The child enjoys the process of experimenting and learning as much as he enjoys the final success of being able to crawl. We can help the child in this valuable work by not interrupting him as he works and by offering balls and toys that roll at a slow pace, are interesting to look at, touch, feel and listen to. If the toy moves too far too quickly the child will give up, and if it does not move at all there will be no challenge. The child needs the security of many objects, rituals, systems, in the environment to remain the same. The child constantly grows in independence and responsibility, and it is a challenge to keep up with this growth.
Observation is the key.
Parents who learn to observe their children will be able to tell if a toy is still appropriate, or if furniture is still of the correct size for their growing child. They will recognize when the child is ready for the next step toward participation in family life. Adults who are trying to learn to be good parents are doing so because they care about others. Those who know have a responsibility to teach, and we hope that you will continue to learn, to enjoy your roles as caretakers of children, and to share your wisdom with others. We plan to add these products to our web page in the future, but in the meantime they can be found, along with many illustrations and photographs of children, in the paper copy of Joyful Child.