Focussed on Nani’s music
I’m making an effort at the moment not to interrupt Alyssa when she’s busy. The ability to focus on a task is an extremely important skill, and it’s not uncommon for people to find it challenging. There are so many distractions in life! But that it’s difficult to stay focussed is really not much of surprise given how often babies are interrupted.
Here are some examples:
* Last week I took Alyssa to mini muscles for the first time, which is basically a big room full of all sorts of exciting foam mats, tunnels, foam steps and slides, balls, obstacles… I thought this would be perfect for a baby who’s all about climbing and exploring. We arrived, I sat her down and she went and played with a washing basket in the corner. A washing basket!! We have those at home, Alyssa – why don’t you get into all the other fun things? It was a real challenge to leave her to focus on and play with what she chose to, rather than redirecting her attention to what interested me.
* Alyssa is busy playing with her yellow peg (current favourite toy), and somebody comes to visit. As expected, we all try to redirect Alyssa’s attention to the person and get her to play with them. Perhaps a simple ‘hello Alyssa’ and then just enjoy observing her focussing on her task might be more appropriate.
Of course there are times when we see that a task needs to be completed (nappy change, lunch, getting out for an appointment). But perhaps it would be more polite and respectful to give Alyssa some prior warning – “we’ll change your nappy in a couple of minutes, darling”, or “lunch is in 10 minutes”.
After all, who am I to decide that building blocks with me is more important than investigating the piece of fluff in the corner of the room?
There are times when I just can’t help but sneak up behind her and kiss the soft patch on the nape of her neck and stroke her cheek…
How many times a day does your Mama-heart burst with the loveliness of your child?
Flow Thyme 