It's easy enough to teach Math and Reading, frustrating though it might be sometimes.
But the hardest thing is to teach things that I haven't learnt well enough myself.
Like when she gets upset, and I ask her what she wants in the end - and whether she thinks the best way to get it is to be upset. Or sometimes, even question whether what she wants in the end is really the right thing to want.
Like when she feels like being selfish sometimes, and I ask her if that is the nice thing to do. She knows it isn't, but she doesn't like to say it. Then I remind her that the right thing to do is hard to do sometimes, but that in the end, doing that right thing is what makes you feel good inside.
Like when she wants to achieve greatness instantly, and I have to assure her that hard work will bring results, but that it will not always be quick and she will have to be very patient to see them.
The surprising thing is that at six, she is mature enough to understand most of what I say, and put it to practical use sometimes. The astonishing thing is that at thirthy three, I still am not always doing these things myself.
But it's all good. Every time I tell her something, I teach it to myself too. She grows up, and I grow up with her.
3 comments:
I heart @ your second last para.
And learn, learn and learning...everyday!
Just came here for the first time. And loved this post. Off to read your archives!
That's a lovely post - I've been nodding through the reading :)
Post a Comment