Learning Together

My sweet little Ezra had a developmental evaluation recently, and it was determined that he has some gross motor delays.  During the evaluation, an early childhood educator commented on one of Ezra's behaviors.  She noted that at least seven times during the evaluation he would grunt and then look at me if he had a need, such as a toy that was out of reach.  Apparently, he has learned that I can solve his problems, and I probably have, unknowingly, responded to his simple communication pattern many times.  The early childhood educator didn't have to do anything more than bring up the observed behavior; I got the message.  Over the past few days I have thought of that little experience at least a dozen times.  I am impressed with Ezra's desire to communicate, with his understanding that I can meet his needs.  I am also more cognizant of my interactions with him, seeing now how observant and interactive he is with me.  I recognize that, even as a baby, he needs to develop certain "self-help" behaviors, and his primary means of learning that is from me.  It is very humbling.  Everything I do teaches him how to approach his world.
It is a fine line that I walk as a good parent.  I need to help without hovering.  I need to guide without smothering.  I need to give him room to grow.  I recognize that he is a happy little sponge, absorbing from me emotions, skills, mannerisms, and stimuli.  I feel so grateful to be a full-time mom and help shape his world in the best ways.