The “Wisdom” series presents observations spoken by experienced grandmothers that should be heard by all mothers.
LEARNING FROM THE NURSERY RHYMES
“Did you ever think about how many nursery rhymes include the action of falling in them?,” a wise grandmother asked me. She confidently replied that it is because “we all fall down,” which also happens to be the last line in “Ring around the Rosie.” She explained that through singing these rhymes over and over again, children get familiar with the reality that we all fall. This familiarity may provide comfort and diminish fear. Even one of the earliest rhymes sung to an infant, “Rock A Bye Baby,” includes this theme. Through these rhymes the mother is also reminded that falling is part of growing up and playing. Even mothers need to be reminded that “we all fall down!”
BABIES’ MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT and FALLING
So much of babies’ motor skill development includes falling. Falling when learning to crawl, falling when learning to sit, and falling when learning to walk. The falling is part of the learning process. As balance, strength, and coordination improve the falling decreases. Below are some of the favorite nursery rhymes which include the movement of falling in them. If you think of another one, please send it to me and we will add it to the list.
NURSERY RHYMES WITH “FALLING”
Rock a bye baby
on the tree tops
when the wind blows
the cradle will rock
when the bow breaks
the cradle will fall
and down will come baby
cradle and all.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
all the king’s horses and all the king’s men
couldn’t put Humpty together again.
Jack and Jill went up a hill
to fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down
and broke his crown
and Jill came tumbling after.
Ring around the Rosie
pocket full of posie
ashes to ashes
we all fall down!