A child should be regarded as a precious gift from God. Children view the world with wonder, and their wonder gives us a better perspective on life. At the beach a child stares enraptured at the sand dollar in his hand; we remember how a seashell seemed like a postcard from God. Exclaiming with glee, a child chases the huge bubble he has created, and we share his surge of exhilaration. We remember our own bubbles of yesteryear floating gently towards the pale sky.
Years ago when we had finished decorating the Christmas tree for our eight-months-old son, my husband remarked, "Joe is too young to appreciate Christmas this year."
When we turned on the tree lights, we heard "Ah, ah, ooh, ooh" and other appreciative sounds being made by the baby. Joe had pulled himself up in his playpen and was staring starry-eyed at the Christmas tree.
As we held Joe close to the tree, he touched each ornament with delight and exclaimed happily. That tree suddenly became far more beautiful in our mind's eye.
Everyone has a right to be merry. Children know this, and they remind us through their example. Watching a parade, going to the zoo, collecting autumn leaves, attending a circus, or touring Disneyland, all become much more fun when experienced with a child. Their exuberance and hilarious comments add a lot of zest to any occasion.
As a parent introduces a child to the "realm of books," there is much reciprocal pleasure. An early love of books leads to an eagerness to learn to read.
When my son was three years old, I read him the story of the Gingerbread Boy. Then Joe used a cookie cutter to shape a gingerbread man for some dough.
As the gingerbread man baked, Joe would peek into the glass oven door and admonish, "Now don't you run away, little gingerbread boy."
While Joe was distracted elsewhere, I slipped the gingerbread man out of the oven, placed it on foil, and hid him behind a chair. When Joe looked into the oven and the cookie was missing, his face lit up with delight, and he called out,"Gingerbread boy runned away!"
I said, "We'll have to find that little rascal."
Joe was ecstatic as he located the gingerbread boy behind a chair. His merriment was matched by mine.
We often acted out stories like the Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk. I knew from my experience as a teacher that these experiences would pay big dividends in Joe's later life.
About the Author
Ann Catherine Rogers was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in the St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church neighborhood where she lived with her parents, James and Helen Kearns, and her brother, Jim.
Ann earned her Bachelor's degree from Harris Teachers College and her Master's degree in English from Washington University.
In 1958, Ann married Lawrence Rogers, a Training Coordinator for the St. Louis City Personnel Department. They had one son, Joseph.
Many St. Louisans remember her as the teacher who inspired them to treasure reading and learning. Ann taught in the public schools for over 35 years. She primarily taught the 2nd and 3rd grades.
After her retirement, Ann wrote a mystery novel, It Happened in St. Louis, a poem for children entitled Once Upon a Time verses, and the above essay. All of these works are posted on this website.
A child should be regarded as a precious gift from God. Children view the world with wonder, and their wonder gives us a better perspective on life. At the beach a child stares enraptured at the sand dollar in his hand; we remember how a seashell seemed like a postcard from God. Exclaiming with glee, a child chases the huge bubble he has created, and we share his surge of exhilaration. We remember our own bubbles of yesteryear floating gently towards the pale sky.
