Learning can be fun

Owning a tutu is a dream of many little girls across the globe.  A lot of childhood dreams have no potential to become reality – being a fairy or a princess for example, but becoming a ballerina is attainable for a lucky few.  Remembering what it is like to be a young child can, for some people, be very therapeutic.  Remembering when things seemed more exiting and financial worries were not your own, even if they did impact on you.  Early childhood is a time of learning, discovering the world and acquiring new skills.  Learning how to interact with others and how not to!  Discovering about all sorts of things, forming a character, learning personal likes and dislikes.

When they become parents, adults are often surprised at how familiar many tales and nursery rhymes are, even though they have often not been thought about for many years.  Development that takes place in the early years of life is very influential on how an individual will continue to grow.  There is a general consensus that these years are extremely important to language and social development.  If certain skills are not obtained in this period, learning them later on in life is very difficult, maybe even impossible.  Although children may not be consciously aware of the importance of this stage, their thirst for knowledge is clear.  They tend to ask question after question, beginning to understand why things happen, that there are consequences to actions.  It is vital that parents stimulate young minds, providing toys and allowing children to experience new places and concepts is a great way to do this.  It is not surprising that these active young minds are so imaginative, and enjoy fairy tales so much.

Not all parents can afford to make their daughter’s dream of attending ballet lessons become a reality, but they can still encourage the ambition and make the child’s day through purchasing a suitable tutu.  Children love to dress up as different things, rehearsing roles for later life and gaining an understanding of differing roles in society.  Not all little girls want a tutu – some are less keen on traditionally ‘girly’ clothing and behaviours, and may prefer other toys or dress up outfits.  Generally speaking, enthusiasm for positive things should be encouraged, and if a child longs to dress as a ballerina in a tutu when playing at home, purchasing one can really make their day.  Some children may want a certain item because other children they know have them.  Children often have a natural desire to fit in and be part of their group, but it is important for parents to check that a child does not feel they have to own something to avoid being bullied.  Bullying can have an extremely negative impact on whole lives, and any child that is being bullied should be reassured, whilst children found to bully at a young age should be taught not to.

Remember that childhood is a time for fun and games as well as serious learning, encouraging children to enjoy themselves whilst being safe and sensible is a great way to give them a good start in life.