Two Little Hands Go Clap Clap Clap!

I always wanted a happy, healthy and ‘intelligent’ baby. When Sunny was born we registered ourselves to various baby-sites. Every week we waited for the updates about our first child. I did everything possible for the all-round development of my child. To boost his intelligence I played all sorts of age-appropriate games with my 1-year-old baby. One of such games was ‘Clapping Hands’ which develop a child’s communication and cooperative skills.

Gradually, with daily practice, Sunny could clap his little hands exactly the number of times I did. He copied the rhythm too, eg: 1, 2    1,2,3 . I was delighted. I would smile with contentment as my 2-year-old confidently clapped his hands. Sometimes, he would ask me to repeat after him. I would deliberately fail to copy him as I loved to see the victorious expression on my baby’s face. It was a heavenly experience for me.

Sunny is now 4 years old. Far more confident with the ‘Clapping game’. Today, when he returned from school, his uniform shirt hanging out, he started clapping. I tried to copy him and applied my same old trick.

He said, “No mamma. Not like that.”

“Then how, baby?”, I showed eagerness to learn.

He started clapping again. There was no rhythm in there. I actually could not make out what he was trying to convey. So, I said ” I’m unable to understand the sequence. Please go slow.”

He began clapping again, this time, with great speed. With loads of excitement he said”Mamma, see, I can clap my hands so fast. Mamma, I’m growing big and strong no?”

“Oh! Yes! How can I miss it. My baby is growing big and strong.” We had a heartfelt laughter.

My Sunny, all drenched in sweat, thirsty, was overjoyed with his new-found development. Once again, I smiled with contentment. Yes, my baby is growing big and strong. God bless!

From Mom To You.