Playgrounds

As I watched Colleen walk across the moving bridge that was part of a playground near Claire's soccer practicetoday, I marveled at her accomplishment.  Colleen started walking at two and a half years, but before she could walk she loved playgrounds.  She really developed her gross motor skills last fall when her brother James had twice a week soccer practices at the local elementary school.  While he was practicing, Claire, Colleen and I hung out on the playground, usually with the son of a friend that loved to play with Claire.  Colleen was not walking, barely cruising, but she could climb.  And slide.  She loves the slides.  In just a few short weeks she became more confident in her control of her own body, and had a blast at the same time.  I remember thinking that on most nights from 5:30-6:30 we would be home cooking/eating/playing, but intead all of the extra time on the playground helped develop her confidence and skill. 

She still loves playgrounds, but now that she is walking she is really in charge.  She struts around, almost saying with her body "watch me."  And while I can't say she is doing everything a "typically developing three" would be doing, she is pretty close.  Now she wants to master climbing up the slide. Can't say I am upset that this is hard for her right now.

Playgrounds are also a very inclusive place.  There are kids of all ages, all abiliites, all everything.  And generally I am pleased with how other parents accept her.  Kids have no problem with her, unless they try to tell her something and get her to respond.  Most parents are friendly.  Most parents encourage their kids to introduce themselves.  I do have to watch the munchkin as she likes to push other kids.  It is a hard habit to get her to break.  And I have to follow her when she gets up in larger playgrounds, especially ones that have openings for things like poles or bars, but it is a small price to pay for that georgeous grin.