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Lo Hisimos – What Dora Did For My Child’s Development
Thursday, May 12, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
My munchkin was about three months old when Dora lit up her world.
I'll never forget the moment. It was one of the first days I had returned to work. Already guilt ridden and stumbling through the balancing act of being a working-outside-the-home mama, I was also working through the building of a new relationship with a trusted caregiver.
I loved the woman we had found. I trusted her thoroughly with the care of my kiddo. I saw her work magic with my little one. She worked to do everything she could to provide a loving, caring environment.
So… when I walked in and saw her holding my teeny tiny girl in front of the television as Dora happily said "Hola!," I almost LOST it. Yikes. I hate the television, and certainly Dora could do no good in the development of an infant so small and research proves it.
After holding my tongue and taking a deep breath, I also saw the sheer delight on my little one's face. SOMETHING about Dora was magic to her. I still don't get it.
This incident passed (including the hard, but worthwhile talk with the caregiver about my views on television in my baby's life) and my munchkin grew.
The attraction to Dora remained.
I swore I wouldn't fuel this. The joy and squeals were hard to resist.
Suddenly, Dora was everywhere.
There were the Dora dolls. And books. Dora clothes: socks, undies (yay for early potty training success):, shirts, dresses, etc. Dora accessories: hair clips, shoes, and more.
In addition to the explosion of Dora merchandise in our household, we found ourselves singing (sing along with me!): "We did it, we did it, we did it! Lo hisimos!" Not much is cuter than a little toddler bustin' out their dance moves to this little ditty.
I could have hated Dora. My relationship certainly began that way. I never wanted the influence of a cheesy cartoon character on my child's development.
I got over it.
Dora isn't so bad.
She's generally nice to her friends.
She's adventurous.
She's taught my child Spanish better than I ever could.
I can agree with her fashion choices and think they are appropriate for my munchkin to emulate.
And the list goes on.
I would have never believed a cartoon character would ever impact my child's development.
Today, I admit it has. And, I also admit it hasn't been so bad.
Who are your kiddo's heroes and how are they influencing their development these days?
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