Get Down To Your Child’s Level.

[SarahGarza88]

I know this is long. But please let me know if you have ever done this and thought about it this way? What made you realize? Try it out, what do you see? What are you going to change now that you have tried this?

Have you ever taken the time to imagine what the world looks like from your small child physical level?
It's a completely different perspective than what we're used to as adults. Depending on the child’s height, there are different perspectives. Of course all of what I am about to say is amplified significantly for Clara given her age to height ratio.

Seriously, one day just take a moment and get down to your child’s physical level and just look around. Stay down there for it a while just thinking about how it would feel being a a small child in terms of height, strength, and weight. If your child is a toddler, get down even further. Lay down on the floor to get at your babies level. Try to imagine yourself as a child and not just an adult who is simply is now on the floor.

I lowered myself to my three children’s levels and it was actually pretty scary and I’m only thinking about it, it’s probably a lot more scary to them. (especially down at Clara‘s level)

My daughter Clara is significantly smaller than my other two kids, so I am thinking about this quite regularly, and just wanted to spread some awareness.

Imagine standing next to and looking up at someone who’s waste is at or above your eye level, or (a toddler or baby’s level) walking in a busy crowded store and being at eye level with adults knees, not even able to reach their waist with your hand even if you were on your tippy toes. Imagine how it feels trying to build up the courage to get the attention of someone that tall. Don’t just imagine one person like that, imagine if the majority of the population was like that. It can be intimidating and overwhelming for a child to constantly have to look up at the world around them.

When a child holds their mom and dad's hand, they are having to hold a hand that is often times up above their head and many times they’re a size. When an adult walks, your toddler has to take multiple steps with their little legs all while trying to keep up with the adult who’s legs alone are bigger than their entire body and is just walking at a normal pace. This can be exhausting for a child and may even discourage them. Think about your child’s view down there in their stroller.

Now add in the fact an adult strength is many many times stronger than a child’s, their weight is non-comparable, and the adult is the boss of them.

As adults, we often take for granted our height and physical abilities, forgetting that our children are navigating a world that seems much larger and more intimidating to them. We need to take the time to understand their physical perspective, a perspective that is much lower then and we are used to.

Imagine walking into a kitchen with countertops and table that are taller than you, and cabinets that are out of reach. Cooking or even just getting a glass of water can become a daunting task for a child.

Moving on to the living room, imagine having to climb up into couches that are oversized for you at your size. It can be an uncomfortable experience for a child. The furniture in homes is designed for adult proportions, making it difficult for children to feel comfortable n their own homes.

And let's not forget about the bathroom. Toilets need to be climbed up on, leaving their feet dangling as they sit. sinks, soap, and towels are simply out of reach unless you use a step stool, and even then, you'll just barely be able to see yourself in the mirror. It's no wonder children often need help in the bathroom; everything is designed for adults, not for little ones.

It's important to remember that our children they have unique needs that I feel like some adults forget, because it is hard to remember what it was like being that small. By taking the time to see the world from their point of view, we c

[barry1010]

I was forced to use a wheelchair for only a short time but absolutely hated it, especially in crowds when I couldn't see a clear way out.
I hated having to look up to people and got some idea of how children feel talking to me.
Being in a sea of bodies is no fun.
I find it strange that young children accept being suddenly swooped up in to the air by a pair of large hands.
When my children were small I was always aware of the dangers of passing handbags, carelessly held cigarettes and umbrellas.
I can understand why toddlers have meltdowns in supermarkets. They must be overwhelming to a tired child.

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, if you think about it it makes sense what that article “in their shoes” was talking about. Sometimes I’m surprised that kids are OK with adults just hurting them on the head or picking them up without any warning.

Also same thing within a supermarket, I could only imagine walking around people who were a good three or 4 feet taller than me every single day

[Geoffrey13]

I often think about this when I see toddlers struggling on stairways. Fortunately many parents recognise this and make it a challenge with plenty pf encouragement and praise. These sort of parents who treat an outing as part of growing up experience rather than rushing the child from place to place to suit the adult's requirement are worth their weight in gold.

[1ozzy]

Any half decent parent would try their best to see the world through their child's eyes and hear it through their ears, etc.
Regardless of how old or tall they are.

[barry1010]

Trying to 'get down to your child's level' was impossible for me to imagine so I googled and found this fantastic 2 year old girl with dwarfism who is bigger than your daughter.

https://hitechglitz.com/two-year-old-girl-with-a-rare-form-of-dwarfism-wears-clothes-the-size-of-a-newborn/

She's got a beautiful smile and at least I now have some idea about the size of your Clara. The photo of Abigial with her 4 year old sister really brings it home just how tiny Clara is.

[SarahGarza88]

Barry why do you say “Trying to 'get down to your child's level' was impossible for me to imagine”?

[SarahGarza88]

1ozzy I feel like most parents get down to their kids level while playing, but it is my opinion that not every single period stops and thinks about how everything looks from down at their kids level.

Even just standing next to someone whose waist is as tall as or taller than you would be scary enough, let alone two people (mom and dad), or reaching up to hold a ginormous hand that is above your head.

I am just saying that ass parents need to always be thinking of this.

[SarahGarza88]

Geoffrey 13, I know some parents in the US do recognize that. I feel like some also though don’t recognize and instead just hurry up and don’t take an account for it the challenges.

The article “in their shoes” that I provided is a really good job of explaining this.

[barry1010]

Sarah, I said it was impossible for me to imagine because Clara is smaller at 6 years old than any of my children were when they were born.

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, oh, I understand now. It can be hard to imagine. That’s why it is so important for us adults to get down to our kids level and see everything how they do.

[Workno]

Thank you so much for making this post. People didn’t like whenever I posted asking this question. That’s why I don’t like to post online because people hate on your questions.

Good stuff here.

[bobbinwales]

Its good you found this thread workno. It would be good if you could meet up with sarah online or in some other way as I think you have alot of common issues regarding your very small daughters

[andy-hughes]

Sarah - I do take your point about the differences for toddlers in terms of perspective and experience.

But we have to remember, that is all they know, so for them, it's their reality, they have nothing to compare it with.

As adults, we have the physical and mental capacity to experience, and understand, the difference between our world and theirs, but that's because we are adults.

Little ones don't think like adults, they simply experience, and accept the world as it is, so we need to beware of thinking that they see the world in a negative way, compared to our experience.

They don't. They see what they see, and adapt as that view changes until adulthood, when they can think about it, like we do.

So although we need to be aware of some basic differences based on simply size difference, we should not worry constantly that the world is a huge and frightening place for children.

If they are with supportive and loving parents, it's just the world where they are.

[zebo]

I recall teacher trainees who were going into Infant schools being told to always where something colourful below the waist, colourful skirts and bright tights for example, few in trousers in the '60s, because your legs are what small children see most of!