ever curse. I even feel guilty if I think one :).
I feel there is no need to teach them the “kid” words which are, in Spanish, often longer than the real terms. Is like that in English too?
Hi Tara,
I can recall a similar situation when I was a boy. My father encouraged me to ask my teacher questions, but they were not always appreciated. In retrospect, after having taught myself, I know a teacher can feel stressed by the unexpected question from a kid, while he’s keeping an eye to the class clown.
But don’t worry, kids usually follow their parents much more than their teachers.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Mindmaps on (and with) index cards
Here here Betsy. I just thank heavens there are other teachers out there who actually care about the individuals they are in charge of.
Taras last blog post..Lost
Hi WD,
I always try to speak to children using the same words I would use with anybody. Fortunately for me, three years in a seminary mean that I hardly ever curse. I even feel guilty if I think one :).
I feel there is no need to teach them the “kid” words which are, in Spanish, often longer than the real terms. Is like that in English too?
Hi Tara,
I can recall a similar situation when I was a boy. My father encouraged me to ask my teacher questions, but they were not always appreciated. In retrospect, after having taught myself, I know a teacher can feel stressed by the unexpected question from a kid, while he’s keeping an eye to the class clown.
But don’t worry, kids usually follow their parents much more than their teachers.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Mindmaps on (and with) index cards
Here here Betsy. I just thank heavens there are other teachers out there who actually care about the individuals they are in charge of.
Taras last blog post..Lost
@Miguel. You’re totally right, teaching is a really difficult job and there is such a wide difference of children in one class (there was a clown in my class all through school and I used to curse him, swot that I was!)
And I have to say, I kind of enjoy trying to answer all his questions when he gets home because it reinforces his belief that mummy knows everything!
Taras last blog post..Lost
@Miguel. You’re totally right, teaching is a really difficult job and there is such a wide difference of children in one class (there was a clown in my class all through school and I used to curse him, swot that I was!)
And I have to say, I kind of enjoy trying to answer all his questions when he gets home because it reinforces his belief that mummy knows everything!
Taras last blog post..Lost
I completely agree, Sean, that we need to be very mindful when we talk to our kids (this is coming from a father to be, so I am speaking from the sidelines), that we don’t worry so much about talking down to their level. In the end we are just ‘talking down to them’. Not that we should confuse them with big words, but that we should respect their ever expanding minds by giving them food for thought, not just a bunch of, “Is that your little tummy, tum, tum?”
Well put ideas, Sean. Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Personal Responsibility: Making Wise Choices Regardless Of The Financial Forecast
I completely agree, Sean, that we need to be very mindful when we talk to our kids (this is coming from a father to be, so I am speaking from the sidelines), that we don’t worry so much about talking down to their level. In the end we are just ‘talking down to them’. Not that we should confuse them with big words, but that we should respect their ever expanding minds by giving them food for thought, not just a bunch of, “Is that your little tummy, tum, tum?”
Well put ideas, Sean. Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Personal Responsibility: Making Wise Choices Regardless Of The Financial Forecast
What you plant in this generation will probably bear fruit in the next generation in the way that you kids raise their kids. We’re are fortunate enough to be seeing that in our grandchildren.
It sounds like you are doing well.
Mike Goads last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 003
What you plant in this generation will probably bear fruit in the next generation in the way that you kids raise their kids. We’re are fortunate enough to be seeing that in our grandchildren.
It sounds like you are doing well.
Mike Goads last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 003
Barbara: Countless chances, infinite opportunities, no do overs.
Dave: “My own children have a vocabulary broad enough to differentiate them from their peers, although not quite extensive enough to get them beaten up.” That sounds like the best word set possible.
Ari: “I ask a new question every day. And I learn a new answer every day.” That’s a beautiful statement, and a fantastic way to weave through life.
Hayden: You’re not stealing, Hayden. I’m giving it away!
Tara: That is impossibly appalling on every level, and a good example of why our education, not just in this country but in much of the world, is broken. We can ask our children to slow down with a great many things. Their desire to learn should never be one. I’m very sorry, Tara.
Betsy: Thanks. I’m the opposite. I got moved from a private school to a public school in fourth grade. One week into the school year, the office discovered my age and put me back in third grade, which would have been too slow to begin with. It was the most miserable school year ever.
Miguel: It is often like that. My language isn’t different with my children than with Daisy, for example, just my reference points.
Eric: Speaking from the sidelines is great, Eric. It means that you are mindful today, which will indeed make you a better father tomorrow.
Mike: Thanks, Mike. I completely agree. Daisy and I both realize that we are not just raising our own children, but our grandparent’s children. It must be amazing to sit with the generations around the table.
Barbara: Countless chances, infinite opportunities, no do overs.
Dave: “My own children have a vocabulary broad enough to differentiate them from their peers, although not quite extensive enough to get them beaten up.” That sounds like the best word set possible.
Ari: “I ask a new question every day. And I learn a new answer every day.” That’s a beautiful statement, and a fantastic way to weave through life.
Hayden: You’re not stealing, Hayden. I’m giving it away!
Tara: That is impossibly appalling on every level, and a good example of why our education, not just in this country but in much of the world, is broken. We can ask our children to slow down with a great many things. Their desire to learn should never be one. I’m very sorry, Tara.
Betsy: Thanks. I’m the opposite. I got moved from a private school to a public school in fourth grade. One week into the school year, the office discovered my age and put me back in third grade, which would have been too slow to begin with. It was the most miserable school year ever.
Miguel: It is often like that. My language isn’t different with my children than with Daisy, for example, just my reference points.
Eric: Speaking from the sidelines is great, Eric. It means that you are mindful today, which will indeed make you a better father tomorrow.
Mike: Thanks, Mike. I completely agree. Daisy and I both realize that we are not just raising our own children, but our grandparent’s children. It must be amazing to sit with the generations around the table.
WHAT A GREAT POST WRITER DAD – i love and embrace your phrase “There are no do overs” It is true, you get the one shot and the one shot only. An argument or heated discussion I have with my parents. I am an only child and as the mother of two children, I often question whether my parents think they got it right with me. I mean, I was their first go at parenting and their last go…. I think they couldnt bear to admit they may have done some things different if they’d known 100% another baby wouldn’t come along, but anyway, each child is an individual and I guess you shouldnt parent your second any better or worse than your first. All our kids should be allowed to ask questions and I am all for my kids having open and honest discussions with us and their teachers and peers. You can never ask too many questions. So , Tara’s tale is shocking to me, but her attitude to the teacher is right on.
I never felt I could ask my parents anything and everything when I was a kid. If I’ve learnt anything, I’ve learnt that I dont want my kids to feel the same way….
Mom/Mums last blog post..Not a VW Bonnet In Sight!
WHAT A GREAT POST WRITER DAD – i love and embrace your phrase “There are no do overs” It is true, you get the one shot and the one shot only. An argument or heated discussion I have with my parents. I am an only child and as the mother of two children, I often question whether my parents think they got it right with me. I mean, I was their first go at parenting and their last go…. I think they couldnt bear to admit they may have done some things different if they’d known 100% another baby wouldn’t come along, but anyway, each child is an individual and I guess you shouldnt parent your second any better or worse than your first. All our kids should be allowed to ask questions and I am all for my kids having open and honest discussions with us and their teachers and peers. You can never ask too many questions. So , Tara’s tale is shocking to me, but her attitude to the teacher is right on.
I never felt I could ask my parents anything and everything when I was a kid. If I’ve learnt anything, I’ve learnt that I dont want my kids to feel the same way….
Mom/Mums last blog post..Not a VW Bonnet In Sight!
AMEN! I’m all about talking to kids as thought they’re intelligent (talking to anyone that way, really), not with baby talk. It’s written in my baby book that when I was 2 I corrected a gentleman who said “fishie” to me. I’ve been editing ever since. LOL!
stephs last blog post..What I Know for Sure, No. 2
AMEN! I’m all about talking to kids as thought they’re intelligent (talking to anyone that way, really), not with baby talk. It’s written in my baby book that when I was 2 I corrected a gentleman who said “fishie” to me. I’ve been editing ever since. LOL!
stephs last blog post..What I Know for Sure, No. 2
I am a teacher of gifted students, so the above post and some of the comments struck a nerve. I apologize for making such a long comment when I’m virtually a stranger to all of you, but…
@Tara. As a teacher, I sometimes have a need to get through a lesson in a limited amount of time, and if a student asks “too many” questions, it can cause the lesson to be cut short prematurely. However…
THIS IS NO EXCUSE to tell a child to stop asking questions.
Your child’s teacher needs to get a clue… if she is worried about limited time available in class, she can find other ways of dealing with your child’s questions without stunting his curiosity. Perhaps he could write his questions down and give them to either you or her later. Perhaps he could be given independent study assignments where he will have the freedom to explore, at his own pace, the same topic in greater detail than the rest of the class is studying. Perhaps he could even present his findings to the class.
Perhaps he could be pulled from this teacher’s class and placed in a gifted learning environment. Asking “too many questions” is a common manifestation of giftedness… if it is supported now, your son is likely to be an enthusiastic lifelong learner. If it is ignored or suppressed now, your son is likely to be a failure (or even a dropout) later in life. Many high school dropouts are gifted students who were never engaged at their level of ability.
In the United States, gifted students are protected by federal law, which places them in the category of special-needs students and guarantees an education in the “least restrictive environment.” State law provides even more protection and support. Investigate the law where you live and find out whether you have the right to demand that your child be tested for giftedness and what types of support are legally required
ifwhen your child passes the test.Your son’s future is at stake. Best of luck!
@WriterDad and everyone else who encourages their kids so much: the advice I offered to Tara will likely apply to your children too. Please don’t let schools or teachers give you excuses why your child can’t be intellectually stimulated in every class, with every teacher, every day.
Whoops, that should read though, not thought. I don’t edit comments! :)
stephs last blog post..What I Know for Sure, No. 2
I am a teacher of gifted students, so the above post and some of the comments struck a nerve. I apologize for making such a long comment when I’m virtually a stranger to all of you, but…
@Tara. As a teacher, I sometimes have a need to get through a lesson in a limited amount of time, and if a student asks “too many” questions, it can cause the lesson to be cut short prematurely. However…
THIS IS NO EXCUSE to tell a child to stop asking questions.
Your child’s teacher needs to get a clue… if she is worried about limited time available in class, she can find other ways of dealing with your child’s questions without stunting his curiosity. Perhaps he could write his questions down and give them to either you or her later. Perhaps he could be given independent study assignments where he will have the freedom to explore, at his own pace, the same topic in greater detail than the rest of the class is studying. Perhaps he could even present his findings to the class.
Perhaps he could be pulled from this teacher’s class and placed in a gifted learning environment. Asking “too many questions” is a common manifestation of giftedness… if it is supported now, your son is likely to be an enthusiastic lifelong learner. If it is ignored or suppressed now, your son is likely to be a failure (or even a dropout) later in life. Many high school dropouts are gifted students who were never engaged at their level of ability.
In the United States, gifted students are protected by federal law, which places them in the category of special-needs students and guarantees an education in the “least restrictive environment.” State law provides even more protection and support. Investigate the law where you live and find out whether you have the right to demand that your child be tested for giftedness and what types of support are legally required
ifwhen your child passes the test.Your son’s future is at stake. Best of luck!
@WriterDad and everyone else who encourages their kids so much: the advice I offered to Tara will likely apply to your children too. Please don’t let schools or teachers give you excuses why your child can’t be intellectually stimulated in every class, with every teacher, every day.
Whoops, that should read though, not thought. I don’t edit comments! :)
stephs last blog post..What I Know for Sure, No. 2
I never baby-talked to my children. It’s a bottle, not a ba-ba, for crying out loud. And when they asked questions, I answered them. They let me know when I had given them enough information. They have incredibly sharp wits as young adults, and always question something that doesn’t make sense to them. This drove my eldest daughter’s boyfriend nuts in the beginning, because he was raised on the ‘Because I said so’ school of parenting. She forced him to question all his beliefs. And I do mean ALL!
I must so, though. Now that they are adults, it’s a relief to unlock that cupboard door! *chuckle*
Urban Panthers last blog post..We are now entering the Focused Phase
I never baby-talked to my children. It’s a bottle, not a ba-ba, for crying out loud. And when they asked questions, I answered them. They let me know when I had given them enough information. They have incredibly sharp wits as young adults, and always question something that doesn’t make sense to them. This drove my eldest daughter’s boyfriend nuts in the beginning, because he was raised on the ‘Because I said so’ school of parenting. She forced him to question all his beliefs. And I do mean ALL!
I must so, though. Now that they are adults, it’s a relief to unlock that cupboard door! *chuckle*
Urban Panthers last blog post..We are now entering the Focused Phase
Writer Dad,
I love the way you write about your children. You’re creating a wonderful legacy for them when they’re older.
Beth Partins last blog post..It’s Been a Long Time Coming, but I Know a Change Is Gonna Come
Writer Dad,
I love the way you write about your children. You’re creating a wonderful legacy for them when they’re older.
Beth Partins last blog post..It’s Been a Long Time Coming, but I Know a Change Is Gonna Come
I completely agree, Sean. I never even talked baby talk to my kids. I speak to them as if they are adults, because they are adults in training. They are intelligent and articulate and get complimented on their vocabulary all the time.
I wish more parents did the same.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Top 10 Ways to Know You’re a Freelance Writer
I completely agree, Sean. I never even talked baby talk to my kids. I speak to them as if they are adults, because they are adults in training. They are intelligent and articulate and get complimented on their vocabulary all the time.
I wish more parents did the same.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Top 10 Ways to Know You’re a Freelance Writer
Mom/Mum: You can NEVER ask too many questions, so long as the questions are asked in an endeavor to learn rather than antagonize. I wish Tara’s tale had shocked me more, but unfortunately it only gave me flashbacks. She handled it brilliantly though.
Steph: I cannot STAND baby talk. I have no idea what parents are thinking when they gaga and googoo. Every moment is a teachable one. I am in no way surprised that you were correcting people at two, Steph, and I mean that as a high compliment. You were born to edit.
Aylad: Please don’t ever apologize for the length of a comment. We welcome new voices. Conversation is the blood of a beating heart, and if your words run to long, I can always copy, paste and run it as a guest post. : > ) From fourth grade on, I was in gifted programs, but still am no stranger to Tara’s story. The majority of my teachers did not take the time to answer my questions, and found my inquisitive nature a disruption to the agenda. I am far from a failure, but am a dropout. I left high school, never to return, five minutes after my guidance counselor told me I would be a failure if I didn’t agree to enter the academic decathlon. Sad but true.
Urban Panther: I cannot imagine you baby talking to your children, Panther. You seem way too sharp for that. Though I do not ever want the time to pass too quickly, I look forward to the days when every cupboard is unlocked. Good times they will be.
Beth: It is at least half of the reason I do it. This morning, I told Mia that I wrote about her last night. She beamed like I was taking her school picture. “Will you read it to me after school,” she asked. “I promise,” I said.
Jamie: I LOVE that, Jamie. Adults in training indeed.
Mom/Mum: You can NEVER ask too many questions, so long as the questions are asked in an endeavor to learn rather than antagonize. I wish Tara’s tale had shocked me more, but unfortunately it only gave me flashbacks. She handled it brilliantly though.
Steph: I cannot STAND baby talk. I have no idea what parents are thinking when they gaga and googoo. Every moment is a teachable one. I am in no way surprised that you were correcting people at two, Steph, and I mean that as a high compliment. You were born to edit.
Aylad: Please don’t ever apologize for the length of a comment. We welcome new voices. Conversation is the blood of a beating heart, and if your words run to long, I can always copy, paste and run it as a guest post. : > ) From fourth grade on, I was in gifted programs, but still am no stranger to Tara’s story. The majority of my teachers did not take the time to answer my questions, and found my inquisitive nature a disruption to the agenda. I am far from a failure, but am a dropout. I left high school, never to return, five minutes after my guidance counselor told me I would be a failure if I didn’t agree to enter the academic decathlon. Sad but true.
Urban Panther: I cannot imagine you baby talking to your children, Panther. You seem way too sharp for that. Though I do not ever want the time to pass too quickly, I look forward to the days when every cupboard is unlocked. Good times they will be.
Beth: It is at least half of the reason I do it. This morning, I told Mia that I wrote about her last night. She beamed like I was taking her school picture. “Will you read it to me after school,” she asked. “I promise,” I said.
Jamie: I LOVE that, Jamie. Adults in training indeed.
Here, here, sir!
Rather than cry out “I need hewp!” as one of his peers does, the Evil Genius will firmly state “I require assistance, please.”
It puts a smile on my withered green face.
As much an act of ego as of parenting, I chose not to dumb down my speech for my child. He would learn to understand, or not. I’m always willing to explain what something means when he asks, and he’s not afraid to ask.
One of the best compliments I ever received was from a woman who marveled at how clearly and concisely he spoke, and how mature his vocabulary was…at the age of two. Yeah, yeah, I may have quietly gloated in a small corner of my mind.
Still, I think it’s important that children have the tools they need to make their way through life, and an extensive vocabulary is key. Since I am wretched at mathematics, it’s the words that I will give him, and the hope that one day he will delight in shaping them into songs, stories, or new meanings.
You give your children a wondrous gift.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Stand Back, They Spit
Here, here, sir!
Rather than cry out “I need hewp!” as one of his peers does, the Evil Genius will firmly state “I require assistance, please.”
It puts a smile on my withered green face.
As much an act of ego as of parenting, I chose not to dumb down my speech for my child. He would learn to understand, or not. I’m always willing to explain what something means when he asks, and he’s not afraid to ask.
One of the best compliments I ever received was from a woman who marveled at how clearly and concisely he spoke, and how mature his vocabulary was…at the age of two. Yeah, yeah, I may have quietly gloated in a small corner of my mind.
Still, I think it’s important that children have the tools they need to make their way through life, and an extensive vocabulary is key. Since I am wretched at mathematics, it’s the words that I will give him, and the hope that one day he will delight in shaping them into songs, stories, or new meanings.
You give your children a wondrous gift.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Stand Back, They Spit
What a beautiful way to put it! I have the same approach. In fact, last night we got into checks and balances in government and the historical impact of last night’s election with my seven year old.
I think children are capable of what you expect they can achieve. They want to make us so happy that they are willing, and flexible enough, to reach out ‘and catch it’ when it’s over their heads.
What a beautiful way to put it! I have the same approach. In fact, last night we got into checks and balances in government and the historical impact of last night’s election with my seven year old.
I think children are capable of what you expect they can achieve. They want to make us so happy that they are willing, and flexible enough, to reach out ‘and catch it’ when it’s over their heads.
@WD: Thanks :) One of my favorite college professors was a high school dropout who later got a PhD anyway… as you point out, dropping out doesn’t automatically lead to failure.
@WD: Thanks :) One of my favorite college professors was a high school dropout who later got a PhD anyway… as you point out, dropping out doesn’t automatically lead to failure.
Our children do get it.
Baby talk, even when they are just babies, does them a huge disservice.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love San Francisco. Do You Like Where YOU Live?
Our children do get it.
Baby talk, even when they are just babies, does them a huge disservice.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love San Francisco. Do You Like Where YOU Live?
I would love to hear some examples of what Mia is saying.
When my Kelly was 4 she told her dad she loved him more than the universe but not as much as God. Nope, never talked “baby-talk” to her either.
Jannies last blog post..Caught red-pawed!
I would love to hear some examples of what Mia is saying.
When my Kelly was 4 she told her dad she loved him more than the universe but not as much as God. Nope, never talked “baby-talk” to her either.
Jannies last blog post..Caught red-pawed!