Their eyes sparkle, and the glee that emerges is heartfelt and true.
They squal in delight of the simple and the amazing . . .  things that bring about a new aspect to their world . . . ever moment being a learning experience, a newfound wonder that brings about a wonder never thought possible.

That innocence is so percious and so fleeting.

They are bound to a world which is insistent they lose such innocence at a much too early age, in my opinion. The pressures and demands of such a world that is hell-on-wheels-fast has no redeeming value for the production of humans who have the vcapability to be kind and gentle and foster a loving kindness to everyone. The innocence that is witnessed in this small group could be expanded if only we could foster it longer and maintain the aspects of allowing a child to be a child, instead of treating the like little adults.

There is a reason the theory of "little adult" has come into play and figures into the very applicable aspect of psychchological treatment for children. Why is it that this must be forced upon our children . . . why is it that manstream American society must make children be small adults and ignore their very scared and blessed childhood - ripping them of wonder and delight???

I relish the fact that we in the native culture have the four stages and are wise to the fact that establishment of allowing a child to BE a child, in all their wonder in all their behaviors. I believe that ehenr a child can experiment with all the stages, but be guided in what is acceptable and what is not, that this allows the child to grow into a strong and grounded adult, who then is MORE productive and does not feel a loss and grasp at a 'Peter Pan' existence. Or a Tinkerbell one given the gender-appropriateness should you feel so inclined to label gender-apporpriateness. I was raised there are not good and bad, that there is a continuum; happiness and sadness, fear, glee and anger - all are a part of life and all are felt. to stuff one emotion is to deny onesself of being whole and righted. Harmony is imbalanced. So it is with adults as well, and we are often given the message that we must be polite and happy all the time, otherwise something is wrong, and I do not believe that is the case.  

I beleive that denying a child the full range of innocence is a theft from a child. And I wish it could be prosecuted as such, in the same severity murder is. Because, really, theivery from the soul is irreplacable in many aspects. It leaves a gap which is always being attempted to be filled. every one of us has had something similar stolen from our souls - trust betrayed form a loved one, lies, etc. But we have gained skills and knowledge and wisdom to be able to manage, despite the deep hurt it has caused us as adults, we were gifted opportunities to leanr and grow. Young children do not have that, and are not granted that option. They do not have the blessing of being able to utilize their skill set, they just know harm. 

So I watch these children with wide-eyed wonder, at the simplest of tasks, watching and learning and gearing up for the next hurdle; for some it is beginning to speak, for some it is becoming more skilled at walking, others it will be signing their first sign. and I see how very precious caring for your little ones is. Their eyes dance at a book's pictures the same manner in which they view the Christmas tree lit and presents underneath.