Tuning Into The Minds Of Children

For the LOVE of Kids…

My name is Marilyn LoRusso and I am the new columnist for the Larkspur -Corte Madera Patch. My column entitled, “For the Love of Kids”, will appear every Wednesday.

In it I will share my experiences with these magnificent little beings we call children. I have entertained thousands of children here in Marin County as Princess Polka Dot, have taught Gymboree Play Program classes and have been a speech and language pathologist. But more importantly I love kids and I love
FUN. I will be writing about the musings of these mini-munchkins, and I will be reporting on local family events, and including stories and anecdotes. (And yes, I love alliteration, so be forewarned.)

I love the minds of children – their clarity, inherent joy, humor and general connection with all that is. Children remind us that there is only love. They remind us to stay present and open to the possibilities of life.

When I finished my meeting recently with the editor of this online periodical, I returned home excited to begin this new adventure.

It was a beautiful cold but sunny afternoon here in Marin County and I decided to take a walk around the valley where I live. I happened upon my good friend, Liz and her two grandsons, Kaden, 18 months and 5 year old Kole. They were taking a walk and I detoured to join them.

As we followed Kole’s lead we meandered down stairs, over bridges, through playgrounds and up hills. As we were climbing a particularly steep hill, one I usually avoid, Kole informed me that he had a very loose tooth.

As he wiggled it back and forth with his little finger, I could feel the excitement of a 5 year old losing his first tooth. I asked him what he would do with his tooth when it came out. He said he was going to put it in a little pillow — then put that pillow under his pillow and then the tooth fairy would come and leave
him “lots of money and toys.”

I asked him how he knew that and he said, “My bwain is like a satellite and it tells me. It says, ‘Kole,’ and tells me about the tooth fairy, then I tell you.” While he is telling me this he is pointing to the top of his head and tilting it from side to side as if his brain is talking to him. I believe Kole thinks his brain is like a satellite, tuning into all the information our universe has to share.

I am looking forward to tuning into the minds of children and celebrating the child in all of us. When we allow children to be who they are, they grace us with their knowledge and inspirations. They then become all they are meant to be in this magnificent expanding world and community we live in.

Until next Wednesday, remember, it is all “for the love of kids…”

In joy,

Marilyn