Our Blog - A fresh Take

This is a blog about the art of helping the children in our lives realize their potential and use their gifts, especially those children who may not move as well, the “crasher banger” kids, the shy types, and those picked last for ball games. It’s about seeing beyond the surface to discover who our children are and helping them shine. We’ll discuss how children grow and learn, how they move and use their senses, and why they do things like spin in circles until they fall down. Mostly it’s about all of us taking a step back and seeing each other for who we really are. That’s a tall order. We’re complex creatures. Let’s begin.

My son once asked me what it was like to be old. My immediate reaction was to burst out laughing (I had recently turned 30 at the time, hardly ancient in my book), much to his chagrin.

But it made me think. What is it like to be old? Years ago, I had the privilege of working with seniors as an occupational therapist. My clients were recovering from a variety of conditions: strokes, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries. Some clients just found themselves increasingly unable to do simple activities of daily living. After we got to know one another, I told them of the question my son had asked me years before.

What is it like to be old? Surprisingly, no-one was offended by this question, although many people did laugh, just as I had. In a variety of ways, they all said essentially the same thing.

That who you are when you are younger is who you are when you are older, only with more life experience. Someone who is outgoing, exuberant and lively will continue to be so even in an aging body. Someone who is more cautious and observant will still have those characteristics.

This is not to say that we aren't changed by our life experiences, we absolutely are. Our families, the social climate, technology, all of that has an impact. Most importantly, the relationships we have with people we are close to play an enormous role in shaping who we are.

So essentially we are every age we have ever been, all at the same time.

So how is this relevant to the children in our lives? By letting our playful side come out, we set an example of how to use the lessons of childhood throughout our lives. By tapping into our inner toddler who is learning how to explore. By calling on our inner 9 year old who is discovering the wonder of science. Our inner teenager reminds us of the importance of friendship.

In doing so, we rediscover the joy of life, and encourage our children to do the same.