Never Underestimate Your Child

This past Sunday at church, I was watching Daniel play in the toddler's room and was sitting talking to a friend about our children. We were both sharing our stories of life with a toddler and how challenging it can be at times.

Suddenly it was snack time and as in previous weeks, the much older toddlers (Daniel is by far the youngest in the room, most are at least over 2) all made their way to the table to sit down and eat their snack and drink their juice. I immediately thought, "Yes, Daniel is still too young to sit at the table, it's not even worth trying. " But as Daniel showed a desire to join the other children, I took him over and sat him on the seat, thinking that he wouldn't sit for long. But, I was wrong! He completely surprised me. Not only did he sit still, but he also joined the children in nicely eating the animal biscuits and drinking his juice, just like "a big boy!" Oh, and he also wanted to share his snack! I was amazed and so proud of him!

And then my friend turned to me and said: "Ana, as parents, we should never underestimate our children. Look what progress you are seeing in Daniel today!" Her words of wisdom really rung true to me and I said "Yes, you are so right! I really need to remember that!" Look at how well he did!

But of course, I take time to learn things and tonight, my friend's words of wisdom popped into my mind as I underestimated Daniel yet again. We were having dinner and Jonny had made us for the first time in ages, corn on the cob. We had not planned to give Daniel any since we thought he would not know what to do with it. Up until very recently, he hasn't been very good at biting pieces off food like biscuits, for example. But sure enough, he started pointing at the corn we were eating and nodding his head, clearly letting us know he also wanted some. And you guessed it, much to our surprise and delight, he ate the corn just like a big boy!

I think that most of the times that I have underestimated Daniel, I have just done so in my thoughts, but haven't actually limited him from doing new things. But, my friend's words really reminded me that my underestimation could actually lead me to prevent him from developing to his full potential. It could lead me, for example, to not let him try a new activity (and so learn a new skill) or even a new food or one that he did not like the day before (and thus encourage him to just keep eating the same thing). The truth is, he changes so rapidly that I could never keep up with him! So, yes, I hope I will remember this and continue to let him show me, at his own pace, how fast he is becoming our "big boy." Yes, Daniel, it's happening much faster than I could have ever imagined!