Something so neat about having even a second child (and even more exemplified by having a large family) is how kids learn things younger than that first "guinea pig" kid. Now, sometimes this is unfortunate, such as when really little kids learn snotty language from their older siblings! But I think much of the time it's fun.
John is three-and-a-half and is learning how to spread condiments, such as cream cheese on plantain chips. He's not very good at it and tends to laziness, asking me to just do it for him. Today I was cooking when I discovered that Mary had climbed up (on the scary, tall bar stools) and was quite competently and studiously spreading cream cheese on plantain chips, as left out from John's snack earlier.
Nobody taught her. She just learned by observation. When John was one, I had only him to care for, so I did everything for him (and I still slip into that habit). Now I am busier, so Mary observed, learned, and did it herself before I could notice. I think that is neat!
John is three-and-a-half and is learning how to spread condiments, such as cream cheese on plantain chips. He's not very good at it and tends to laziness, asking me to just do it for him. Today I was cooking when I discovered that Mary had climbed up (on the scary, tall bar stools) and was quite competently and studiously spreading cream cheese on plantain chips, as left out from John's snack earlier.
Nobody taught her. She just learned by observation. When John was one, I had only him to care for, so I did everything for him (and I still slip into that habit). Now I am busier, so Mary observed, learned, and did it herself before I could notice. I think that is neat!
I really think it has nothing to do with birth order. :) Mary is just a go-getter.
ReplyDeleteSarah: It's true, Mary is absolutely a go-getter. She tripped today and scraped both knees, but just popped up like a Jack in the Box and kept going. We took her to the pool and she was totally brave about jumping off the ledge. Things like that.
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