Tag Archives: What Would We Do Without It

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: Witnessing the Wiring of My Three Year Old’s Brain

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2016-05-02 16.40.57According to Urban Child Institute, “In the first three years, a child’s brain has up to twice as many synapses as it will have in adulthood.” It’s no wonder why my little girl, who just turned three two week’s ago is growing mentally and intellectually by leaps and bounds. I’m often amazed with how much she already knows and what she has retained based on her interactions. As part of her bedtime routine, my husband or I read her a story that she usually selects. What’s interesting is that I did not know she and my husband read “Jack and the Beanstalk” until we were at the park a couple of weeks ago. As she climbed up the jungle gym, exclaiming, “I’m just like Jack, and this is my beanstalk!” I thought it was awesome that she associated what she was doing with the story she read.

Though I know she is observant and loves imaginative play, I’m noticing her ability to make parallel connections and correlations with what she has read with us or seen throughout the course of her day with a different activity she is doing. Witnessing her brain at work is a blessing because some children may have disabilities that prevent them from making these connections. Also, it encourages me to provide her with a positive atmosphere allowing the blooming and pruning process of synapses to take place so that she can thrive as she reaches the stages of preadolescence, adolescence and adulthood.

All the best,

Tanya

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: Learning from the Lens of My Little Girl

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2016-04-27 18.10.26

Me: Consumed with Responding to Students’ Emails

“Can we do a puzzle now, Mommy?” my little girl inquires as I read and rapidly type responses to emails from students and try to read a few papers too. I assure her, “Just give me five more minutes, honey.” We’re in the last couple of weeks in the spring semester, and it’s busier than ever. My attention has become more divided between all of the work-related tasks and the attention my daughter requires and deserves. I’m surprised I was able to get all of the preparations done for her birthday party this past Saturday. Lately, five minutes turns into ten or fifteen minutes after I told her I’d be able to play with her.

Last week, while I was typing emails and even grumbling a little as I received an inquiry about something I discussed in class at length, my daughter gets my iPod from the table and starts snapping pictures like she’s a little photographer. She giggles, “I took your picture sending emails, Mommy!” I stopped what I was doing and said, “Let me take a look!” When I viewed the picture, I looked so consumed and then felt so guilty because I was physically present but mentally focused on my work, not Quinn.

She’s usually patient and is now at the age where she can enjoy her own company, but seeing the picture made me take a step back and try to figure out a new schedule for these next couple of weeks that will allow me to get my work done and not feel like I’m being inattentive towards my sweet little girl. I already wake up around 4 am to exercise and meditate, so I’ve been making a sacrifice this week to read a few more papers and emails during this time while she is sleep. While I love my job, I truly am looking forward to the summer break so that we can have even more time together with no distractions. It’s amazing what I’m learning by seeing myself through my daughter’s lens.

All the best,

Tanya

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: Determination, Persistence and Patience

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“I did it, Mommy! Did you see me? I did it!” my little girl excitedly informs me. Whether it’s doing one of the skills of the day at The Little Gym or putting her shoes on the correct feet all by herself, I’ve proudly observed how determined, persistent and patient she can be. I often hear people remark about the most recent generations and how they do not work as hard or often want instant gratification without putting in the work, and I do not want my daughter to fall into this category.

Sometimes, my daughter, who will be three in less than a week, will grow frustrated and whine a little if she’s having difficulties putting on her shirt, doing a puzzle or building a tower after advising me that she can do it herself, but this is only natural, especially at her age. I do, however, love that regardless of how flustered she becomes, Quinn will keep on trying or realize that she may need a little help. My hope is that my daughter will continue to be determined, persistent and patient as she learns new tasks and skills because they’re not only important towards her current development, but these attributes will, in part, shape who she becomes as an adult. What would we do without these attributes?

All the best,

Tanya

 

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: Books, Books and More Books!

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Reading Before Bedtime

Since my daughter was just one day old, I’ve read books to her. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t have a book read to her or leaf through a book on her own. Within the past year or so, I’ve observed my soon-to-be three year old looking at the pictures and composing her own stories more frequently. “Let’s read one more story, please!” she asks. Two books is the minimum when it comes to bedtime stories. When we’re out and about, she observes different words and will spell them out then take an educated guess at what it says. I’m amazed at how often she is correct.

Though her interest in reading may seem natural and even expected by her father and me, I must keep in mind that having access to books and having parents and family members who encourage the enjoyment of reading and learning is a luxury and difficult for some. Also, not all children are interested in books let alone reading, so I am grateful that Quinn is intrigued by books and stories. My little girl went from being an observer simply absorbing what I read to her to wanting to take the book and curl up on the sofa and “read” it to herself.  I don’t know what we’d do without books. It’s a wonderful way for us to bond and for Quinn to continue to develop and discover a never-ending world of imagination and exploration.

All the best,

Tanya

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: Momma Bird Watching Over Her Birdie Nest (Video Chats)

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My Little Girl Waving at Me Through Our Nest Cam

Just this past Monday, I posted a blog entry about missing  my little girl since I’ll be away for many days this week. I didn’t get to kiss her goodnight on Monday and will be away for the next three days. I’ll miss both her and my husband, but it’s great to know that with today’s technology they’re only a Skype, FaceTime or Nest visit away. On Monday, when the event I attended was ending, I quickly checked in on my little girl through our Nest Camera (formally called drop cam), which has been a wonderful resource since Quinn was a little baby, and was able to say goodnight to her from afar. Though she could only hear my voice, I could see her little face light up as she waved goodnight to me with her Christmas pajamas on that she requested her dad let her wear.

This evening, we did a test run with Skype to ensure that it works when I’m away which makes me feel less guilty being away from her and eager to see her face and hear her voice when she’s on my mind. While one can point to the negatives associated with technology and its advancements, I am extremely grateful to be able to connect with my daughter and to see her smiling face. What would we do with out!?

All the best,

Tanya

What Would We Do Without Them Wednesday: Family

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Quinn and Her Big Cousin

“We are family!” Sister Sledge released this song just a couple of years after my birth, and though it has a catchy beat and even says, “Everybody get up and dance,” there’s something touching about the theme of having family. While it was great when it was just my husband and me, becoming a family unit with our daughter, who will soon be three, has been a wonderful feeling and taken our relationship to the next level.

Another line in the song, “I’ve got all my sisters and me” makes me grateful to have my sister and appreciate the relationship that my daughter has with her big cousin, who is more like a sister than a cousin. Quinn’s little face lights up whenever she mentions her cousin’s name or knows she’s going to see her. They’re six years apart, and her big cousin is such a great role model for her. Sadly, I know there will come a time when her cousin will become a teen and may not be interested in hanging out with her little cousin, but until then, which may hopefully not come, I don’t know what I’d do without my sister or what Quinn would do without the close bond she has with her sister/cousin. It’s such a blessing having family.

All the best,

Tanya

What Would We Do Without It Wednesday: Laughter is the Best Medicine

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Though my little girl will be three in May, she’s already experienced just about every emotion. She’s had happy moments, sad moments, frustrating moments, excited moments; you name it! But some of my favorite moments are the humorous ones. Not only do they help to get the both of us through the sad and frustrating times when Quinn becomes inconsolable or whiny, but they lighten my spirits and make it so that I can’t be upset with her for long if she displays a displeasing behavior or makes me a little frustrated.

As the old adage goes, “Laughter is the best medicine.”  Help Guide, A trusted non-profit guide to mental health and well-being, provided an online article on this very topic stating, “Laughter helps you stay emotionally healthy.” I truly believe that the humor and laughter I experience with my daughter is helping to build a solid bond between us and keeps me motivated to be the best mom I can be. It puts a smile on my face too! What would we do without humor and laughter?

All the best,

Tanya