Whether it’s an owie, boo-boo, or a bump-it by any other name, it hurts. And when hurt happens to a child, the parent tends to feel pain. I did, anyway. With each of my first child’s bump-its, I’d feel a sense of helplessness. I’d rush in to hug and kiss away that ol’ owie. And though hugs were soothing to both of us, I began to notice how my behavior––around my own needs and feelings––could and would add drama to his slightest owie.
Working from home, I was on the scene more times than not. So I began to monitor my feelings and reactions. I’d ask silently, “How much of an owie is this?” And though any hurt is too much, most of my child’s bump-its seemed to settle into the “not-so-much” category.
My studies at the School of Hard Knocks paid off. Over time, there were ample opportunities to apply what I’d learned—about myself, my child, and my parenting. I’d learned that a few words of support would generally suffice. And, more times than not, those words could and would work just as well when I’d say them from clear across the room.
My studies at the School of Hard Knocks paid off. Over time, there were ample opportunities to apply what I’d learned—about myself, my child, and my parenting. I’d learned that a few words of support would generally suffice. And, more times than not, those words could and would work just as well when I’d say them from clear across the room.
My toddler students were already putting to use at home the poems and songs they were learning in my Pee Wee Poetry™ classes. So, what if they learned a little poem or song they could use as a self-soother for some inevitable daily bump-its? I began to write. As with each of my writings, I tried out a new one. Yes! The children grabbed onto it.
Soon, toddlers were saying and singing “Skerbonker Doodles!” to soothe themselves . . . and each other. Parents shared one anecdote after another. And one day in class, I had my own story to share––My bottom had plunked the floor harder than I’d expected. Without thinking, I’d muttered, “Oomphf!”, and my toddler soothers sang out in unison:
Copyright © 1992–2014 Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz
An unintended benefit: Toddlers giving empathy! Parents now reported how that little song had made a difference in their homes. Better yet, they said, their children had shown the benefit of carrying with them words and songs they could call on as needed.
Bye-bye to major wig outs over minor bump-its! A little poem and song might not only chase away tears while distracting your child––and you; it can also provide a tool for self-control and inner peace.
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© 2025 Babsy B.
Babs Hadjusiewicz
Author
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