Our family is in that fun position of having three speech projects on at the moment - it's always a challenging time, especially when speeches are involved. The topics increase in interest with age. And even though we have been lucky enough to interview and do a photo shoot at our school canteen (for my Y1's Workers in the Community" speech), the Y6 speech about "Playing the hand you're dealt with" is so much more heart swelling and interesting.
I literally stand in front of my eldest as he eyes the computer hoping to get a "hit" of Minecraft, and mentally shake him by the shoulders. I've said to him - this is about you, this is about living to your full potential, using all the gifts you've been given. This is about going for it. You are almost 12, you have the world at your feet. I didn't know this when I was 12, I wish my mum and dad had told me, like I'm trying to tell you. This is your time. You are amazing. Don't hold back. GO FOR IT!
And as I bleet on, he gives me a bemused look, and gives me a "sure Mum" and "are you done?" kind of look.
Is it me? Am I just panic stricken because I see my years racing and my "time" disappearing at great knots? Am I trying to live vicariously through my son and will my other two have to suffer through their mother as well? And am I trying to put my expectations onto young shoulders that have only started their journey. Probably.
But then my eldest came rushing through after a last burst on his speech. He was excited and proud of himself, he explained what he'd written. He read it out, beautifully, and it was beautiful. Because for a moment, however long it lasts, he got it.
And as a mother that's all I'm trying to do. To help my kids to have beautiful moments like that. To see the world of opportunity at their feet. To see all that they are capable of.
This is the beauty of experience, and sharing that knowledge and learning from all the twists and turns we've taken in our lives. I want my kids to look forward at their lives with vision and unwavering focus.
I want them to dare to be great.
Do you get this? Can your children see the world as their oyster?
* Thank you for this perfect image
your time isnt disappearing its getting richer and more fulfilling because whatever you do, your kids see it, and then it becomes part of their story and it adds to them finding their own 'fit'.
ReplyDeleteI have grand visions for my kids not because I want them to do what I couldn't but because I see what genuinely interesting and engaged people they will grow into.
That's what I'm talking about Sarah, thanks for your perspective. Problem is I don't want my kids to wait until my (cough) mid 30's to find that out like I did! And not sure what the parenting books would say on this, but I holding one of my boys back from playing in a music festival so he can watch me stagger over the line in a running festival, to help realise my goal of my kids seeing me finish a marathon. I'm getting myself in a right old pickle about dreams and who's we are fulfilling here - it's all about ME, all ME!!!!
DeleteDon't be discouraged if they don't seem to get it. Big messages like that take years of modelling and persistence to sink in. My oldest once told me that he'd never go to university - he couldn't stand the thought of more than 12 years of education. He's now working on his second degree and totally believes he can do anything he sets his mind to.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have the perfect balance of beautiful parenting and a beautiful child Char, thanks for sharing!
DeleteMy eldest is 9. Yesterday was her sports carnival, and although she is OK at sport, she's not an olympic athlete like the children who are always in the finals. Yesterday, she coped better than I thought she would, and I was proud.
ReplyDeleteThis morning was another day, and she struggled to get her day started - her legs were sore and she just wanted to rest. At the time we usually walk out the door, she was still in her pyjamas. At the time that school started, my youngest and I were sitting in the car waiting for my eldest to find her shoes - it was the second time this week that they were "lost" inside the house.
Somehow, I didn't turn into the screaming banshee I usually become - I stayed calm. On our way to school, she started talking about being "useless, and stupid and hopeless ..." we spoke about change - our thinking, our attitudes, the things we do to ensure we get to school on time.
I'm trusting that the teaching is in the little things we do each day. That with perseverence, my eldest will learn that she can do anything she wants to do, and that the world is her oyster too.
Tomorrow is a new day ... for hope ... that we can make the small changes that turn the challenges into success.
Thank you for your inspiration and helping me feel normal. xx
Lordy Donna, I'm all teared up, what a beautiful experience and perspective. Thank you for sharing lovely x ps. she is divine, the world is her oyster already, she just needs to wait to find out what part she wants of it x
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