Fingers Go Where Others Fear to Tread

by: Lisa Barker

It's bound to happen. That cute cherub of a baby that you cuddle who smells oh so sweet, is going to grow into a toddler and then will start the cherry tomato picking season or, as most refer to it, the nose-picking phase.

Our youngest is nearly two and this is one of his favorite pastimes. He's more discreet than most of the other children were/are (do they ever outgrow it?) so it's a bit of surprise when we catch him, especially when he's in so far he's either going to mine gold or dig out his brain.

My husband told him to go play with his sister the other day and he took off, finger jammed up to the second knuckle, so far up all his top teeth were showing--you know, the nose-picking grin. He was in there pretty good! And I'm still laughing about it. It's not one of the brightest moments any of our children have had and we have pretty intelligent kiddos.

But it's human nature to go poking about. That's why God made electrical outlets. If it weren't for them, at least three of my kids would not have curly hair.

When I was a kid I suffered the same affliction. I just had to stick my fingers where they didn't belong which is why for several months when I was seven I went around with a cork screw burn on my index finger after I had stuck it in the cigarette lighter in my grandmother's car. Brilliant!

Another child of mine, taking after her auntie (my sister) had to experience the thrill of poking her finger in a door jam just before the door closed. Those little fingers get everywhere!

That's why I like to let the children use finger paint. Now here is something they can stick their fingers into and have great safe fun and not look stupid while they're doing it. Okay, at least not until they try to eat it. Try explaining rainbow diaper filling to your husband.

Currently, the toddlers in this house have discovered a new trick they can perform with those fingers--turning lights on and off. You just never know when the lights will turn out. It could be during a favorite show on television or that critical moment in a recipe where you MUST get the exact measurements. Or it just might be when you and your husband think you are alone and, 'Tadah!' let those lights shine!

I've considered strapping mittens to their hands, but that's just plain cruel...and hard on the nose because they have to use four fingers at once. So I've just accepted the fact that this is one of those sticky phases they have to go through. I can dig it. I know they can.


About the Author
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