There’s something really beautiful about the way kids learn from each other, especially inside the walls of our home.

From the very beginning, Rylen has learned to experience the world a little differently. Since he was little, his foot hasn’t just been a foot, it’s been his hands, his way of exploring, his independence, and his connection to everything around him. Rylen has always reached for them with his foot without hesitation. To him, it’s natural. It’s his normal.

When therapy first started coming into our home, there was a big focus on helping Rylen become aware of his body. Encouraging him to use it with purpose, to explore textures, to interact, to build strength and confidence. It wasn’t just about the movement, it was about helping him understand, “this is yours.”

But what we didn’t fully expect was the ripple effect it would have on his sibling. Like so many siblings do, she didn’t just watch, but she joined in.

There were times when therapy would be working with Rylen, encouraging him to grab or touch something with his foot, and before we knew it, Alleyah was right there doing the same thing. Using her foot. Exploring in her own way. Learning alongside him.

And the amazing part? She still does this. Not only is this absolutely so cool to watch, but it’s also so reassuring to see that she’s making sure Rylen doesn’t feel alone.

Right now, we’ve been working with Rylen on something that might seem small to others but is actually a big deal in our world, turning the pages of a book. It takes coordination, intention, and patience. And as we practice with him, guiding his foot to lift and move each page, guess who’s right there with him, Alleyah.

Sometimes, not always, but often enough to make you stop and smile, she’ll use her foot to turn the page too. Not because she has to, not because she was told to, but because in her world, this is just another way a body can work.

And that’s the part that gets me.

This is a reminder that our kids are always watching. Always learning. Not just from what we say, but from how we live, how we adapt, how we show up in the hard, different and beautiful moments.

Rylen is learning that he is capable. Alleyah is learning that there are many ways to be capable.

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And in the middle of it all, we’re learning too, each and everyday.