Some decisions as a first time mom have been made for me. The decision to breastfeed my son, and how I scheduled feedings- all made for me by my little guy. His sleep schedule and the decision to put him on a diet free of eggs, tree nuts, dairy, soy, peanuts and shell fish? Yep! Made for me. And, the decision to homeschool was no exception.
As a baby, Little Music Man was so smart and really listened to everything I had to say. I talked to him often. I didn’t allow anyone to play the television- not even the news, when he was in the room. I didn’t want him to hear anything negative. I simply played classical music throughout the day. He was content and loved to listen, I didn’t feel the need for any other distractions. And wouldn’t you know? That entire time he truly was listening and learning. I just didn’t pick up on it back then!
I recall one day when he wasn’t quite one year old, I had him in his Ergobaby carrier, front facing. I was opening a small package. The mug I had ordered as a gift from him to “give” to my husband for Father’s Day. The mug was in styrofoam. So, as I was talking to him about the mug, I was sliding it out of the box. While unpacking it, the styrofoam made a screeching sound. Little Music Man let out a scream. I was so shocked I quickly went in front of the mirror so we could see each other. I talked to him and told him it was ok. But, the interesting thing, which his pediatrician pointed out, he was “too young to know how to scream.” WHAT?! I had no idea STILL that this was a sign that Little Music Man was indeed a gifted child. I just knew he had my heart. We went on walks. And I simply talked to him and spent time with him. We were buds and I could see, he listened so intently. Sure enough, when I asked him to say “DaDa” and “MaMa,” he said it!
As early as two years old he knew his letters, sounds and numbers. He could even count to 10. He would arrange the alphabet correctly from A-Z. He could also arrange numbers to go in numerical order not from 1, but as he insisted, from 0 to 10. And we’d use play time to review all that he was learning.
What is my point? The ability to learn MORE than what we moms/dads can comprehend. Yes, I am well aware there are some that will learn and process differently, but rest assured, your little one (or not so little one) hears you. They ARE learning. Be patient. Be loving. Be kind and encouraging. Try not to let them see your frustration. Be the example of what you tell your child to be!