I love the way kids look at the world, with beautiful curious innocence. They explore everything because they just want to know more. They want to learn how things work, they want to observe cause and effect, they want to see what they can create.
So when they knock over your full glass of water, soaking your papers filled with all your brilliant writing ideas, or when they throw their food all over the floor, creating a sticky mucky mess, or when they throw your watch in the toilet, it's hard to blame them, knowing that such actions came from a place of genuine innocence. They weren't being vindictive, they just really wanted to know what would happen if they touched the glass, tossed their food, and dumped your shiny jewellery in that big curious bowl filled with water in the bathroom.
Sure, it's easy to get frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed. But sometimes, even in the middle of a lecture, when you stop and look into those darling little eyes, wide-opened, imploring you to see things from their perspective and breathe in the world with sincere interest, something stops you. And you think to yourself, how could you possibly get mad at such irresistible innocence?
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This is so true! A lot of mischievous behaviour just comes from curiosity and a desire to learn. When I was a child I once asked my mum "Can you tear up a bank note?" because I was genuinely curious about how strong it was. She said "No, of course you can't!" (Meaning that I shouldn't). I decided to prove her wrong by trying and succeeding to rip up a £20 note. Then I realised what I'd done and hid the pieces in the washing basket (which I thought was a fool-proof hiding place but she obviously found it when she did the washing).
ReplyDeletehahaha, this story is adorable. Thanks for sharing. And this just goes to show, parents need to choose their words more carefully. :)
DeleteI agree 100%. Kids are just kids and sometimes it's too easy to be frustrated and upset when they do kid things. It's a learning process for both parent and child, though.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it certainly is a learning process for the parents just as much as it is for the kids. At least children seem better able to enjoy it though.
DeleteMy kids haven't quite caught on yet that when they make a big mess or mistake that is truly an "oops" moment I get less upset when I recognize this innocence in which you speak.
ReplyDeleteJust wait until they do, :) it will be nearly impossible to get angry. Which could be a good thing. :)
DeleteThere are times when my niece and nephews drive me crazy but when they do something that is pure innocence, I remember just why I love them. And I love them A LOT!
ReplyDeleteAww, that is so sweet. It certainly is easy to lose sight of the fact that kids are still learning, but when they look up at you with those big puppy dog eyes and give you such a genuine apology, it almost makes you feel silly for every getting frustrated. :)
DeleteI've been known to call chocolate its own food group, too!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely should be. :) It's good for you too. Albeit, it's the dark chocolate that's actually good for you, which I find bitter and gross, but one can pretend anyways. :)
DeleteKids are great! Nice to read such a positive post about their little inconveniences that aren't really too much trouble, when you put things in proper perspective:)
ReplyDeleteWell in the heat of the moment it's not always easy to keep such a positive perspective, but keeping this in mind always helps in such moments.
DeleteSo true, and it dovetails perfectly with my "J" post for today! Our problem is having the patience to put up with such innocent wonder.
ReplyDeleteOoh, now I'm curious what your 'J' post is... I'll have to head on over and check it out. :)
DeleteI loved writing when I was a kid and I knew in which desk drawer my mother kept all the pens. But, of course, I wanted to make sure the pen I was choosing would work, so I would test it....on the inside of the drawer. When my mother finally realized what I was doing she wanted to know why in the world I would draw in the desk drawer. I didn't even really get the questions. It was the pen drawer. Where else would I test pens?
ReplyDeleteMy mother still uses the same desk to this day and there are dozens of pen lines pressed into the wood. =)
I loved this story! Your mother must enjoy having that memory of your childhood. :)
DeleteGreat post!! I think adults do too much overreacting when it comes to those innocent little things with their children. They forget they were little once too. I enjoyed it very much! www.sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. It's so easy to forget that we were kids once too.
DeleteWhat a great post!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. :) Thanks for having a read. :)
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