The Wisdom of Children

I swear that so many of my posts lately revolve around my son. It’s amazing how many nuggets of wisdom that kids leave for us. We just need to leave ourselves open to receive them. I never cease to be impressed by the seemingly small things that my son says.

My Friends Say That You’re Really Nice

Most mornings, I walk my son to school. One of the things that I treasure is the opportunity to have our little chats. Last weekend, he had his Little League tryouts and there were two boys from his class that, also, participated. After all of the kids finished, I made sure not only to prop out my son but his friends, too. Fast forward to Monday. We were walking and talking about various things. At one point, my son says,

“My friends X and Y say that you’re really nice.”

I can’t even begin to tell you how hearing that made my morning. I complimented my son’s friends because people like to hear how they’re doing a great job. I feel that this is especially true for little kids. However, when I provide feedback, I make it specific. I want people to feel good about themselves—not puff up their egos. Lastly, giving a kind word is the right thing to do. You never know how that kind word can make a huge difference. Little did I know that my feedback would have this impact on his friends.

How To Do Better

I realize how my son studies what I do and I try to set the tone. Taking this into account, I try to be on my best behavior around him to show him how a good person carries themselves. Starting before he was born, I worked really hard to improve certain aspects of my behavior. If I slip up, such as when other drivers aren’t paying attention, I acknowledge my actions and explain why it wasn’t good behavior. I want him to think things through. This isn’t to act perfect, but to show him how to do better (this is a mantra that we repeat around each other) and understand how to do so for himself.

You’re A Great Dad

Anyone that knows my son knows that he’s a very caring kid. I don’t know that I can necessarily take credit for how’s he is turning out, though I feel strongly that I have influenced him. If I have, then I hope that it has been in showing him the best sides of myself, but, at the same time, show him how to work on the “not so good” things.

I am fortunate that I have had some great role models for parenthood, specifically fatherhood. I have seen examples of firm but gentle fatherhood. I have seen fathers that take the time to walk their children through each step of tying their shoes and learning to read all the way up to critical life lessons. I have seen examples of fathers, who show their children that it’s okay to cry and show emotion. I have seen examples of fathers, who never let their children forget how much that they are loved. I constantly work to trying and improve my dad game. This is something that I always let my son know: how Dad is constantly “figuring it out.”

In this process, I hope that he establishes his own for developing the best in himself. If and when my son has his own kids, I hope that he will keep working to improve, as a father, and pay it forward by teaching his kids well. More than making my day, this would prove to me that I did something good with him.

SAY OR DO SOMETHING NICE. IF SOMEONE DID THIS FOR YOU, THEN PAY IT FORWARD. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT DIFFERENCE THAT YOU MIGHT MAKE.

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