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March 2007
And It Came to Pass - In the Life of a Two Year Old
Mrs. Donna - North Canton
 Early childhood is filled with seemingly “ordinary” moments. Many of these moments are consumed by meeting our little ones’ needs. Taking caring of these needs provide us opportunities to bond with our children. Our positive and joyful responses communicate to our children that they can rely on our love and encouragement, no matter the situation or task.
The play, laughter, and fun found in music adds JOY to the process of everyday living, especially in the life of the child and parent. WeJoySing parents report that experiences shared during Heart Strings classes enhance the creative interactions they have with their child at home.
Put a creative spin on daunting and at times draining (literally!) tasks, like toilet training. These moments can be times of celebration. It’s true! Even though my “potty training life” has “Come to Pass,” I still smile when remembering “Shooting for the Cheerio.” What a fun way for a little boy to sharpen his aim!...as long as the Cheerio is in the potty and not in the mouth afterwards.
Celebrate the total process, not just when potty training is over and the last diaper is tossed good-bye. Find the JOY in putting oodles of stickers on a potty chart and “reading” the endless stacks of potty-side books. Create your own funny potty song and dance.* I’m not referring to the uncontrollable, emergency-potty dance—that is only funny if you make it to the bathroom on time.
Some tasks seem menial, and we wish them away, but to our child, the process helps to develop who she is. It’s her world. Why not enter into that world with laughter?
Here are some developmental milestones you might expect to see during everyday moments in the life of your two to three year-old, and ways to celebrate these events. (We hope you’ll find these suggestions musically hilarious.)
| Milestone |
“Celebrate” |
| Though sporting a pouty lip, Abbey hands her favorite ball to Joey at Playgroup. (She’s learning to share!) |
Sing “ Hooray!” Hugs and kisses all around! |
| Joey rolls a ball to Abbey! (Cooperative Play/ Rolling is a finer skill--more difficult than throwing) |
Sit on the floor with Joey in front of you, facing Abbey. Emphasize the word “PUSH!” then sing, “Roll and catch, roll and catch…” |
Lizzie dresses herself in stripes and plaids, then changes into a lovely pink and orange number fifteen minutes later. (Independence/Making Choices) |
Applaud the skill, and then announce in a dramatic voice, “Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for the dress-up show!” Look in your own closet for funny combinations. Model your good choices while singing (to the tune of Camp-Town Races): “Stripes are friends with Solid Pants, do-dah, do-dah…” |
| Sammy announces at the breakfast table, “Mommy, I put poopy in the potty!” (Obvious milestone - No more diapers!) |
Say, “Really? Let’s go do it now!” Do your dance and sing the Potty Song* |
Henry puts his ear to the ground then starts to gallop around the room. (At Heart Strings, he’s developed these psychomotor and cognitive skills!) |
Shout: “The King’s Horses are Coming!” Then assume the role of Humpty Dumpty by grabbing a metal pan lid & a wooden spoon…Crash! |
A Note From Mrs. Jo
Don’t allow your days to become “ordinary.” Your child is anything BUT ordinary!! Find ways to put a creative parenting “spin” on those tasks that most see as “ordinary.” You’ll find yourself celebrating with your child, as he/she develops essential skills. Remember, you’re only limited by your own creativity.
"Sing"cerely,
Mrs. Jo
*Recommended resource: “Once Upon a Potty” (Book and DVD by Alona Frankel, Harper Collins, New York, 1999).
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