Parenting
By Emily Carter
Updated: July 15, 2021
Originally Published: November 2, 2005
Image Source: Angela Waye / Shutterstock
He began with the fundamentals: mastering the art of smiling and laughing. He learned to sleep, sit, and grasp a spoon. He discovered the joy of reaching for his toes, sticking his fist in his mouth, and holding his favorite blanket when seeking comfort. He progressed from crawling to walking, then to running and jumping, stretching tall like a tree and crouching low like a lion. He figured out how to make music with a ladle and a saucepan, build towers only to topple them, and roll a ball before launching it through the air.
How naive I was to believe that this was the end of his learning journey. The process doesn’t halt at one or two years; each day brings new lessons that last a lifetime.
He has grasped the concepts of buttons and Velcro, the importance of dental hygiene and flushing toilets, and the intricacies of donning socks, brushing hair, and ensuring fingers don’t get caught in closing doors.
He’s learned what kisses feel like, the significance of tears, and the aftermath of yawns and burps. He understands the sting of a bruise, the sadness of breaking something cherished, and the heartache of tearing a beloved book’s page. Yet, he has also learned the magic of healing.
He’s figured out how to write his name, draw houses with smoke curling from the chimney, and play games like dominoes and Monopoly. He can spell words like “mom,” “fun,” “sun,” and “van,” while correctly spacing his letters.
He’s learned that fishing demands patience, that washing the car is a repeated task, and that cookies are far tastier when baked at home. He knows that sunburn is more painful than applying sunscreen, that face paints can be entertaining, and that dogs are often gentle while birds are beautiful. He’s also learned that squirrels probably won’t swipe his toys.
He’s discovered that few things surpass the delight of stickers, that every bath is spacious enough for two, and that any event worth attending features sausage rolls and jelly. He’s learned which herbs to snip from the garden and that utensils are arranged with forks on the left and knives on the right. He understands that sometimes, it’s not his responsibility to worry.
He has learned that searching for images of poo online is a poor choice. He’s grasped that good manners and a broad smile are always appreciated, that it’s acceptable to say no, and that distance doesn’t lessen love. Dinosaurs, he has discovered, are far more fascinating than frightening, and plucking lemons from his own tree is endlessly enjoyable.
He’s found joy in dancing and learned about ladybugs, dragonflies, spider webs, and snowflakes. He’s experienced harmonicas, tangerines, and salt. He understands that on tough days, venturing outside is essential, that no ocean is too cold for wading, and no rain-soaked day is too dreary for ice cream. He knows that a closed door signifies privacy and that anyone can benefit from a notebook next to their bed.
He has learned to trace Tasmania on a world map, that haircuts go quicker if he remains still, and that tomato soup is a remedy for colds. He understands that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are those found on the beach, that postcards are not solely for vacations, and that one can never have too many books.
He’s learned that peas grow in pods and babies in bellies, about fireflies and thunderstorms, and the stories of Santa, heaven, rainbows, and hiccups. He knows it’s okay to feel sad or angry, but that a friend can often help chase those feelings away.
He’s learned that the best days begin and end with a hug in bed. He’s figured out that making others laugh is fulfilling, that fizzy drinks can be overrated, and that crafting poems requires effort. Much to his dismay, he’s discovered that marrying his kindergarten teacher is not a common outcome.
He understands that wood floats while stones sink, that delivering a good joke is more challenging than it seems, and that coloring within the lines is merely one approach. He’s also learned that some challenges—like loose teeth, sleepless nights, and lengthy car rides—must be faced alone.
In just six years, he has absorbed an impressive amount of knowledge.
He is still refining his skills with zippers and scissors, swimming and skipping, and learning about erasers, shoelaces, and kiwi fruit. He’s working on hard cheese and celery, as well as the proper placement of capital letters. He is learning to share attention and affection, to ride a bike without training wheels, and to navigate the ethics of standing on ants.
On tired days, he might miss his mouth while trying to spoon yogurt, misread lines from his home reading book, or throw the book across the table in frustration. He may stomp up the stairs, muttering under his breath.
He is a work in progress, with much more to learn. But so am I. So are you. We all are.
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Summary
This article reflects on the myriad lessons a child learns in the first six years of life, from fundamental skills to emotional understanding. It emphasizes that learning is an ongoing journey, not just for children but for parents too.