Theoretically, it’s probably not a great idea to let a one-year-old climb up on a table. It’s not real smart to leave him there while I grab the camera. Not fantastic parenting to allow him to sample several of his siblings’ art supplies. Not super-wise to encourage him to sit there for an hour or so and draw on his legs.
Yes, theoretically, allowing all this–baby a couple feet off the ground business–isn’t brilliant.
But I have a plan.
Nate is fourteen months old tomorrow. Nate isn’t walking. He’s even leery about standing unassisted. His brother and sisters all walked at about ten months…six months (AND COUNTING) before Nate.
Theoretically, this is not big deal.
But now I’m starting to wonder. What’s the difference? How is Nate’s environment different than the others’? Am I hovering more? Are we all “helping” Nate so much, he’s not building his own confidence?
But Nate is a climber. So, I let him navigate the challenge of hoisting himself up onto the art table. I let him crawl around up there. And then I let him figure out how to get down…ALL BY HIMSELF.
Theoretically, you’d think this would make him so proud of himself that he’d walk right over to the fridge and grab himself a snack.
In theory, and in reality, no.
Maybe tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Nate.
