I began my foray into motherhood with an ambitious list of things. I hoped to teach my kids through my words and actions. I wanted to teach them to live in the present, consider other’s feelings , see humor in life, never say “I can’t,” and always make the best effort.
I also had another list of things. I hope they wouldn’t pick up from me. I didn’t want to teach them to procrastinate, criticize their bodies, underestimate their own abilities, lie to get telemarketers off the phone, run red lights, or lose their temper at inanimate objects. The jury is still out on how well I’ve succeeded at any of the above.
But this morning, watching my seven-year old son strap on Rollerblades for the first time, I was reminded of how much my children have to teach their father and me.
As I watched his progress from inching along with spaghetti legs besides my parked car, to venturing out on his own and falling again and again with complete confidence, I learned more than I’ll ever need to know about my determination and tenacity.
Here are just a few of the things my children have taught me. Many are lessons I learned as a child but allowed myself to forget.
- If you don’t know something, ask.
- Believe in the unbelievable.
- Play in the rain and squish your toes in the mud.
- If you like somebody, t ell them.
- Dip graham crackers in milk.
- Handmade gifts are the best kind.
- Save your money for something you really want, and when you have enough, get it!
- Sing, dance and laugh a little everyday.
- Share your ice cream with the dog.
- Have dreams.
- Have heroes.
- Sign your letters with Xs and Os.
- Mean it.
- Apologize when you’re wrong.
- Smile at lonely people.
- Make wishes.
- Make new friends.
- Make clover chains.
- Circle special occasions on your calendar, and then count down the days.
- Give gladly to those less fortunate.
- Laugh when you’re happy.
- Cry when you’re sad.
- Stop and study the ants.
- Get dressed up on your birthday.
- Never see weeds. See wildflowers.
- Deep in your heart, believe that people are basically the same.
The list continues to grow daily. How much better this world would be if we adults never forgot those important lessons. But somewhere in the process of growing up — in learning to evaluate, intimidate, and impress — we do forget. I, for one, am glad to be sharing my days with little people who remind me continually of the things that really matter in life.
