I think some parents are overly sensitive about children "not behaving." Theo is really too young to "behave" - why should he sit still in church, when there are so many new things to look at? I try to do my best to keep him from being distracting, or from damaging anything (including himself), but other than that, there's not a whole lot I can do to reason with him if he is determined to go for a walk. However, in places like a restaurant, it's even ok to be a little distracting - as long as the people around don't mind.
We took him with us out to eat twice this weekend. He can't sit still for a whole restaurant meal. So, the only way we can take him out with us is if we take turns walking him around between courses. Of course, he walks himself around at this point. So, our job is mostly to make sure he doesn't get into trouble or become a nuisance. Fortunately, his curls and winning smile make it very hard for anyone to see him as a nuisance.
He will walk around for 5 or 10 minutes at a time (including falls, sits, and stands) "talking" to other patrons and admiring decorations. I figure as long as those around continue smiling, that not only is he not being a nuisance, but he is improving the experience. Smiles are contagious, and babies' are some of the most infectious.
Wherever he goes, Theo gets smiles nearly everywhere he looks. His perception of the world must be very skewed on the happy scale... Or maybe it's just that the world around him is a happier place.
Labels: behavior, smiles
