I don't know if it is a universal difference between boys and girls, but it certainly is the difference between my boy and my girl. The quest for independence. I've been noticing this a lot lately as Alivia exercises her right to an opinion of how she wants to do things or what she wants to play with or what she wants to eat or drink. Over the last 2 days she has been reluctant to let mama spoon feed her yogurt, cereal, or cottage cheese, shaking her head and loudly shouting "No No No!!" So today I place her bowl of strawberries and cottage cheese in front of her with a training spoon. Much to my surprise she managed to feed herself that cottage cheese, with little mess! I'm not sure why I was so surprised. After all, developmentally it is expected that a child this age should be feeding herself. Maybe it is because her brother showed no interest in feeding himself until he was close to 2 years old!!
Then there is her uncanny (and sometimes stealthy) ability to undress herself. I mean, I turn my head for a minute, and the next thing I know she has herself stripped down to her diaper (I guess I should be thankful she leaves that much on). There have been several afternoons when she has spent more time undressing herself than napping. And her attempts to undress began at around 9 months old. Damon on the other hand could have cared less about being able to dress or undress himself until he was three. And that was only because I forced the issue when Alivia was born. And it's only been in the past 6 months or so that he has been able to put on his own shirt. And only within the past 2 weeks that he has been able to put on his own sneakers (tying them will have to wait).
Then there is her uncanny (and sometimes stealthy) ability to undress herself. I mean, I turn my head for a minute, and the next thing I know she has herself stripped down to her diaper (I guess I should be thankful she leaves that much on). There have been several afternoons when she has spent more time undressing herself than napping. And her attempts to undress began at around 9 months old. Damon on the other hand could have cared less about being able to dress or undress himself until he was three. And that was only because I forced the issue when Alivia was born. And it's only been in the past 6 months or so that he has been able to put on his own shirt. And only within the past 2 weeks that he has been able to put on his own sneakers (tying them will have to wait).
And don't get me wrong. I'm not comparing my children to say one is better or smarter than the other...I'm just noticing how different each is. Alivia seems to excel in the personal care areas...while Damon shows more Independence when it comes to playing and imagination and running, and moving his body in BIG ways. Alivia is careful and timid at times; Damon is brave and daring. Damon is more socially confident; Alivia needs reassurance from her Mama. I enjoy watching my children on their quest for independence and the new freedom I have found.
I love my children. I love everything that makes them unique creations. They are amazing...and I can't imagine my life without them!
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. " ~Psalm 139:14
Damon learns to put on his shirt March 2011
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