Post date: Jan 3, 2017 9:05:52 PM
So, I have sufficiently 'let go' over the two week holiday break that New Year's Resolutions have become a top priority for me. In addition to the 'lose weight', 'save money', 'get organized' resolutions that are typical for me year to year, I'd like to consider resolving to help increase language and learning in our kids. This is a direct result of my personal resolution to make 2017 about people and not about things. Here is a short list of resolutions that I need to/plan to work on that may be of use to some of you as well:
1) Reduce distractions/be 'in the moment' - It's all too easy to drop a few hours a day on Facebook over a longer holiday break. The average cell phone is used something like 3 hours per day and the average Facebook user accesses the site 14 times per day! This undoubtedly occurs during times where our kids either ask us for something or see us on the phone and don't bother. These are prime language opportunities where our kids are fully engaged and initiating interaction. This initiation can be as subtle as a glance, touch, or closer proximity - which can easily be missed when the latest Star Wars trailer auto plays as you instinctively scroll up on your feed. Plus I think to myself, what behavior am I modeling when I sit on the couch, lost in my feed, with cookie crumbs rolling down my shirt.
2) Be a more active participant - When I'm unplugged I get to see all of the things that are going on around me...and I get bored out of my mind! But then I remember some version of this quote: "There are no boring subjects only uninterested minds" - GK Chesterton. After a short self-inflicted guilt trip, I start getting creative and come up with cool ways to connect with the people in my immediate vicinity. With my son, this basically means taking an interest in and going through his school work, practicing skills he is motivated to develop, and motivating him to develop new skills. If I begin to model active participation, he will eventually reflect active participation.
3) Cherish the conversations - My son used to say 'lellow' for "yellow" and all sorts of other cute sound errors or word approximations ('eagle' for "equal" was another great one). At the time I thought I would never forget those stages in his development, but I was wrong. Luckily for me my wife is smarter than I and she started a journal. I now see the value of that journal and started requesting entries for her to make...She's quick, so I assume I'll have my own journal very shortly. The point here is to be cognizant of the point where your child is currently developing and know that at some point when you look back in the journal you will better be able to identify progress in speech and language. You may also then be motivated to do more journalling and push to develop other skills. It also grows to become a source of positive memories, encouragement, and love.
So, "...for whatever one sews, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7). Here's to resolutions that make it past January and that bear good fruit over a lifetime. Cheers!