Monday, March 14, 2011

Building Confidence

One of the biggest things Ben and I have to deal with with our day to day care for Julia is deciding what is important, what is not important and what is in the middle. It has been trial and error for the most part, which is pretty frustrating for everyone. What it comes down to is understanding the meaning behind most actions.

Julia is exploring life right now. It is very cool to see what she finds amazing, what she doesn't (tomatoes :P). One of my most memorable adventures with Julia to date was the trip up Blue Hills. She has no idea she is so small, and you could tell with the determined smile she had on her face right to the top!

What Ben and I keep in mind with everything Julia does is "Is it safe" which is what we instill in her. We tell her with everything she wants to try to make sure she is staying safe. Part of our struggle is that she can't do all things a 4 year old could do, because developmentally she just isn't there. It is hard holding her back from some things, but it is for her safety and confidence we do it.

Confidence is so important to a child in the developmental years. I believe it is the foundation of their lives to know they can accomplish what they set out to do. In the same way you wouldn't let your new to walking 12 month old trying to ride a 2 wheel bike with some 5 year olds, so we have to make sure Julia is being set up for success and safety with everything she does. With all the different stages of development she is in currently, each one comes with obstacles, and new goals. Julia is just the girl for the job and I have full confidence she continue to do something great with each situation given to her, irregardless of her limitations.

When I was younger my dad use to play a song ... in some ways I feel like it is Julia's theme song...

Eight years old with a floursack cape
Tied all around his neck
He climbed up on the garage
He's figurin' what the heck
Well, he screwed up his courage up so tight
That the whole thing come unwound
He got a runnin' start and bless his heart
He's headed for the ground
Well (yes) he's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape 
Now he's all grown up with a floursack cape
Tied all around his dreams
And he's full of spit and vinegar
And he's bustin' at the seams
Well, he licked his finger and he checked the wind
It's gonna be do or die
He wasn't scared of nothin' boys
He was pretty sure he could fly
Well (yes) he's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape
Now he's old and gray with a floursack cape
Tied all around his head
He's still jumpin' off the garage
And will be till he's dead
All these years the people said
He was actin' like a kid
He did not know he could not fly
So he did
Well (yes) he's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape
Well (yes) he's one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
And always trust your cape

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