RAISING
THE HUMAN CHILD
Language
Development
Gazing into the eyes of my one day old granddaughter, my first grandchild,
as I held her in my arms for the first time the Friday before Easter,
I was overwhelmed with the wonderment of this new gift of life entrusted
to us. This was bonding time for the two of us. I spoke to her in tones
of love as I sang the song, ”Peter Cottontail,” and told
her the story of “Peter Cottontail.” Her expressions and
eyes as she listened told me that her new brain was hardwiring the beginning
of her language development. She knew that the “Peter Cottontail,”
song and story would link the two of us forever.
These small, newborn human beings arrive already programmed
with certain genetic dispositions, characteristics, and personality
traits, but the brain, much like a computer, must have data entered
to make it complete. From the minute these small creatures enter our
world, a lifetime of learning begins.
I am reminded of the story about a mother of a three
year old who asked her pediatrician when she should begin teaching her
child. The pediatrician replied, “Madam, you are three years too
late!” We must always remember that we are about teaching human
beings how to be human beings!
Everyday should be filled with good music, wonderful
stories, and parents’ love; cornerstones for language development.
TO
BE CONTINUED...
