I have mentioned in public and private settings, once or twice, of the fear that my youngest isn’t picking up on things-such as colors.
As a parent, there are so many things to fear; looking both ways before crossing the street, germs and megagerms infecting your children, and setting your child or children up for happiness and intelligence. It is the latter that has taken much of my attention with Kylie. She is a funny and happy kid; she can crack a joke about nothing and make everyone in the room laugh (she is 3 years old by the way). She has had many colds and fevers this winter that have drained my energy and I am sure hers too. A few weeks ago, I was reading “Brown Bear” to her. As children do, she was reciting the story, but was leaving off the color of the animal. I did not think much of it, until the end of the story where there is a picture of all of the animals and a cue to recite all of them. Again, she skipped the colors. It was no biggy at first until I began to run the scene through my head, she is young and will start school young with an August birthday. It all comes down to; I want her to succeed. I vigorously began working with her on colors, but she did not seem to be getting it so I have left it alone for the last few weeks.
Two days ago I was picking her up from day care and the daycare lady said, “Kylie put your mittons on, its cold today.” Kylie replied, “No”, as many 3 years olds respond. Again the daycare person said, “Kylie, with all of the colds you have had you need to wear your … by the way what color are they…your mittons.” My heart sank, I responded quietly, “You know, she does not know her colors.” Daycare person responded in a smug way, “YES she does, she has been putting on a big act for you.” I sighed, “Ok” Daycare lady said, “Kylie before you leave what color are your mittons, before you get your Valentine balloon you need to tell us.” Kylie said, “Purple.” And then she laughed. Daycare person said, “Kylie come on.” “Purple!” she said again (the actual color is green). The daycare lady said, “Ok, no balloon for Kylie.” Then she said, “No! They are green!”
I just have to continually repeat this to myself, “this too shall pass.”
