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The Good Stuff...Worth The Wait?
Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
My child asked for cotton candy today. The funny thing about this is that she didn't know if she would like it. I asked her why she wanted it. It was pink and fluffy looking (what's not to like?!). She's 4 1/2 and has never had it. Never. She didn't get it today either. She settled on the homemade cookie I had packed for our picnic lunch.
There's a lot that I've realized she hasn't had. On a recent trip to the grocery store, she was more excited to head into the baking aisle than the candy aisle. She noticed the happy Leprechaun on the cereal box, but was fine to get our usual "all natural, crunchy whole grain oat cereal." And soda pop? Forget it. She's the first to tell you it's "for grown-ups." She's not even interested in it anymore.
It doesn't stop with food either. Movies? She's still into "Dora," "Clifford," and "Barney." Her friends have moved on to the latest Disney flicks. She has no interest. I realized the other day she didn't know what a commercial was. Why would she? We haven't had television in nearly two years.
The list goes on with fast food chains. The other day she asked "what does the big yellow M" mean? Nope, she hasn't had that either. Don't worry though, she does know one particular coffee store logo very well.
All this is leaving me wondering if the good stuff is worth the wait or is this just wrong that she hasn't a clue about some of the yummy things in life?
When considering your child's development, how and when is the right time to expose to them candy, movies, and other such stuff?
IS there a right time?
The early childhood educator in me wants to stand up and give myself a big high five. Life is a journey. After all, there are many moments to be savored, and the early years are the foundation of happy and healthy growth and development.
The parent in me worries that she is too sheltered and that one day she'll wake up and despise me for the good nutrition and lack of commercialism that I've allowed in her life.
What do YOU think? When and how have you introduced your munchkin to some of the "good stuff" of life?
Next zoo trip, I think we're up for some cotton candy.
How about you and your little one?
