For-My-Kids.com

When Jonathan was born he was a big boy, a cool 10 pounds and 4 onces and 22 inches long. By the time his brother Andrew was born he was large or in other words looked older than two, more like four. Jonathan was concerned that others were surprised that he was only two. He wanted to tell people that he was three even though his birthday was still a few months away. It is often amazing at how much we shape our little ones thoughts by such meaningless comments. We are really shaping and molding an adult with the words and comments our little ones hear from other adults.

Anyway, back to the subject, I had suggested to Jonathan that instead of saying he was three to tell others that he was two and three quarters. He is brilliant in math and his brilliance did shine even at two and three quarters; he understood that three forths of the year had already passed. He was a hoot telling others when they asked how old he was. They would laugh and thought he was so cute. With Jonathan saying his age was two and three quarters no one commented on how old he looked; they commented on how cute he was.

Although not really realizing the benefits at the time, in reflection I can see that my suggestion of two and three quarters benefitted Jonathan a great deal. He didn't have to lie about his age. He made others laugh and he was pleased with their comments when he told his age. Words can shape and mold young impressionable minds. Be careful of the words you give your kids.

Earnie
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