Those whom have studied child development, have kiddos of your own or have been around little ones will know that somewhere around the preschool ages of 3-4 yrs. old, they start to recognize what is "like me" and what isn't like me. They ask questions and by gollee, they expect an explanation!
Macy's always been a talker, infact I wish her toddler teacher could read this blog to attest the fact the child stood in a crib at 9 1/2 months old shouting her name, "Macy Waaka, Macy Waaka, Macy Waaka" until someone came over to talk to her. She probably talks so much because we explain EVERYthing to her. We try to use every question she has as an opportunity for education. It shouldn't be a surprise when just barely 2 yrs. old she would ask "Why like this?", or state "This not me" when noticing someone different from her in a book or in public. Of course we wanted her to know not everyone is the same but it's also our responsibility to respect and appreciate diversity.
Not only do we talk & explain aLOT, we read aLOT. Everytime there's been a question, we buy a stinkin' book or two or five about whatever subject; so when she wanted to know why one of these things is not like the other (sing it like Sesame Street), off to the bookstore it was. One of the books we've had since 2005 is called "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz. Macy absolutely looooves this book. She can read it without looking now (I think I might cry ... j/k) but from time to time she will ask me to read it to her. When I oblige, she'll say "Mom, mom, that's your hand!" as she points to Isabella and CRAcks up laughing.
Hmm .. I think ... should I be concerned or appreciate her humor?
P.S. The picture above is the cover of the book. Isabella is the person on the far right.
