Crystal ball gazing
Today the munchkin brought home from daycare his first storybook that he’d written and illustrated himself (with a little help from a scribe – his carer). The fact that it’s about a big fire in the forest (we had a DSE back burn right outside our back yard earlier in the year) is a little concerning, especially after a nice hot day today, but to be perfectly honest, I’m absolutely blown away.
The past couple of weeks have been “challenging”. The much publicised car bowl has failed as a disciplinary measure, the level of backchat and cheek has noticeably increased, and maybe the “fire-breathing dragon” Mummy has escaped once or twice.
It’s also been an incredibly exciting time, in a scary kind of way. In a couple of short months, he’s off to pre-school full time – the start of a journey that could last 14 years or more. We’ve started the transition time, with new uniform, oversized school bag and the hunt for a good lunchbox. I’m looking forward to seeing him learn the 3Rs and develop a multitude of other new skills and knowledge. But I’m also terrified of what the school system will do to this independent minded, imaginative, determined little boy.
How I would love a crystal ball!
To know that his natural charm and acting ability will help him become a confident, personable adolescent – maybe he’ll enjoy a stint on the stage too; That his love for music will grow as he masters an instrument; That his gung-ho attitude and love of the outdoors will help him excel at outdoor education and sports; That his gift for language and story telling will develop into a love of reading, and possibly, writing; That his curiosity about how things work will help him develop scientific reasoning and understanding; That his “determination” will mean that he doesn’t give up when it all gets a bit hard.
So much potential locked in a 4 ½ yo package – that hubby and I are largely responsible for unleashing.
I sometimes wonder how I am going to get him through the next week without causing permanent psychological scarring. If he’s like this at 4, imagine what he’ll be like at 14. And he’ll be too big to pick up and carry off to his room then!
The decision to have a child was not one made lightly. Hubby and I both felt the weight of the responsibility heavily – perhaps too heavily for our own good. But we have been entrusted with an amazing gift – the gift of one special life – a life with the potential to be anything he (or we) could dream about or wish for.
I just wish I knew it would all turn out OK in the end.
“Your children are not your children. They are sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself… You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” Kahlil Gibran
This post was inspired by Story Starters from our NEW Christmas theme (OK, this post is not very Christmassy – it’s still a bit early!) The cards selected were “In 10 years time…” and “Kids”. Where do you see your kids being in 10 years time? Do you wish you had a crystal ball too? I’d love to hear from you.
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Peace Mitchell says:
November 24, 2010 at 7:45 am
Wow great post! I don’t have a crystal ball either but I think he’s going to turn out just fine! A mum who can already see the talents which should be nurtured is a great asset for a child to have. I have a feeling he’ll love pre-school, especially as he’s already writing his own stories now! Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball too but at the same time I’m enjoying the journey right now as well.
Cath says:
November 24, 2010 at 8:33 am
Thanks Peace. I agree, we do need to enjoy the journey right now, for that is where the real joy lies – and is what might create that future we can’t yet see.
Jennie Lamond says:
November 24, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I have to say that I feel sure he will be fine mainly because you are so attentive to the detail of his life. No one can concieve of telling anyone else how to raise a child they do not reside with because only the parents know them from the depths of their worst behaviours to the richness of their most amazing moments. This is why you are the best equipped for the job as their parent. Being aware of that and doing the best you can true to your heart is the way to success. Nothing is guaranteed of course, but you can likely make it through those difficult times simply by being plugged in. How amazing that this lively and creative spirit ended up with you. How fitting it seems to be from an outsider point of view. Follow your instincts and those nagging feelings that we all try to deny. If you listen to yourself and do the best you can your best will be done. In the end, he will be who he is. One mother with a child who was a bare faced liar once told me to ‘let go’ of trying to take away those aspects of them you do not like. Instead, give them an outlet or management system for them, because no matter what you do, they will be who they are.
Cath says:
November 25, 2010 at 10:23 am
This is so true Jennie. It makes me appreciate the amazing opportunity I have had this year to “plug in” as you say. What an amazing gift!
Littlemissairgap says:
April 1, 2011 at 11:21 pm
I love this quote “We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.” [Stacia Tauscher] It is hard not to forecast how things will be. There will be many highs and lows and with it, lots of opportunities to learn and grow. Somehow I think having a crystal ball might take the enjoyment out of it all?
Karen says:
April 1, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Great post. Visiting from Weekend Rewind, and my post this week is on a similar theme. Who knew babies grew up to be people? If you ever find that crystal ball, drop me a line because I’d love to have a peek at my boy at 14.
life in a pink fibro says:
April 2, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Oh, I’m with you on that crystal ball. I wonder and I wonder and I wonder and, at the end of the day, all I can do is to sit back and watch it all unfold.
Thanks for Rewinding at the Fibro!