To the eyes of a toddler, the world is a never-ending source of amazement and constant learning. My toddler (15 months old now) is also soaking up information about the world, making new connections and learning new things every day. His world is constantly expanding as he's learning new skills all the time. But one skill that he learned by himself is "Social skill". Yes, my son is a social bird and a very popular one. When both of his parents are working, he himself has developed the sense of feeling comfortable with others. Beginning from birth, he was people-oriented and preferred looking at people and faces rather than objects. I remember when Vibhu( my son) was only 7 months old, he started his neighborly visits to others. During those days my mother in-law was at our home town and my husband was doing "work from home" with taking care of our son. I'm blessed that I'm married to such a nice man. When no buddy was there to look after our son, I was going to office and he was at home for our son. I couldn't get work from home luxury but my husband managed those 40 days working from home during nights. Because, his whole day used to spill with our 7 months old baby. One of our kind neighbors noticed it and started taking Vibhu to her place for some time. This used to give my husband a breather so that he could do his breakfast/ lunch properly. Slowly Vibhu started recognizing them and now he's very famous among all our building mates.
We both, husband-wife, are living at the same place since we got married. But we never tried to mingle-up with our neighbors and other families living in the same building much. We were so involved with each other and in our jobs that we never (especially, I) cared what's happening to others around us. It's a rented flat so the only interaction we had was with our owner who lives just adjacent to us. Lady owner used to complain my husband that I was not "cordial enough" because I never went to talk to her without any reason. And now, things have changed. I've changed and so have changed other's perspective towards myself. I have brushed-up my social skills and being a mother it was needed actually. All thanks to my son. He made me realize that there is strength in numbers, and take comfort in the company of others, especially in times of anxiety or need.I have become a person with whom neighbors can share new recipes and special dishes. They freely come to ask for 2 tomatoes or a bowl of sugar when they need. And I'm enjoying being buddy-buddy with all of them.
Our little one likes to go to our neighbor families and at time he refuses to come back. When we take him back with little force, he cries to stay and this always gives him a bit more space in other people's heart. They fall for him. I have seen days when after spending more than two hours in a neighbor family he came back and immediately went to other neighbor family because they were looking for him. If you ask me the reason of his popularity then my honest answer is "he loves them". Vibhu might not understand the power of smile yet but he smiles openly seeing our neighbors. His heart melting smile has made him a well -known kid. People come to talk to us themselves because everyone wants to take Vibhu and play with him. Now we have a new identity “Vibhu's parents". No one cares what I do but everyone in our society knows that I'm Vibhu's mother.
A little girl Dhwani, who lives right above my flat, is my son's best friend. Ever since Vibhu is going to them, not a single day she missed to come to us to play with him. Mostly she takes Vibhu to her place and every other day happens a scene when he refuses to leave her. He can refuse to eat when he's home but he can eat calmly with Dhwani at her place. He refuses to sit at one place but he sits and plays with Dhwani easily. We parents couldn't train him for starting solids but he learned enjoying Alloo ka Paratha and chole-rice with his didi Dhwani. Many things he has learned and is learning with spending time with his friend families.
But every coin has two sides. I have heard stories and have seen cases when babies got hurt by other people. But I'm keeping myself positive. Families where Vibhu is going, are living there since long time. They have kids; they look caring and most importantly they are normal people like us. I trust them and I don't want to judge them because of my fears.
Early childhood development provides the blueprint for all future development and learning. From the moment kids are born, they develop and learn social and emotional skills through their public interactions and relationships with others. Vibhu actively interacts with others to create experiences, to develop skills and relationships. I feel my son is born motivated and wired to relate to other human beings. He's a true "People-Person". And he taught me the importance of being social.
Well done baby, keep it up :)
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