Learned Behaviors

Have your kids ever started to do something and you wonder where in the world they picked that up?  Luke doesn't tend to do this, but in the last couple months I’ve seen him try things he never tried before.  I’m sure it is because he is now at school and able to observe other kids and how they do things.

Some of these “learned” behaviors have included putting his juice cup back on the table when eating (instead of throwing it), continuing to hold on to his fork and trying to stab his food (instead of throwing it), and stomping his feet when we sing at home.  Another one of these “learned behaviors” showed up last night. 

It was after baths were done and both kids were playing in the living room.  My husband said “raise your hand if you are ready for bed.”  Sure enough Luke’s hand shot straight up!!  Then to test to see if he really did this because of what my husband said, I said “raise your hand” and up went the hand!  I was so excited and Luke’s response to my excitement was a huge smile, of course.  I just hope that he’ll understand this raising the hand thing better in the next few years.  I can just see him in 1^st grade raising his hand when the teacher asks someone to raise their hand with the answer to a math problem, and then when called on he wouldn’t have a clue but just smile real big….after all he raised his hand!!  Who cares what 1+1 is, right?

It’s those little things that make my day.  To most parents probably think “what’s the big deal?”  Well when your kid has waited 3 ½ years to follow a basic command like “raise your hand”….you have to get excited!!  Luke’s understanding has definitely improved in the last few months.  He follows more commands like “clean up” or “get out”.  I’m so glad he is making even more progress in this area!