This prompt really got me to thinking. Lately, when I've been talking about taking my grandson to see and do various things, people have often said something on the lines of; 'Well that's nice, but he won't remember it.'
My response verges on complete befuddlement. What has that got to do with anything? I'm not without brain cells. I do realise that he is far too young (at 13 months) to remember a lot of what we are doing with him now. Most of those memories will be saved in the form of photographs, of which there are already hundreds! (Can you tell he's our first grandchild? *wink*)
What we are doing is creating an environment in which he can learn, experience and begin to understand the world in which he will eventually create thousands on thousands of memories. The pictures scattered through this blog indicate just a few of the experiences he is having.
He loves food. From early in his life he has been offered every kind of food (age suited, of course). Like everyone else, he has some things he is less fond of, and we avoid nuts because his dad is allergic to almonds, but everything else is fair game. Although he currently refuses to sit still and eat, preferring the 'Hit and Run' method of dining, he will try pretty much anything you offer. I love to cook and feed people. My little guy is already experiencing what it is like to be a part of a family of foodies, and hopefully the pictures of, and time at, his first birthday party (where he fell in love with orange jelly boats), will be the beginning of future happy food memories.
If you look at the pictures in my albums you will see a child who is laughing, eating, touching, watching, talking, running, climbing, at home, in the park, in the garden, by the sea. No, he won't remember the actual details of these events, but he'll remember how it feels to laugh, to run, to feel wet sand under your toes, gooey jelly in your mouth and grass in your hands.
But there is one important point to be made here. These photos contain my memories of him. What they will do, when he is old enough to understand, is build on his memories and remind him of one over-riding factor;
He will always remember that he is loved, completely, forever.
Bright Blessings
Mojo
Wow! He's so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI believe even if we don't "remember" early instances in our lives, on a cellular level there is a memory that takes place as the senses are developing. Maria Montessori talked a lot about how there are "sensitive periods" of development and that we learn most during these times. She added that if we miss learning during these particular times, we can't go back and fix it--it's that sensitive... Language of course also adds in the process of being able to remember as we put our memories into words...
At any rate, I'm with you in that I believe that young children even babies should be exposed to all kinds of wonderful things and that this promotes learning and growth!
Beautiful blog! Congrats on your grandson! He's darling! Thanks for sharing this in the Positivity Group!
Thanks, Marian. I agree with Maria. There are times when learning just goes bananas and huge leaps are made in understanding and ability. For now, I'm happy to let this gorgeous (not that I am biased!) little man do exactly what he wants with the experiences we give him, knowing that he is getting all the building blocks he needs for later life <|;o))
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful pictures. I have family members say to me how would I remember because I was young all the time. I can recall memories from the time I was 2. Some have to be reminded to me through pictures, but most I can recall on my own.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post.