6 Changes to Expect as Your Child Grows up

The nostalgia of their child's early years often makes parents wonder why their little one ever grew up. Not only do they miss the smiles, babbles and giggles, but also feel lost when they look at how much their little bundle of joy has changed over the years. Parents find it hard to reconcile with the fact that their children no longer need their company all the time, nor rush to them with arms outstretched to hug and seek support. Yet, parents feel proud when they see their children's developing abilities, their increasing confidence and achievements, all of which provide glimpses of their bright future.

While changes never stop taking place as your child grows, we list six changes that make you ponder, and feel proud at the same time.

1. Where did the laughter and giggles go? As an infant and as a toddler, your little one would break into peals of laughter when you made a funny face, mispronounced a word, made strange amusing noises, or touched her sensitive tickle spots. But as your child grows beyond early childhood, these actions no longer seem funny. On the contrary, your child might be tempted to squirm or be embarrassed by your actions. But it's important to stay playful with your child. The key is to look for leads from your child rather than initiate playfulness, except when you want to diffuse a conflict situation. If it works well and good. If it doesn't, then abandon the tactic.
2. He learns to be tactful: Your child's foot stomping and brutally honest expression of his feelings would have convinced you that he was sleeping in the barn when god was teaching mankind the art of discretion. However, he proves you wrong. With time, he learns the fact that tact is the best way of influencing both the barbarian and the benevolent to his advantage.
3. She gets attracted to technology: As your child grows older, you realise how easily and quickly she learns to use technology. It begins with evincing an interest in simple toys, feeling fascinated by the moving images on the television, and becoming captivated by the hand-held screen devices. Her interest in technology can sometimes make her neglect you as well. And, if left unchecked, this attraction can degenerate into addiction.
4. He begins to share: The 'I want everything for myself' or the 'possessing but not sharing' attitude slowly gives way to a more open approach. Your child learns the fact that what he has can be used to spread happiness and cheer among those around him. He begins to share his toys, eatables and other possessions without you asking him to do so.
5. She begins to reason: While your child believed and trusted every word you said, and was convinced by every reason you gave, it's no longer so. Your words are taken with a pinch of salt. Her experience has taught her that every coin has two sides, and that she should look at both the sides before making up her mind. So, you no longer sound so convincing or seem infallible to her as you did earlier.
6. He begins to take over: As your child gains in strength and develops his abilities, he shows more willingness to learn and contribute to the household. It goes beyond the usual cleaning up of the room and putting the dirty laundry in the right place. He takes up certain responsibilities for himself, thus sharing some of your burden. He also learns to evaluate situations and share his own viewpoints - gradually grooming himself for taking over the role your advisor.

   
   

As our children grow up, our relationship with them changes. While it feels good to interact with children who are growing up fast and catching up with us, it does also make us feel sad because, at some point along this 'growth curve', their delightful childhood years disappear forever.

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