Infants are often underestimated, and as a student and infant teacher I am quickly learning they are far more capable than they first appear. In their first year, Te Whāriki shows us that pēpi grow rapidly across all areas of wellbeing. They develop physically (taha tinana), emotionally (taha hinengaro), socially (taha whānau), and spiritually (taha wairua). They also develop a sense of humour, finding joy in the smallest moments. A raised eyebrow, the bounce of a shovel, or a funny sound can bring out the sweetest giggles.
I have watched many tamariki move from crawling to their first steps, their faces full of pride, determination, and wonder. Each milestone is more than physical movement — it is a moment of confidence and self-discovery. I have seen tamariki learning reo Pākehā, reo Māori, and sign language at the same time, experimenting with sounds, gestures, and meaning as they explore communication.
I have also witnessed empathy in action, such as a pēpi offering a soft blanket to comfort a friend or sharing a toy without prompting. These small but powerful acts show aroha, awareness of others, and the beginnings of whakawhanaungatanga. Infants are constantly observing, learning, and exploring. Infancy is a time of curiosity, resilience, and discovery, and every day our babies teach me something new about just how capable they are. Kia mau te wehi, tamariki mā.