L. is just starting to figure out what pronouns are all about, and it’s been both amusing and heart-warming to watch his progress.
Last week, it went something like this:
Mom: L., where is “you”?
L.: [pointing to himself] Right there!
Mom: And where is “me”?
L.: [pointing to himself] Right there!
Mom: And where is “I”?
L.: [once again pointing to himself] Right there!
And, of course, he was right. Sometimes, he might be “I” or “me,” but other times he’s the one we’re referring to when we say “you.” So really, all of those pronouns fit.
This week, he’s testing pronouns out in everyday conversation.
Mom: Good morning, L.. How are you today?
L.: [thoughtful pause] I…me…L.!
Okay, so maybe I didn’t ask who he was today, but still — he’s getting the hang of it.
I love watching him experiment with pronouns, but even more, I’m amazed to watch this journey of self-discovery. Today, he’s figuring out how to best refer to himself (“I stuck, Mommy. I stuck!”), but he’s also learning that there are things he likes (M&M’s) and things he doesn’t like (“Cranberries yucky.”). In a few years, he’ll realize that he’s very good at certain things, but not so good at other things.
As time goes on, I’m sure we’ll see ways in which he takes after Chad, and ways he’s more like me. We’ll witness his developing temperament and do our best to teach him to celebrate the way God has uniquely created him.
In case you can’t tell, I love this process! I’ve always been fascinated by the study of temperaments and personality types, and find myself endlessly contemplating the things that make people tick. But in parenting, those abstract principles become wondrously tangible. What an amazing privilege to see a child grow from a helpless infant to a self-aware kid with a growing sense of identity!
But despite my enthusiasm, I don’t want to rush things. I want to patiently watch L.’s identity unfold…bit by bit, discovery by discovery. Not too fast, not too slow.
And for this week, I’m more than happy to hear: “I…me…L.!” and know that he’s taken one more step on this incredible adventure.
Yup. I’m there with you on this one too. Our son refers to himself as “you.” He is starting to throw in “I” every so often but mostly he refers to himself as “you.” “YOU do it!” “YOU like it.”
It can become quite comical, actually!
I also LOVED the pronoun thing.
Kyle is hung up on time now, asking things like “Is it tomorrow today?” Well, um, yeah, if you’re talking about the tomorrow that we were talking about yesterday, then I guess it is.
I guess it’s as mind-bending as the whole you/me/I being the same person thing!
Here, here!! (I’m always torn. Is it “here, here” or “hear, hear?” Oh, homophones! How can you torment and amuse at the same time?)
The discovery of temperament and personality is definitely my favorite part of parenting. God has packed so many wonderful suprises in these amazing creatures! How does He do that? It’s so awesome to witness the unfolding of a life, the depths of imagination, the workings of a new mind. I love it.
We’ve got Jennifer’s issue (previous comment) in this house too. Our daughter hasn’t quite figured out time. Today could be tomorrow and yesterday could have been last month. Nearly everything in her life happened “a few days ago.”
awww to sweet! I love how you put it.. you want him to grow but not to fast and certainly not to slow.
I’ve loved every single stage of my children’s growth so far (well, I COULD have done without the tantrums!). Right now my oldest is beginning to really discover “who” she is. The best part is watching them grow into who they are in Christ – I was reflecting this morning on the gifts my kids are already showing they possess – now THAT’s exciting!!
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I think that is why I love working with preschoolers and toddlers so much. Just watching them discover their world and who they are is so fun!