SCOOT!

14 January 2012

I have a little story about the scooter Laz got from his Ninang Pamee for Christmas.

He was thrilled when we came home with it.

He kept squealing "I like it I like it!" while his dad was setting it up.

The he tried it.  And, well, the boy is just 3.2 years old, after all, and he doesn't have the greatest sense of balance just yet.   He couldn't figure out how to use his scooter properly!  We demonstrated and tried to teach him.   We tried whizzing all over the house, both of his feet firmly planted on the little board, with Mamu pushing and panting from behind.  But he couldn't get the whole pushing off with one feet thing - he kept wobbling off.

I could see the frustration on his face.   We finally decided to quit trying to teach him the right way to use it because he'd get even more frustrated.  I didn't want him to feel inadequate because he couldn't push off with one foot.  (My gad!  Or am I being overprotective and exag again?)   Laz finally decided to sit down on the board, his arms stretched up to hold on to the handlebars for dear life, and pushed himself along on his scooter - seated.   He looked so kawawa!!!  I must say, my heart broke when I saw him trying to make do and enjoy his scooter in whatever way he knew how.   And he kept looking over at us and calling, "Look, Mamu!" and waiting for our approval.   He was self-conscious about it, we could tell (almost wistful) because he knew he wasn't using it the way it was supposed to be used, but we, of course, heartily and loudly clapped and cheered him on.

I did wonder what Laz intended to do about it.   Would he settle and just content himself with sitting on his scooter?  Is he going to quit trying?   We went to bed, cuddling Laz between us, with those questions left unanswered.

The next morning, after breakfast (which was a few slices of cheese for Laz), the boy dragged his new scooter out to our garage.

Aaaaand.... He struggled.  BUT HE PERSEVERED.   As innnnnnn!  He sat down once more on his scooter, then decided to try doing it the regular way.   We had some close calls, but the boy was stubborn.  AND HE DID IT.  He stood with one foot firmly on the board, and the other pushing him forward, left and right.  He'd wobble when he'd turn directions.  And he moves about a centimeter every time he pushes.   But the point is:  HE DIDN'T QUIT.   He was nervous about his scooter the night before, but this morning, apparently with new resolve, Laz decided to conquer it and actually "SCOOTED".

And I know he's going to get better - and faster! - because these things take practice.   But more than anything, I am so so proud of our determined little boy.   

He was confident enough to take the scooter out into the street.
(Last picture: that's him gazing at the girl next door who was bawling her head off, hahahaha).


I'm proud of you, anak.