I love it whenever I see Ryan showing care to others. Some may see his actions as being a cute little busy-body but I feel that this is a good foundation to help build up his caring and helpful character.
Ryan first started to offer his help whenever he saw me folding up the blankets and clothes. I will let him “help” me with the work although he doesn’t really do them the right way. At least he feels that he’s able to offer help and that his assistance is accepted and appreciated. I think it is an important achievement for him to feel he’s being useful. Don’t you think?
Over time he’s grown to be a caring little toddler. Whenever he sees someone in pain, he would lean close and offer a kiss. If you have a wound, he would ask you to apply some cream or medicine and will later ask if you are okay or not. I love that he cares!
Yesterday his daddy was carrying him in one arm and the other was loaded with some bags. He asked his daddy “Papa, heavy or not?” to which the father said yes. He then offered to help him carry some bags and his daddy agreed. I never knew that he understands the concept of heaviness and to offer his help too! We really shouldn’t underestimate kids and their ability to know what’s going on around them, huh?
He also likes to run into the kitchen sometimes and ask me “Mummy, what are you doing?” when he sees me leaning over the copper kitchen sinks doing the dishes. But I never allow him to stay in the kitchen with me because I fear him hurting himself there with all the electrical appliances not to mention reaching up to hot water and sharp objects in the kitchen.
So my little boy has yet to learn how to help me do the dishes but perhaps will soon be allowed to do so when he grows up a little more. I always have this nice vision of a kid standing on a little stool next to the parent at the sink, helping to wipe the dishes dry whilst the parent does the washing and they both chat about the day. Gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I look forward to more pleasant moments like this where I can witness Ryan growing into a caring person. Something worth nurturing, don’t you think?
