On another day Harry and his sister, Jasmine, collected flower heads and gave them to their mummy as a present. There will be fewer rhododendrons in the garden this year!
Harry still enjoys watching the cows behind the house, repeatedly asking to be picked up to see them. He also enjoys sweeping both indoors and outdoors with a child-size broom.
Since the arrival of brother Alfie, Harry has started to breastfeed his doll under his T-shirt! He also runs off with Alfie's clothes when mummy is changing him, finding it a huge joke.
Harry is beginning to understand about recycling. He picks up suitable items and takes them to mummy, saying 'cycle'. He is also joining in with Jasmine's interest in clocks and telling the time by pointing out clocks whenever he sees them.
Questions
1 How would you have responded to Harry and Jasmine picking all the flower heads?
2 How would you manage Harry's joke of running off with the baby's clothes?
3 At what age can children usually start to tell the time?
Answers to part 25 questions (20 April 2006) 1 Children love to explore, to test their skills and limitations and try out new experiences. This is an important part of their development.
However, very young children have not as yet learned the limitations of their bodies and do not recognise danger. Therefore the age guidance usually given at the entrance to play areas helps to enforce safety if the supervising adults monitor and restrict where their children are playing.
2 Going home can remain a happy part of an outing if children are given a fair warning that time is running out and perhaps an explanation of how many turns on the slide or swings on the swing there is time for.
Consistency is important too. If the adult always gives in and lets them have more time, they will come to expect it on every occasion.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Harry's grandmother.