One of Noah's favorite books is about feelings (appropriate for the son of a counselor!) The book has photographs of babies and toddlers with happy faces, shy faces, silly faces ... you get the picture. When Mark or I read this book we use facial expressions and vocal intonation to convey each feeling.
Tonight, as Noah sits with me in the rocking chair, we start with happy faces. "Ha-ppy," says Noah. "Noah, do you feel happy?" I ask. He smiles. The next page shows sad faces. "Sad." I say, making a very sad face and dropping my voice. He mimics my sad face, looks at me, and then does something remarkable. He grasps the edge of his sleeve with his fingers at his wrist and puts it up to my mouth. I realize he's offering it to me to suck on. "Noah?" I ask. "Is this what you do when you feel sad?" Yes, he nods. Yes, my heart echoes. And, in a moment, I've been given precious insight into the world of a young child left to comfort himself countless times. Not only does he share with me but he feels secure enough to do so.
I will add that hearing a child cry distresses him greatly. If he is near the child he may reach out and grab or scratch him. If I am holding him he will focus on the crying child or look at me and communicate through signs or words that the child is upset. Once again, I wish I knew what memories or thoughts are going through his mind when this occurs.
