There is a funny dynamic that happens in large families. Well, perhaps it is large families where everyone likes to talk. I haven’t applied for the grant to formalize that study, so we are going to run with the large family theory.
We noticed this with the other children so we paid more attention with Pooh Bear and we were rewarded with success! Here is the discovery. Ready for it? Good. Here it is: Children do not need lessons on being loud. It’s true. They figure that one out all on their own. What is really funny is watching the progression happen.
With Bright Eyes, it was a voice modulation that imitated her siblings even before she could articulate words (usually when she was wanting to tattle). She would say the person’s name in question, followed by nonsense that followed very distinctive forms of communication. You always knew someone had pushed her buttons and who the offender was.
With Pooh Bear, it was even earlier and more primitive. I do not consider him an advanced student per se. Rather, I believe the “communication rich” environment that surrounds him is even more fertile than it was for his older sister. Consequently, his topics range more widely and the ideas and expressions he is capable of are more complex. All this, despite a very limited vocabulary.
I remember when P.C. began his foray into expression, and Beautiful questioned why we didn’t have any quiet children (keep in mind that we were at 5 then). It only took a moment of reflection (literal and figurative) to conclude why. Looking at the parents, it was obvious. We call it “Living Out Loud.”
In our house, if you want “air time” you need to make sure you pipe up. Someone always has something interesting to say, so if you want a turn, you need to make sure you are heard. That is not to say that our home is chaos (well, there are moments, but those happen everywhere). Rather it is that our family enjoys listening as much as we enjoy talking, and we celebrate discovery. That creates an environment where almost every moment, there is something to share and eager ears to share it with.
Princess provided a great observation recently after one of the little ones made themselves heard. She quipped, “In a mob, the loudest voice is the one that is heard.” Well, little Pooh Bear figured that out long before most. The boy may very well be gifted at being heard. He sure knows how to make it happen. Given the cultural climate in our country where voices clamor to be heard in order to achieve their agenda, I pray he uses his super powers for good.
Be loud little man. Be loud.
Seven on Earth 