Back in June, when we were in Canada, Aubrey learned to fold her arms for prayers. The funny thing is, we can't take any credit for teaching her. Grandma Buell, Aubrey and I were playing with the Beanie Baby collection. Grandma pulled out a bear that was praying and called it "Prayer Bear". Out of the blue, Aubrey folded her arms, as we looked on in amazement. You might think that she was just copying what the bear was doing, but the bear wasn't folding it's arms, but had it's hands together instead.
She must have watched us fold our arms during prayers and made the connection on her own. We hadn't thought that she was ready to learn to fold her arms, but apparently we had underestimated her potential!
So, we started to encourage her to fold her arms at prayer time. After only a few times, she no longer needed encouragement. Instead, now, she usually reminds us that we need to pray. Meals usually go something like this: We put Aubrey in her highchair and immediately she folds her arms. Then when we put food on her tray, she folds them again. Anytime we put more food on her tray, make eye contact, or at any random time during the meal she folds her arms again. She must be really grateful for her food! It's great how she knows that food and prayer go hand in hand. Now, we have been working on prayers in the morning and at night. She has not caught on to those as quickly and is still pretty wiggly. But, someday, I am sure she will!
It makes me wonder how many other things we have thought she isn't ready for and she'll just have to go ahead and teach herself if we don't soon. All you mommies out there in blog land, what kinds of things do you usually teach your 1 year olds? This way we can check to make sure we haven't missed teaching something important!
5 comments:
Gosh, it's been so long since Sean was 1 that I'm not sure I have much advice to give. I do remember him learning to fold his arms, though. Around 6 months I started to fold his arms for him everytime there was a prayer said, and about 9 or 10 months he figured out he could do it on his own. One of the best things he learned in his first year (though I think this was before he turned 1) was how to drink out of a straw. That was a lifesaver!
Hmmm - besides teaching Ayden not to jump on or whack other kids - I can't really recall. Sorry, we're not the best example. Aubrey is one lucky gal - Looks and Brains! Way to go you guys!
oh my, that is so stinkin cute! I love when they start to do that. Now just wait when they start to say their prayers~ It's so Darling!!!
She looks so cute! The little ones watch every move we make, even when we think they're not paying attention. Just being a good example is the best thing you can do to teach them.
WOW!!!...I'm still trying to get my 18 yr old to do that! Just kidding, but what a cute little doll.
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