NANA SAYS KEEP CHILD'S PLAY SIMPLE

Each generation of parents wants their children to be brighter than the one previously and larger than life. Are computer skills at two years old really necessary? Exposing children to books, crafts, creative opportunities are the fodder for learning. Toys with bells and whistles are good too but not the only things to be available.While playing in the snow with one of my grandsons recently, I followed his lead. He likes to dig and play with his roller- his wheelbarrow. It is his machine. He was transporting the snow from one place to another. We were engaging in imaginative play. The tools- shovel, plastic wheelbarrow and snow. We were labelling, counting and using the materials at hand. Hum! Skills that could help with a lifetime? Later he wanted to play with a ball of my wool. He took it around the house- made tunnels and walls. Even Nana was on her knees crawling under his tunnel in play! Simple play. There is always the old joke- the child likes the box a toy comes in better than the toy itself. By talking with childen- language development; grammar; math- how many cookies on your plate?; science- look at the squirrel eating-where do you think he lives or observing the night sky watching the changing of the moon;  listening to music and reading from favourite books- are skills readily available to any parent rich or poor. Playing with children allows the opportunity to develop a relationship as well a teaching moment. All those little moments really are important! What simple play activities do you do? How do you engage with the children in your life? Do you have other suggestions for simple play? Following each child's interest and lead can enrich the experience.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Is a wonderful English saying. Means different things to different people. It does not mean showing up late to every party, dinner or social function, however! Recently, while at a dinner party one of our friends started to take piano lessons after inheriting his mother's piano. He gave us a little rendition and hopes to play better with two hands.Looking forward to the next time! It made me think about many people who stop trying to do something new because of age, children, health or whatever excuse comes along. Actually we are told if we learn new tasks, language, or skill it is good for our aging brains! I still struggle with trying to speak Italian by doing verb exercises at an elementary school level. Any patient that speaks Italian, I try to communicate with them. Even a few words in other languages- like Spanish, French, Farsi, Russian, Chinese- help to stimulate my brain.  My husband has a second cousin who take up marathon running in her 30's and just competed in a big race in Ottawa- now in her 40's! My cousin Roy, in his retirement has embraced photography which is evident by the beautiful and varied pictures he takes. Some are so amazing- National Geographic watch out! Some people go back to school and earn a degree or diploma. After retirement many people start a home business. For example, I have some corner wooden shelves bought at a craft sale made by a retired gentleman who took up carpentry and loved it! So is there something you want to do? No matter the age, just get started! I can not draw well but  a few years ago, I bought a book on drawing for beginnings. I practice occasionally. I will not be a great artist but I have been learning the techniques, the discipline of drawing. It helps with my crafts! If I can do it, then so can you! What are you waiting for? Better late than never!

YOU LOOK BUT DO YOU SEE

Good observation skills are vital in many jobs and useful in every day living. Recently on a weekend away, I spent some time looking at the view from my hotel window, writing what I saw. It is a good exercise to do periodically. In my work, listening and observing are clinical skills that have been developed over the years. Yet when I looked at the scene from my window, I missed the lake in the background until I realized it was there. Did not take a picture but it would have been a good activity to test other's skills. Seeing means to look again and sometimes to look again several times. Our first impression may not take in everything that is relevant. Like the picture above do you sometimes miss the forest for the trees?