Background - I've been with just 7 for the past three mornings. Monday: real golf, Tuesday: mini golf, Wednesday: we're-only-doing-things-that-are-free-don't-ask-again-olf. 7 loves golf. He is not patient, so it's more like speed golf. And he wants to re-try the shots that he doesn't like. So, teachable moment, right?
Me [during the nine holes of real golf (he played, I walked) and the 36 holes of mini golf (he beat me 100 to 101)]: "7, just because that shot was bad doesn't mean the next one will be."
And today, he generalizes the concept! BOOM! I can't even remember what the new context was, but he moved it from mini golf to whatever we're doing when he says that.
I feel like a teacher, and I feel like I'm wise.
What is it like to be seven? Well, also to be 7, but what is it like to be seven?
There are so many questions. Things hurt really bad sometimes. Friends hurt. Parents hurt. Movement is necessary. Boredom is terrible.
So, being seven is like being anyone.
I asked 7 what it was going to be like to be seven (7's birthday is next week. He's actually six. Who knew.)
"I'm gonna get PRESENTS, and I'll do whatever I want, and I'll get to stay home by myself while Dad and 4 are gone..."
So, I immediately take that as an offense. He'd rather be by himself? When we went to the park and played baseball and went to the fountain and splashed and went to the playground and spun in circles?? When he generalized the "that doesn't mean the next one will be bad?"
And then we painted. And he painted a sign that said "BABYSITTER" and had a big black slash through it.
What is it like to be someone's parent?
Everything you have is not enough.
So, being a parent is like being anyone.
Well. This doesn't mean that the next one will be bad.
Not that this one was bad. But it kind of was. Maybe I just need to steel myself against the comments (and artwork) from people under ten. Or all people. Gah.
Here's 7's painting:
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