These pictures of my boys were taken today! Luke is 26 months and Sam is 4 months. Sam was wearing this "read to me" tee-shirt and I thought is was the perfect photo-op to take some pictures with some books! Luke absolutely LOVES to read! I was thinking about how much a young child learns during the first few years of life and how much of the responsibility of this learning falls on the parent. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with trying to teach Luke the colors, numbers, letters, and growing his vocabulary. When we go to playgroup and I see children his age or younger with a bigger vocabulary or able to sing entire songs, sometimes I think, Am I doing enough? I should spend more time with Luke trying to make him the smartest in the group. Other days I think, It's no big deal! Who cares if he knows his colors yet. He WILL learn them eventually. He will learn to talk and read and solve problems whether I deliberately teach him or not. Do I really need to buy the "Your baby can read" programs or sit with him for hours to try to differentiate between his "p"s and "d"s?
Okay, so I keep going back and forth on this. Because NOW as I am writing this, I am thinking Yes, it is my responsibility to teach him these things. I am his mother and I will be teaching him for the next 16+ years the things that he needs to know. He will continually be learning and I need to be there for him and help him as much as I can. If I can get him a little ahead in school, that is great and it will only lead to more learning!
What are your thoughts on this? Do toddlers need to go to "Mommy School" and be taught school things before they even go to school?
6 comments:
Emma... Luke just by being with you is learning sooooooooooo much. As far as I know I don't know too many toddlers that by 23 months are potty trained, that can fully understand English and Spanish, know almost the entire alphabet, can make a bunch of animal noises lol, guesses on the colors and shapes and can do puzzles faster that I can!
Baby I think that you are doing an amazing job! Just keep doing what you're doing and please don't stress about it. Love you.
I agree with Francisco. You two are AMAZING parents and the experiences you provide the boys on a daily basis and the wonderful parents you are is all they need. They have great genes and will amaze you throughout the years. Just love your boys, enjoy every moment with them and teach them what you can when the occasion is right :-)
first of all, those pictures are so cute! Also, I think that kids spend plenty of time in school (once they start). I would think that spending the time with you and getting all your love and attention is way better than having him go somewhere and learn school things, at his age. not that I know anything, but that's what I think :)
I love the pictures Emily! Your boys are so cute. Being a teacher, I can tell you that you are doing great! Some kids show up to kindergarten not knowing what a letter is! It sounds like Luke is right on track (and a little ahead!). I have the same struggles as you, just like every mother I suppose. Connor knew and learned so much so fast. Now that Colby is 2 and a half, I think I am not doing enough for him! You will find this as Sam grows. Kids are SO different. Colby knows some letters and how to count to 20, but he doesn't know his colors AT ALL! I get so frustrated, but then I remember that he may not be interested right now in colors.
As far as mommy school goes...do it! But like everything, do it in moderation. Connor showed lots of interest and is reading at a 2nd grade level (he will be starting kindergarten this year). With Connor I would sit down everyday during Colby's nap and do "school" because he thought it was fun. Colby however, will not be at the same level at the same age, not because he isn't as smart, but because he isn't interested. He learns at his own pace. I know if I force him, he will resent it.
You are right to be thinking of their learning. By doing that, they will be fine! The kids that have trouble are the ones whose parents don't take ANY interest in their education and expect schools to do it all! You are a great mother and a great teacher for your boys!
My suggestion would be that at least by kindergarten (so you have quite a bit of time!) he know his letter names and sounds and numbers 1-20. They learn this in kindergarten, but some kids don't learn fast enough and get lost. If he knows these things, he will do great!
WOW! Sorry, this is so long!
I know exactly how you feel. Even though I know I am doing the best I can as a mother, it is so easy to get down on myself, and even compare my kids to other kids to see how i are doing as a parent. That is the last thing we should be doing! every kid is different and as long as you are putting in time and effort that is what is best for them.
I often feel if I am not spending very minute of the day teaching my girls than i am failing. But it is not true! Just being with them and taking moments that come up i everyday life to teach them is the best thing. We do have some time everyday where we try to have lessons about something, but all too often Brinley isn't interested or just isn't ready. I am learning that it is okay. She is happy and healthy and learning at her own pace and that is what matters.
You are doing a great job I am sure. Your boys are too cute! And they look so much alike.
I have helped out in Olivia's kindergarten class several times. although the children are at many different levels- most of them are right on track or beyond. The only ones that are behind have parents who really don't spend time with them. I have learned that as long as you are there and make a conscious effort to help teach every now and then they will do great. They don't need to be the smartest. they learn LOTS just reading with us, playing games, and interacting on a daily basis. You don't need to sit down and quiz them and make them learn. It is Un-necessary, unless that is what they enjoy doing!
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