I don’t know why I love to see my kids writing so much.  Seeing their words on paper, that tangible, written expression of themselves, it really makes my heart feel warm and happy.

My first child can be a perfectionist.  She wants to know that what she does will come out perfectly before doing it.  This can be hard on her, since most things take a bit of practice.  Because of this she literally refused to read anything until she was 7, saying she “might pronounce the words wrong”.  I was worried about it at first, as many first time parents would be, thinking she might ‘fall behind’.  But, when she decided she was ready to read and write, she picked it up with such a vengeance that she now reads faster than I do.

With my second child, I am a bit more relaxed.  I know he will come to things in his own time, just as my first child has.  He, however, decided that he wanted to read and write from the moment he could understand the concepts.  When he was 2 1/2 years old he got angry with me for not ‘doing school’ with him, like I do with his older sister, and asked for his own “curriculum”.  I wasn’t planning on any formal schooling until he was 5 or 6 years old, but he was so motivated I decided to start him with All About Reading and Moebius Noodles.

He started reading simple words when he was three and now, at 4 1/2, is reading and writing simple sentences.  I’m so excited for him!  He’s launching into a new world of independence, exploration, and expression.   I LOVE seeing him plop himself down on the couch with a book, or write me a love note! (My ‘to do’ list last night was “Mom, Hug Leif!”)

Today, his dad came home from a week long trip.  Leif wanted to welcome him home with a sign that said, “Welcome home dad.  When you come in and put your stuff away, come and see my new legos”  🙂  I talked him into a simpler version “Welcome home dad.  Play LEGOS with me.”