Kids Are Adults in Little Bodies

I watched a news report last night about a 3 year old pulling an 80lb tv on top of them. Granted, I was forced to watch this new story by the persuasion of my wife as we just bought an 80lb tv just 1 month ago. Different from the parents in the news story though, I pretty much expect my kids are smarter then I am. I have seen my 2.5 year old (Mackenzie) climb and scale walls, ladders, and contraptions that she has built. I have also fallen prey to many a scheme my 2.5 and 4 year old (Ian) have come up with together.

For instance, I came downstairs one morning to hear “he’s coming! he’s coming!” from the kitchen. Ian yells out “Daddy, Mackenzie is in the office getting into things!” Not really processing the situation, I walk to the office to find it empty. I make my way to the kitchen. In the kitchen, I find both Ian and Mackenzie under the table. Surrounding them are a variety of candy wrappers, half-eaten candy, popcorn, and Twizzlers. The two were giggling away as they stuffed as much in their mouth that time would allow with me approaching. They knew they had bought an extra of 45 seconds of candy with their little diversion.

Now, I have been told I have smart kids. I think what is different is that my wife and I have always talked to our kids like adults. No, we don’t discuss the depths of politics, swear, or expect them to make the right decision the first time. This means no high-pitched voices, baby-gaga, or made-up words. They will make mistakes, but we do expect them to learn from them. Granted, that doesn’t work with many adults I know and have worked with.

The point is, talk to kids with normal voices and correct their English and grammar. If you don’t, they have to re-learn the language again and wonder why you didn’t tell them the first time. Turn mistakes into learning opportunities for both of you. With my son’s interest in space and shuttle missions, I have learned more about Go NoGo and countdown sequences then I ever imagined.

By the way, the new tv I purchased is bolted to the entertainment center.