Daddy's Little Girl

It is in most women's nature to nurture; however for men this nurturing side may not come as easily. Sometimes fathers are not sure what to do with their children, especially when they have a daughter. Sure with a son it's different because boys will be boys no matter what age, so it may be easier for a father to relate to a son. But what do you do with a daughter? Play toy soldiers? Maybe. Play with cars? Eh.. not so much. Chances are she's more interested in her dolls and girlie things. You don't have to play Barbies with your little girl, but it's important to engage in some sort of play with her.

Fathers play a very valuable and significant role in the lives of their children. Remember that sometimes it doesn't matter what you are doing with your daughter; she is simply happy to get attention from you and spend time with you. I used to play catch with my father and although he used to tell me I threw like a girl (and yes I happen to be a girl) I loved every minute of my time spent with him. He balanced out the things I learned from my mother. My father taught me how to measure twice and cut once when we built shelves together, how to spackle, use a power drill, and how to catch a grounder and fly ball. These activities were so enjoyable for me, because I was spending time with my father & getting to do things he does.

If you are not quite sure what to do with your daughter, here are some suggestions: You can go to the park, look at books, dance to music, cut & glue, have her help with dinner, watch a movie she likes, or even play toy soldiers. Chances are, because she's your little princess, she'll be perfectly happy just to be doing something...anything with you as long as she's getting your attention, love and affection. Remember, the relationship between a father and a daughter is very special! That's why she's "daddy's little girl".

You know what I'm saying?

Imagine being in a room with a woman who speaks no English. Before you are shoes, some crayons, a book and a beach ball. The woman turns to you, and says "Podaj mi swoje buty". You have absolutely no idea what she just said. Now imagine she says to you again: "Podaj mi swoje buty" but this time she is also pointing to the shoes. She continues to point and then gestures to herself... now what? You pick up the shoes and give them to her. She seems happy. Next, she points to the red crayon and says "Podaj mi czerwona kredke" so you hand the red crayon to her as well and again she is happy. The first time the woman spoke, you had no idea what she said, so how did you know what she wanted without understanding Polish? You understood the non-verbal gestures the woman used.

Too often parents mistake a child's ability to follow a finger or understand non-verbal gestures for their ability to understand what is being said. When asked, many parents of 18 mos - 3 yr olds with language delays will say "Yes, my child understands me when I ask him to give me something". But if you watch what that parent does while they ask, most times, that parent is also pointing to what they want as they are asking for it. As we have learned from the example above, you don't need to understand what is being said to know what someone wants, if it is accompanied by pointing or gestures. Never underestimate the power of non-verbal communication.

So parents, when you are with your child and checking to make sure s/he is meeting her/his developmental milestones, be aware when you are talking with them. There is nothing wrong with pointing out every day things and labeling them (for example showing a yellow duck and saying "this is a yellow duck") actually, it is very important to do this. Just make sure that every now and then you keep your hands at your sides while you are asking your child to give you something. This is a quick way to get a rough idea of what your child understands and what you still need to work on with them.

I love Green Eggs...

Oobleck, Grinches... fish red and blue...and how to get to Solla Sollew. Dr. Suess is more than an author. With his vast assortment of books that fit the need of almost any child, whether it is a child with articulation difficulties that needs to practice the /s/ sound, or children learning opposites, basic concepts, or about troubles that life brings, the collection of Dr. Suess books is what you need to teach your children while keeping them (and you) entertained.
Have some fun in Seussville at: http://www.seussville.com/lb/home.html

Hungry caterpillars, busy spiders and brown bears are just some of the exciting characters that Eric Carle brings to life in his books which do more than just entertain. They are amazing for language development offering children the opportunity to learn sequencing, counting, colors, animal sounds, etc. In addition, the repetition of sentences provides the necessary reinforcement needed when young children are learning new things and allows them the opportunity to join in the story. You can find a list of his books and more at http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html

With a big push on literacy... even in young ones, you can help prepare your child at home by reading to your child every day and exposing them to books, starting at a young age. Children as early as 18 months have the ability to point to pictures of objects you name in books. From 2 1/2 to 3 years old, your child can talk about the pictures s/he sees, remember some of the story and retell it while looking at the pages and learn so much about so many different things thanks to their interest in books at this age.

So whether it's with a fox, or in a box, with a mouse, or in the house, on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, grab a book and read with your child! You may have more fun than you thought you would.