Most celebrations are for big occasions. With a cake or a party, or with our applause or praise, we honor someone's birthday, graduation, anniversary, a holiday, or some other significant event or a momentous step forward. But throughout the Neighborhood series, there are many messages that help children know there's much more worth celebrating.

Celebrating Growing

Even growing itself is something to celebrate. Outside growing is exciting and noteworthy, like losing a tooth or getting taller. Those things happen naturally. On the other hand, "inside" growing takes a lot of children's energies. It isn't easy to stay dry, to use words to talk about feelings, or to stop from hitting at an angry time.

All day long, and every day, there are little moments that are worth noticing, applauding, and honoring. Think of times when you can say, "I'm proud of you!" or "You're terrific!" or "I like you -- just because you're you." Look for those occasions. And celebrate them in ways that are natural for you...and for the children in your care!

Growing Can be Hard Work

Keep in mind that growing can be hard work. It's only natural to expect backward steps when children are ill, tired, when there's a substitute provider, or when they're dealing with a new baby in the family or other stress from home. What encourages children to continue the hard work of inside growing is knowing that we love them through the ups and downs.

Children are valuable just because of their very existence. "You are special, just because you're you," has been one of the most fundamental, timeless messages of the entire Neighborhood series. And with all the pressures on children and the stresses in family life, that message may be even more important today and in the future.

When we take the time to celebrate the little moments of every day life, we are nourishing our children...and ourselves.

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