Monkey See, Monkey Do!
By Pam Ford Davis
Over and over, we are told by educators that things are more often “Caught than taught”. By repetition and example children experience much of their learning. With a background in childcare, I saw this time after time.
With children from twelve to twenty four months, they often mimicked what I did, such as coughing or blowing my nose! When they begin talking, it seems like they are turning into parrots!
Parents will be quick to realize that their children repeat what they have heard at home. With a smile, the usual comment is “I’ve got to be more careful about what I say!” They copy parents;they copy their older sisters and brothers.( That is a real bonus with potty training.) A favorite is to copy animals; they love to get down on the floor,on their hands and knees, and bark like a dog, or ROAR like a lion!
At the childcare ministry where I worked last, a boy had observed how the friendly janitor pushed the large broom or mop down the long hallway. A short time later his mom said he had a toy broom in a friends house, and pushed it all around the room, using the same motions he had seen before!
From my personal “Memory Treasure Chest”, I want to share one example of our oldest grandson, Justin, who was three years old at the time.( He is now preparing for his high school graduation.) My husband and I were at the military base housing of our daughter, her husband, and their son. I think it was his third birthday celebration. He had gone outside with his grand daddy.
When my husband sat down on a curb area, he heaved a heavy sigh. Grandparents do a lot of that! Right away, Justin sat down beside him, and gave out a loud sigh! It was a valuable lesson for both of us, that we have not forgotten. THEY DO COPY US! “Monkey See, Monkey Do!”
Even if you have no young children or grandchildren of your own, you would be surprised at how many children may be watching you. It might be at church, or at a grocery store, maybe even at a doctors office. Mind your P’s and Q’s!
With those in our families, we are instructed to share our faith in God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) Lovingly repeat stories of Jesus at home, or in the car…in the morning, as they are getting up, and at night, before going to sleep.
Remember, they learn by repetition. Just as we teach them the alphabet by the simple “ABC’s song;” they can learn of Gods’ love with “Jesus Loves Me.”
Now, at nearly sixty years of age, I still remember the love of Jesus, shown to me through the lives of a godly grandma and grandpa. We must not forget…”Monkey See, Monkey Do!”
I am a wife of over 40 years, mother and proud granny. I was born in N.Y. State, currently reside in central AL. With a past career in Radio announcing our family lived across the nation, later worked in the child care ministry. Now, I am living the dream of writing. All things are possible!
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