Seals Swim, Monkeys Climb, What Do Young Children Do?

            

I had the opportunity to visit the zoo this summer.  I enjoyed watching the animals interacting in their habitat.  It was especially exciting to watch the seals swim over our heads while we were in the glass tunnel.  It occurred to me how animal behavior is so natural.  Seals glide through the water.  Monkeys climb trees.  Prairie dogs dig burrows.  So what about young children?  

I observed many young children and their parents on that day at the zoo.  One mother I noticed was trying to keep two young girls entertained while they waited for their friend who was in the restroom.  This mom was responsible for an infant in a pack that was strapped to her chest, an infant in a stroller and two young girls who wanted to keep walking.  She decided to keep the two young girls occupied by singing “Ring around the Rosie”.   She said, “Remember Ring around the Rosie.  Hold hands.”  So the girls held hands but did not create the circle needed for that game.  Two of their hands were still open.  Mom said, “the other hands”.  So the girls let go of the hands they were holding and took hold of their other hands.  I had to smile because the girls did exactly what the mom said but it still wasn’t what was needed for the game.   

As I reflected on this simple interaction, it occurred to me how trusting the girls were. They did exactly what mom told them to do, trusting that she would guide them in the game.  Children who are responded to and whose needs are met from birth develop trust with their caregiver.  This is natural for young children to trust and develop attachments if the environment is right. Just like monkeys learning to climb and swing from trees—if trees are present in their environment. Children depend on the adults in their world to teach them about the rules and how things work.  Children want to please their parents, have fun and explore their world.  Parents have the responsibility to respond to children by being trustworthy and by providing opportunities to explore, learn and feel enjoyment while doing it.  This trust forms the foundation for all other learning, so how about playing a game of “Ring around the Rosie” today?

This blog entry was contributed by Christine Wilcox, who is a teacher for the early intervention program at Ionia ISD and the mom of three children who are in college.  Christine still likes to play and explore with her adult children.