Our life is filled with first times. I remember my husband and I would talk about it all the time. The first date, the first vacation, and eventually the first child. As we get older we take for granted all the first times we still experience and my little guys reminded me about it yesterday.
We stayed at my brothers apartment in New Jersey and had planned a trip into the city. It was so hot and humid we decided to stay around town. So I made other plans, and then life happened and changed them. When we went to get into the car I noticed my muffler just about touching the ground and loose, okay, change of plans. I grab the stroller and take the boys on a walk to the Whole Foods market. My oldest as you know is going through an international kick and I let him pick out all types of new foods to try in my attempt to save the day. Little did I know that they didn’t know the day was ruined!
I also didn’t know that all I needed to do was buy them a can soda. We sat down in the market and they stared at their cans not knowing what to do. My oldest said, “I know how to drink this, I saw it on TV.” My little guy said, “I don’t know how to drink this. Can you show me?” My oldest proclaimed, “This is the first time we ever had soda in a can!” They were so excited. It never occurred to me or my husband that their lives are still all filled with firsts. This was such a moment for them. We don’t drink soda or for that matter anything that comes in a can so this was so new and thrilling for them. That’s right a can – who knew. They sat so quietly and looked at their cans as if they were works of art. Does this mean I’m going to buy soda – NOPE! It does mean that I think we need to examine our “plans” as parents. We make these plans, buy these toys, pay for these classes all in the name of “my kid needs this” We beg, borrow, work extra hours, to pay for all this “stuff” that we think our kids want. I’m not saying that your child doesn’t enjoy all this stuff, I’m just saying it’s not necessary. The impromptu going to the market and buying foods from different countries and then casually enjoying a soda was quite the learning experience for the boys.
Just a Thought.
Uncle Wally says
Good, interesting perspective!