Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
February 29, 2012—A Special “Something.”
Does your child have a special blankie or toy that means the world to them? Many children do and I think it is a very good thing. I find it interesting how this just seems to happen. I never started out with the thought that I was going to encourage my children to have a special “something.” When my first child was born I received many blankets as gifts. Each of the blankets was soft and lovely. However, before I knew it, my daughter preferred one particular blanket. She loved the pink one with “cold edges”, as she put it, when she was old enough to talk. This blanket had satin edges all around it that were very soft and pretty.
Then my first son was born and again I was given a load of gifts, and many were more blankets. Sure enough, he quickly became fond of the yellow one—with satin edges. Interesting. Finally my youngest son was born. Yes, he had a blanket. But that blanket didn’t get the attention that his precious teddy bear got. His teddy bear was his best friend for years. Mr. Teddy ate with him, slept with him, played with him and prayed with him.
I think having a special blanket or toy helps children bravely learn about their world. Everyone is perhaps a bit nervous or skeptical when they do something new for the first time. Now pretend you are a very young child again. Everything you are learning about is new. The world is full of exciting, adventurous things, and maybe that is a bit overwhelming. It is always better to face new things with a friend. Knowing a special friend is right there with you, makes learning safer and more comfortable. I think that must be why young children have special friends, whether it’s blankies, teddy bears or even imaginary friends. It provides comfort, strength, bravery and love.
I also had a very special “something” as a child. It was my “Happy Pillow.” It was a round, red pillow with a large, yellow smile and two big eyes. My Mom purchased it for me and I absolutely loved it. I still have it to this day.
Having watched my children love their “special toys”, I was inspired to write about them. For my two older children I wrote “My Blankie” and for my youngest son I wrote “Teddy Bear.” Both of these songs are on my “Kids! Off To Dreamland With Fern” CD. Here is the link where you can listen to portions of these two songs: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fern2
When you see your children carrying around their special “something”, just remember, together they are learning about the world.
