If we pay close attention, we can learn a lot from babies

By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR

Last month, I joined my sister for a long drive to visit her first and only grandson shortly after his first birthday. We had quite a fun time with my grand-nephew, Henrik, and his parents and other family members.

Henrik’s parents are active in their small community, especially with local sports. Two of our activities were an adult volleyball game (in the sand pit outside the local pub) and a high school girls’ softball game.

On Friday, while the parents were at work, my sister and I had the pleasure of babysitting the cherub! Our primary goal was to have fun while making sure Henrik was safe, dry, fed and entertained.

The first part was easy: Guard dog

Dixie kept an eye on us. As mothers of formerly tiny tots, we managed to accomplish the remaining items.

Entertaining the babe was a series of constantly changing antics – his and ours. It was the first time in many years I had spent so much time on the floor, surrounded by colorful and noisy toys of every description. My knees ached the next day.

Saturday, we piled into the car for a trip to the next town over for an arts festival. On the way, Henrik fell asleep in his car seat. I just stared at him the way one tends to watch sleeping babies, quietly wishing I could fall asleep so easily without a care in the world. On this ride, it suddenly came to me that paying so much attention to a little guy came with many lessons. I concluded that we adults might be ignoring the simplest of guidance. I realized we can learn a lot from a baby. Here are some things I learned:

• It’s good to spend lots of time playing. It’s great exercise, it can make you laugh, and it’s just plain fun!

• Don’t be afraid to try different kinds of foods. Steamed broccoli is actually tasty, even when you get a bite of blueberry with it.

• If you get upset and make a big fuss, people usually listen. Sometimes they’ll talk to you softly until you calm down.

• Toys are fun. But they’re more fun when they make noise – and when you have someone to play with you.

• You can’t play catch by yourself. Toss a ball or a stuffed animal to someone close by and they’ll probably toss it back. Repeat as many times as they throw it to you.

• Take naps when you’re tired. It doesn’t matter what time it is.

• When you smile at people, they usually smile back at you. This is especially true if you have dimples.

• Walking in circles is fun– if you aren’t prone to getting dizzy. This is a good way to learn that straight lines might get you someplace quicker.

• It’s OK to fall asleep at the table occasionally. Someone will probably pick you up and put you to bed.

• Always keep a sippy cup or bottle of water close by. You never know when you might feel thirsty.

• Grown-ups can make crazy funny faces. Just watch them for a few minutes, then smile. But remember, if they think you’re enjoying their antics, they might start being really goofy.

• Hugs are great. Bear hugs are even better.

• When you fall down, get back up and keep going.

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PUBLISHER

Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com

EDITOR

Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com

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Melanie Dodson

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Melissa McCullough

CONTRIBUTORS

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Collins Doughtie

Mathew Epps

E. Ronald Finger

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Jean Harris

Channing Heiss

Ken Horup

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Ken Miller