A grandfather brought in his little one to the library today - he was so good with her; he seemed to have a childlike quality of his own that I believe made it easy for him. One of the columns in the children’s department is decorated as a snowman, with hat, "carrot" nose, etc. She would pass by it and say "hi" very earnestly. She noticed the hat, and so he pointed out all the other parts to the snowman. Of course, I've heard many adults doing the same sort of thing with children, but the sense of wonder seemed more genuine in him - I guess that's a judgment on my part. Oh, well, maybe it is.
And when it was time to go and she was screaming a little, he said, you're okay, you're okay,* and brought her back to the snowman. He distracted her gently by pointing out it's features. Without exasperation. This child is fortunate.
*I say this to Orphan Annie when she seems bothered by something.
Some people have such calm and patience with children and know exactly what to do. I had to learn that to get the best from your children you must give them your best. You have to give them all your attention and really listen to them and answer their questions properly. That way they begin to trust you and they calm down and often don't ask as many questions. My children always knew when my mind was on other things! It is good to hear of a man taking such good care of his (grand)child. I must admit my husband never had much patience with small children though my father always did and would also walk up and down soothing my girls for hours when they were babies.
ReplyDeleteAnd he must have been that way with you, too!
DeleteYes, I remember him as a very kind and gentle father when I was little. He couldn't cope with us when we became teenagers :D
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