Two one item lists

During this time of year there seems to be a lot of lists flying around. There are the shopping lists that fill my pockets when I am our running errands, the packing list when we are preparing to go see family and friends for a holiday visit, the wish list for holiday gifts, and all the media types coming out with their annual lists to review the year. I have decided to come up with two lists of my own. The key difference is that each of my lists have only one item.

Lucy and I worked together to come up with the first one item list...our favorite youtube video. This video is one that we have watched multiple times together and is often requested when she sees a computer. It is known as “ABC, ABC” or “elmo” video around our house. The reason that it is my favorite is because this week we received some proof that it may be working. During a car ride Lucy started blurting out, H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P. Previously she only knew ABC and occasionally D, so we thought this was a great chunk of progress. My thanks goes out to Elmo and India Arie.

I suspect we will be watching more of this video in the new year based on my question after she blurted out HIJKLMNOP, because there is more work to be done. The question that I asked was if she new what letter came next. After taking a moment to think about it, she responded confidently…5.



From the department of "really stretching to connect two lists" I am going to use India Arie's first name to introduce, the second one item list. The second list is my Christmas wish list and it is for Lucy to develop her "inde"pendent playing ability.


I want to be clear that I love playing with her and know that the different games we play or things we pretend each day are unique. I also work hard to cherish the play because I know the time goes fast and all too soon she won't be as interested in wrestling with me or having me at her tea parties. With that said, what has brought me to have this as my one item is the combination of me feeling like she is at a point developmentally that she can handle this form of play and my growing interest to take five minutes here or there during the day to connect with outside word by reading the paper, checking e-mail, or watching the headlines.

I would love anyone’s feedback on this topic. I am interested to hear how anyone was able to develop this? If it is even something you can develop or just have to let happen. What is the right age to look for some independent play happening? Is personality a bigger influence then age on the childes interest in independent play?

Maybe if we are successful with the independent play next years youtube list with be just from Lucy!?!?!?