 Family Life
See the World Through My Eyes
Hey! Remember
when I was born? You cuddled me and played with me. You took care of
me and laughed with me. And even now, we have great times together.
I love being with you!
My arrival has also brought many challenges. At times, it may
seem like I’m trying to make you crazy. I’m sorry. That’s not what I
want to do. I’m just trying to figure out this world and how to grow
up in it. The things you do make sense to you. You understand why
you do them. You have a good reason for doing them.
The things I do
make sense to me. I have reasons for doing them, even though you may
not understand them. Unfortunately, I can’t always communicate with
words the things I want or need.
In some ways I’m similar to most children but in other ways I am different from any other child you know. I'm unique. Just because you understand other children doesn’t mean you have me figured out.
It takes a long time to learn all the things and adult is supposed to know. When I was first born, all I did was eat, fuss, and fill my diaper. In the first years of my life, I am learning many new skills: cooing, smiling, crawling, climbing, walking, talking, playing, sharing--and grabbing, helping, spilling, hugging, phew! So much to learn! All along the way I hope you will enjoy the miracle of life.
Inside you’ll find guides to help us work through some of the challenges we’ll face in the months and years ahead. Will you try to see the world through my eyes? When you do, we will get along
better.
Thanks for being kind and patient with me as we learn and grow together.
You make a big difference!
There are a few things you can do that will help me grow up to be a person you will be proud of.
1. Live well. Your life doesn’t end just because mine began. Keep
learning, growing, and building strong relationships. When you are
enjoying your life, we will have a better time together. For more
ideas on having a good life, study a copy of The Personal Journey.
2. Love me. Nothing matters as much to me as having good adults
love me and enjoy my company. Pay attention to the way I like to be
loved and love me in that way. The love you show me will teach me
how to love others.
3. Try to understand the world as I see it. When you understand
what life is like for me, almost everything I do will make sense to
you. When you feel compassion for the struggles in my world, I will
feel safer and less lonely. The information sheets in this folder
can help you understand what I’m experiencing and how you can help
me.
4. Teach me. I won’t learn the rules for being a good adult
without your help. Rather than punishing me when I frustrate you,
show me better ways. Show me how to be kind, loving, and
responsible. You can find helpful ideas for loving, understanding,
and teaching me in the Parenting Journey publications. As you
already know, having a child requires lots of time and patience. Yet
there is nothing quite as rewarding as helping a baby become a
strong and caring person. Let’s have a great time together!
For printed copies of this publication and more information,
please contact your local
county Cooperative Extension Service agent.
Authors: H. Wallace Goddard, Jennie Hubbard, Chris Hughes, Traci
A. Johnston, Sherry Jones, James P. Marshall, Melissa Potter, Katy
Randall, Lindsey Sexton
Artist: Bruce Dupree
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