What Children Know

Yesterday we celebrated Nate's sixth birthday which was on Wednesday. He will be having a birthday party on Sunday, with his cousins and friends. It was thoughtful of his parents to have a small adult gathering in which we also celebrated his uncle Steve's birthday.
This called for two cakes and an evening of fun with the boys. Upon entering the kitchen, Rye was sitting in his high chair, drinking from a cup with a straw. I was shocked, usually it is a baby bottle or a sippie cup. So I asked his mother, "when did he start drinking through a staw?" I didn't know he drank through a straw, and she replied "we didn't know either until we saw him drinking out of his brother's cup."
Little do we know, what children know. He is a brilliant child. We saw him riding a jeep which he knew how to start and run, with no instruction. Keeping a close run with his brother who drives a larger vehicle in their yard and long driveway. This is a sixteen month old child, who just recently learned to walk. Infact, he is not even talking yet, but is driving a jeep.
One of the stories also amazed me. His father later told me that Nate received a scolding from his parents, something he had done....probably attitude as most kids will. Witnessing this, little Ryan confronted his parents and loudly told them off, in his "own language" with his finger pointing at them, and then, left to comfort his brother, giving him a big hug and kiss.
Sometimes children amaze us. I wonder if Ryan knew what was going on. He is so young, yet so smart and so protective of his brother. There is bond between them that nothing will ever separate. This bond clearly exists in my two sons. Although, there was a time when, do to an age difference that wasn't the case.
Brothers, share something very unique like sister's do. Later that evening Nate hurt his head on a truck while playing. Nothing major...but Rye was seen going over to him while he was playing on the floor, to rub his head.
They will always look out for each other. Their is no greater gift than love and companionship.Steve got tickets to a group that he will enjoy seeing from his brother. He always knows just what he likes and that is why we celebrated his birthday early.
Of course, we will need to get together to celebrate his "real" birthday and have more cake.What children know is more than we give them credit for.....Love is not something that you teach. It just is...