Personality and Character

It is obvious that Micah has a cheerful personality. Smiling comes easy to him and he rarely cries. We find him to be sociable, not afraid to approach strangers and touch them or even ask for food. These are some of the traits we've observed.

He has had opportunities to interact with other babies and toddlers, some his age and we've noticed that he is quick in wanting to join their play but still not quite sure how to do it. He approaches other kids and try to follow what they are doing - sometimes trying to snatch their toys but he gets bored easily and moves on to other things. He tends to be independent - exploring on his own, oblivious to us.

Today was his first play class at Gymboree. He liked it when Cherry & Maggie (the teachers) bring out Gymbo (the Gymboree mascot toy) and tambourine. His attention is quickly focused on any new item that is introduced. But he tends to want to approach them up close instead of sitting with me and following the class. And he likes music - always ready to clap and dance.

We also observe that he grunts when displeased. He started grunting when he was a lot younger, probably as young as 9mths but it is becoming more apparent now. Today he did it when they took away the toy box (he cried too!) and he grunted when another toddler tried to take his toy. He has been showing his displeasure quite loudly.

Maggie says he is quite adept at finding out how to play with some of the toys - knowing which button to press, which dial to spin and what knob to turn. I puffed up with a bit of motherly pride but was soon deflated when he started fussing and whining towards the end of the class. He was happy again when they started blowing bubbles. Got up to chase them but was frightened when we flapped the parachute up and down and over the kids. So he does get scared after all!

I know I am amazed at what is normal development in a child but I still find every new action or reaction in Micah nothing short of genius.

Now that we've taken note of his personality, we have to start developing his character which we feel is most important. Such virtues like integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty and loyalty. We not only need to educate him.

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals…We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate…

– Martin Luther King Jr, The Purpose of Education