“The soul is healed by being with children.”
This quote is by Fyordor Dostoevsy, a well-known Russian novelist, essayist, and journalist who lived from 1821-1881.
A few months ago I had the very special experience of becoming a grandma! I’m thankful that my grandson is a healthy and happy little boy and that I live close enough to him that I’m able to be with him often. Having this little person in my life gives me much joy and I can relate to Dostoevsy’s words.
It’s fascinating to observe the ways my grandson changes during the time between my visits. In addition to seeing the physical change of him being a little bigger than when I last saw him, I enjoy observing the other changes as they have taken place: when he started to smile, when he began grasping my finger or my sleeve while I was holding him, when he started rolling over, and most recently when he could sit up without support. It’s also special to observe how he takes in his surroundings, reaching for and picking up toys, looking at the pictures in books we read, and noticing a family member or a pet walking nearby, turning his head to follow their movement.
Seeing my grandson take in his surroundings at such a young age reminds me of the influence we as adults have on children, even when they are very young, and whether we are aware that we’re being observed by them or not. By watching us, they learn about people interacting with each other, they see various facial expressions, and they notice gestures of affection and sharing. Children also hear our tone of voice, our laughter, and so much more.
Sometimes when I’m with my grandson I think about how each of us human beings started out as a little child like he is, how we each have evolved into the adults we are, and how we continue to evolve every day. It’s vital that we evolve spiritually as well as intellectually and interpersonally. And that we remember that the manifestations of who we are by our actions and our words can have a positive effect on the children around us.