Mostly, through mixing with other kids in crèche, you can see that my kids have benefitted.
They try to keep up with other kids, bigger kids, and so they stretch and grow their own abilities. It's actually both helpful to them, and fascinating to watch!
On occasion though, those influences can be negative, generally the influences from kids who have older and more worldly siblings at home.
Take today for example: Little Man came home singing the following song.
'Scooby Dooby doo,
Where are you?
Shaggy done a poo now!'
Naturally I was horrified at my 4 year old singing this song. I've sat him down, and we've had a Very Serious Talk. I mean really, what if he were to sing it in public?? The potential for embarrassment is huge.
I'm happy to say that my very well-behaved young man is now cheerily singing a new song.
'Scooby Dooby doo,
Where are you?
Shaggy DID a poo now!'
I'd best start clearing a shelf for those parenting awards... ;)
