"All By Myself!"

We hear this phrase often! My tendency is to want to help. It seems as though most little ones tend to go back and forth between the "I can do it all by myself!" and the "I need help, please!" Knowing when to help and when to encourage the doing it "by myself" is a balancing act . . . especially with one who can't always do it herself physically, and one who can't always do it herself cognitively. It is almost always quicker and easier to help, yet when a little one accomplishes something "all by myself", it is a victory worth celebrating! The joy that follows is worth all of the effort as well as the patience that it took to refrain from "helping"!

Lindy's most recent "all by myself" moments include buckling herself into her car seat, writing her name, and swimming a short distance in the pool. She is capable of so many things, yet learning new things does not come easy. She is trying so hard, and the girl really does have an amazing determination.

Joy's most recent "all by myself" moments include standing up from a sitting position on the floor, going up and down the stairs (as unconventional as it may be), and doing a somersault. She is working so hard, and we celebrate each milestone in her physical progress.

So, we will continue to seek to find the balance between encouraging these "by myself" moments and also meeting the need for help when necessary. We pray that God gives us wisdom to know what is best as we assure our little ones that we will always be there for them . . . encouraging, helping, cheering, and applauding their victories!