Let Them Be Little

'No don't touch those stones-they're dirty'
'no don't you'll get your clothes dirty'
'don't run, you'll fall'

I often wonder when people make comments like these towards my not even 2 year old daughter, is it because they have forgotten what it is like to be little? To find amazement and enjoyment in every little thing. The world is full of so many new wonders for these inquisitive little eyes and hands, and I absolutely want my daughter to explore and experience it all. She doesn't need to be held back, or told not to for fear of getting 'dirty'.

They're only so little, so young and innocent for so long. One day splashing in dirty puddles or lifting handfuls of mud wont hold the same appeal to them. I for one, don't want that day to come. To see the smile on her little face as she runs repeatedly up and down the same muddy puddle until she is soaked through, or picks up another stone to give to mummy is magical. I love to see that smile. That's what childhood is all about. Beauty in the ordinary.

So what if she gets dirty - clothes can be changed, a little dirt never hurt anyone. Let her climb gates, climb the frames at the park, let her run without telling her to 'Watch' and telling her she will hurt herself. Don't teach her to be fearful or full of trepidation.  Children fall, they get dirty, wet,. Grazed knees and palms and soaking socks are a rite of passage growing up. I don't want my children to grow up timid or fearful of new experiences because they have been told 'No' one too many times. Encourage them in their wild, care free ways. I want them to feel free, to enjoy the rush of excitement at doing things that evoke enjoyment, that spark their creative outlet. Children need freedom and boundaries, often in equal measure and I will ensure that they have both but never will I compromise on letting them be little.

I'm fortunate that I live in the country, we go for a walk almost every day. We jump in puddles, we collect stones and twigs. We lie in the fields and dig our hands into muddy puddles. It's good for the soul, it's great for their development and creative and social skills. It's great to get fresh air. Most of all it's good to let them be little. They only stay that way for such a little time. Soon they'll find other things to entertain themselves - I plan on letting my children be little for as long as possible. If that means extra laundry and dirty little pawprints then so be it. I hope that by allowing them the freedom to just 'be' now, that I am shaping them in to being 'who' they want to be when they are older. Young adults not afraid of trying new things, of getting their hands dirty in every sense of the word, of never being fearful or timid about joining in on activities.

So let them be little, and let them explore. The world has time enough for them to be older and full of responsibilities. Now is our time to make memories.

Some things only last a short time because they are so precious. So let them be little.

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