As we start to talk about going back to school here, my thoughts quickly turn to the need to declutter and reorganize for the school year ahead. My children lead a blessed life and are largely unaware of just how lucky they are. They are surrounded daily by children who have everything they could ever need and much more. I sometimes cringe when I hear them say “I need” and “I want” for fear that they truly don’t know the difference.
I’m very well aware of this lack of diversity in our community. I would like to think that as they get older I will be able to have them involved in more community service and life experiences that will help them see how grateful they should be. I often find myself wondering if I am doing a good enough job. Am I teaching them to be kind? Am I teaching them generosity? Will they be a positive influence to those around them? Are they learning how to think for themselves and not conform to the norms of society? All of these fears turn in circles in my head constantly. I know I’m not alone.
Today, I’m appreciative of a small moment that affirms I’m doing something right. I know I’m not doing it all right. However, they are hearing something.
While my youngest and I were going through their “craft room,” a room filled with art supplies, books, toys and other random things I was babbling about how lucky they were to have all of these things. The mere fact that they have a “craft room” is something they should be thankful for. I told her how many of my patients do not even have a bed to sleep in. I was discussing with her how lucky we are to have so many books we haven’t even read while the kids I take care of at work often have never had a book of their own.
Then we went through the bookshelves. She went through each and every one and decided if it was something she needed to keep to read again or if “my patients” would like it. If there were any books about doctors they had to go with me to work. She asked all sorts of questions about my patients. How old were they? Do they like princesses? Do their moms and dads read to them? She happily packed up over half of the books on that shelf for me to take to work. She was so excited that they would be so thankful to have a book of their own and she hoped that their mommy or daddy would read it to them.
I came home from work that next day and she promptly asked if they liked their books. We talked about how happy they were and how happy their mommies were to have a book to read with them. It reminds me that we just need to take it one day at a time with these little hearts and minds. Hopefully little by little we can help them grow into caring, compassionate individuals who believe kindness is key.