TODDLER

From Sampath’s Desk:

 

 

 

LIFE LESSONS FROM TODDLERS

(Little steps, big adventures)

 

It is normal for parents and elders to teach children and make them learn a lot. But the reverse is also possible! What we learn from the toddlers is an interesting subject! Isn’t it? Let us discuss it here.

 

From the moment our children come into our lives, we teach them many things. As newly formed little humans, they have a lot to discover and learn being instinctive learners. And as parents and elders, we are the life tour guides to help them figure out things. Roly-poly toddlers are the strongest pillar of inspiration to us too.

 

Toddlers are great explorers! They love to touch, squeeze, poke and rub to find out what a toy, doll, or whatever item they put their hands on is all about besides researching the texture. Sensory experiences are wondrous to a baby learning what the world and things around look like or how to handle and play with them in its own ways with a lot of self-joy? What a visual delight it would be to see a toddler clapping and dancing?

 

Let us not think that a toddler is a weakling. They are learners naturally endowed and equipped both physically and mentally to grow as they learn and in the process, preach by practice; though surprising, it’s true. Needless to over-emphasize, a toddler is both a learner and teacher. 

 

We show them sights they haven’t seen; we take them to places they’ve never been; we teach them the right choices, how to put on the dress, and why biting the cat’s tail is a bad idea. On a daily basis, we impart knowledge, provide wisdom, and offer information to them as they grow. The reverse also happens without ourselves realizing it. And just like little sponges, they soak it up and in. They learn to walk and begin to talk in a lisp, but not lick the bottom of their shoes. But, as their teachers, we are so busy rearing, educating, and helping them to navigate the world that we often don’t even realize that they are teaching us. Let us see what do they teach us?

 

To be curious and inquisitive: They peek into cupboards, find hideouts for fun and teach us inquisitiveness. Every child being an artist, scientist, explorer, and adventurer teaches one art of life or another. By asking us questions, they not only make us to give answers but also pose to ourselves more questions to seek answers. 

 

Simple pleasures for no reason: Almost nothing is required to enjoy and make merry of for them. They smile and laugh for a simple or no reason. They don't have reservations in that regard. The social smile of a toddler is unique. Again, for them, seeing is believing. They don’t have any hidden agenda or foul-play behind them. They find joy in anything - anywhere and everywhere.

 

To accept, acknowledge and recognize: They don’t judge people and don’t see faults or flaws in a possible potential new friend, tolerance being the hallmark.

 

Express emotions unreservedly: They are quick to burst their emotions. They scream just for nothing, squeal when they are happy, wail once they are uncomfortable, and of course adamant once they are attracted to specific things. 

 

Satisfaction quotient: They don’t demand big things. Even the most trivial thing can satisfy them the most, most of the time. They feel gratified with the simplest of things considered not even worth a glimpse by adults. They are happy with what they are and have, big or small, beautiful or ugly, and/or worthy or worthless. Aren’t they teaching us tolerance, contentment, and fulfillment with what we are and have?

 

Live in the present: They live in the present. ‘Present’ is everything to them. They don’t have high ambitions like adults. A child feels happy with a craft, car, doll, or any other toy of his/her liking even if it might be of no consequence to adults, thus imparting us a lesson viz. ‘Live in the now; it makes life carefree, worry-free, and more enjoyable instead of fearing for an ‘uncertain and bleak future’. 

 

Sweet moments:  By playing in the bath, tumbling across the floor or nestling, squirming or wriggling in our arms, they enjoy themselves and also keep us delighted.

 

Discovery and invention: Once a child is attracted to a thing or activity, he/she will keep on concentrating on and repeating it. They embrace it with love and excitement. A simple craft, car, or dollhouse can keep a child entertained, enthralled, captivated, enraptured, etc. for hours or even days. Once fascinated with a particular activity, the child gets involved, engrossed, absorbed, and immersed into that activity till another thing or activity detracts or diverts his/her attention and attraction. The toddler has a tendency to repeat the activity. They teach the adults a lesson i.e. ‘Practice makes one perfect and perfection makes one great’. They do have a propensity and proclivity for new things, activities, and trends with a piece of advice to us to accept constructive changes normally resisted by people.

 

Indulgence: Limitless indulgence is the characteristic feature or peculiarity of a child. It is not their perceived flaws and shortcomings that dictate their dreams to turn into reality but rather their interests and passions. They walk fast, run, jump, climb, tumble and fumble. Sometimes, after falling to the ground while on the move it immediately gets up and proceeds without any inhibition or demur if nobody observes. But if one were around, it will make a scream and outcry. However, they never stop attempting because of a single failure. It reminds us of the story of the Scottish King Robert the Bruce, who, after a series of defeats, got inspired by a spider in his hideout cave and bounced back to glory. Toddlers are fearless. They try and run headlong into new unexplored territories and experiences. They thus embolden adults to be bold and even daring.

 

To sum up, we have many life lessons from the toddlers – be persistent, love unconditionally, be ready to explore and learn, treat every day as a new opportunity, don’t be afraid to make mistakes while making genuine and sincere attempts, take a break whenever and wherever necessary and possible, etc.

 

That is why William Wordsworth aptly observed ‘Child is the father of man’. Well said! Isn’t it?

 

 

(R.SAMPATH)