Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/docia-shares-a-story--beyond-cute/5017898/
I was next door visiting my daughter Ann’s neighbors and found myself sitting next to three-year-old Ellie. I had been outdoors and my hands were cold. I said, “Brrrr, Ellie, I should have worn my gloves. My hands feel like ice.” Ellie looked at me, then quietly leaned over, took my cold hands in her small warm hands and carefully and gently began to rub them. After a few minutes she stopped and asked, “Warm now?” I replied, “Oh yes, Ellie. Thank you, they feel just right.” She gave me a big smile, patted my hands and went back to playing with blocks.As I thought about this incident later, I marveled at how Ellie, three years old, had captured with complete understanding the role of observer and dispenser of comfort usually played by the adult (in my case, a 93-year-old adult). Many times we think children’s stories are “cute,” “sweet,” and “precious” when really a better description would be thoughtful
and profound.
When we take the time to listen carefully to children, we often realize that what they are telling us is way beyond cute!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Docia Zavitkovsky has furthered the cause of young children as a practitioner in the field for ...