Alright now were talking, you got your wheels moving foward and there seems to be no limitation to where you can go. You got the gps of the house, the yard but you have not quite figured out what happens if you leave either of those domains.
You know how to work within the sibling requirements and you know your pecking order with them. Now mom and dad have you under constant surveilance you think and they think. The reality is in small town 1960 + they are comfortable with you being outside and enjoying the air. They are not worried about the fact there are no speed bumps nor do they feel like they need to be outside watching your every move or have in you in a chained fence area like you have for the pets.
Hopefully the diaper is gone and you have some good movement. You got the neighbors out there, the fellow toddlers all looking at each other saying "Ok we're out now let's get the party started. The question is who is going to be the one that steps out of their turf to go into someone else's. It's not like it's a crime but it's about approval from the parents. Do the parents not know you just want to get out there and network with your buddies talk about how you are having to eat carrots, peas, apples and see what they have to go through on their end?
Well it's not that simple, the neighbors all know one another and the community all know each others kids. They may prefer their kids play with others vs. the one the toddler is seeking out but either way they will accept and move foward.
Think about it toddlers on the loose. Could we or would we deal with that now? In all actuality we would love to, we want to feel comfortable enough in our environment to let are kids hang out.
During this time the most that could happen is maybe a scratch or something that leads to a bandage. The parents are cool with that, they got a break and the kids got some freedom. Wow freedom the time to take advantage of their ability to engage their friends. They still got the chubby legs and arms a little bit but they are on the loose. Do we care in 1960 plus? I say no, let them explore and be aware and know that you have a community of others that are doing the same thing. They are watching and paying attention but they are giving them the freedom to explore. This builds confidence amongst your toddler generation. It also secure the trust of your friends as you all know were in this together thru band aid and tears.
The toddler sees his buddy outside and of course he wants to do a meet n greet. Kind of like the Dads doing the lawn mowers or the moms with the clothes lines. It's all cool and everything is fine.
Now toddlers get into things and when they join together they sometimes get into things that are bigger than their abilities to handle. Don't worry about it they will learn when you or the other parents step in.
The other thing that is great about this is they are having fun and they are making friends and achieving discovery levels that are incredible with their pals.
At this age they are not competing for a house, a job, a lifestyle the just want to laugh, get a little dirty playing and have a good time.
The other good thing is when the playing is done and they get hungry they wil say see you tomorrow to their friends and come home. No worries because everyone is involved. They may go to the Smiths' for water, the Jones for a snack and dinner at the Robinsons with their parents.
But most importantly they are un-jaded by life and everything to them is like a scoop of ice cream. Taste good and feels good.
Let's all look back at toddler life if we can for us and compare it to now. The other thing about toddlerville at that time you were probably not worried about uniforms, dates, times, competition, winning etc.
The game has changed and maybe the toddler has as well. But wouldn't it be great to just let the toddler in your area get together without the planned activities and restriction and a complete cooperative trust in the neighborhood. Things we have taken for granted. They are free now, they got their sea legs so to speak and they are ready to get after it. Their curiosity is uncharted their mind is exploding with things they want to do. Let's look back and think of how we can bring this all together and take advantage and encourage this developmental process in our toddlers.
Now your saying well that doesn't tell me the story of my or your's toddlerhood. Don't worry we can get their for any of that want to expand their memories, I would welcome it.
It's great time to be a kid as you still are very untainted about life and we need to find a way to give our kids this feeling.
Enough for tonight I hope you read, share and comment
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