The other night I recruited my son to go to the store with me. My wife was getting Gillian ready for bed which means that Georgie has an hour until his bed time. Just enough time to keep me company as I went shopping for stuff for my lunch. So off we went to the local grocery store to pick up some things.
I have decided since me and my buddy have begun our exercise regimen (currently stalled until inner ear thingy is gone) that I would pack myself healthy lunches. I am a total creature of habit so if I find something I like, I can stick with that exact same thing for a very long time. I decide that a lovely salad should fit the bill nicely. With a few sunflower seeds and broccoli it will be a salad that I will not get tired of for a long time.
We immediately head over to the produce department to look for the lettuce and broccoli and such.
In the produce area my son asks me a question that sparked quite the conversation.
“Do you want this kind of broccoli?” Georgie asks me while holding up a bundle of fresh broccoli.
“Um, no. I want something that is already cut up. Like in a bag or something.” Says me.
“What about Lettuce? You want me to grab some?”
“Dude, I buy the salad in a bag. I don’t have time to cut vegetables and leaf lettuce.” I snobbishly reply
My son said nothing and put the lettuce back down.
I said, “Man, what a snob of me to say that I ‘don’t have time to cut vegetables’ as if that was below me. I am so stuck up huh?”
George looks at me and asks, “Why do grown ups have to hate themselves so much?”
“What?”
“All adults hate themselves. ‘I am too fat. My hair looks bad. These jeans make me look ugly. I am a snob. My job sucks.’ I don’t get it”
“Dude, adults are just hard on themselves I guess.”
“Well, it seems to me that if adults would just put their mind to stuff they could be who they want to be.”
“I don’t think it’s that easy.” I said.
“I dunno dad. When you really think about it, I think that it is. If you want a better job then go to school and try hard and you will get it. If you want to lose weight, eat better and exercise. I mean, just put your mind to it and anyone can be and do whatever they want to.”
I did not have much to reply to that. I thought about when I was 12 and hated myself. Most kids Georgie’s age are not the ones to say “You can be what you want to be.” Most of the time this conversation happens but with the adult and child parts switched.
What wise words of encouragement has a child offered you? I would love to hear about it. I think kids are amazing like that.
I am thankful that my son has this insight at such a young age. I hope that he continues this attitude throughout life. Maybe I can learn to be as positive and motivated as he is.
According to him, I surely can. As long as I put my mind to it.
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18 comments:
Your son is an inspiration - and so wise at only 12!
I've read your post twice, and I've been floored by his wisdom twice.
Thank you, both SuperG and LittleG, for realigning my brain.
You have amazing kids.
Because you and Jazz are amazing.
Don't forget that!
Love you to pieces.
~Meghan <3
I agree completely with Georgie... and I believe that attitude will stick with him for life.
What a great kid!
He must have great parents :)
Okay, I'm getting in the car and driving south so I can pick up your son and adopt him. If you won't adopt me or won't let me adopt you, I'll settle for him. What a great kid. Of course, he has a great dad & mom!
Has your balance returned??
Kerri - He truly is an inspiration. He constantly blows us away.
Meg - Gillian is amazing too. very true meg and loves to you too.
Kelsey - It's funny but Jasmine and I still feel like we are playing house sometimes. But i guess the proof is in the sugar free pudding.
Lori - Both of my kids are great. My only complaint is that they are both slobs but if that is the biggest problem we have then we are truly blessed. The balance has not returned completely yet, but hopefully soon.
What a wise young man. I too hope he carries that wisdom into adulthood. It's a testament to what a wonderful homelife you and your wife have provided him.
At the age of 4, Brendon once said to me "Mom, I love you, but I'm very angry with you" and proceeded to tell me what I did to upset him.
I thought to myself, what a mature way to express negative feelings to a loved one.
Listen to your kid--and don't turn your nose up at fresh lettuce or broccoli--they're easy to cut and easier to wash when they aren't bagged already.
Kids can keep it simple, something grownups should try to remember. My five year old was diagnosed with type 1 d last summer. Recently, when I was frustrated with the diabetes, he took my face in his hands and said, "don't worry mom, everything's going to be alright". That's the only thought I should have.
What an amazing little dude. A nugget of wisdom such as that from Charlie would also include the word "poop" unfortunately.
you have a wise-beyond-his-years kid there! hope he keeps that attitude.
amazing. that's all I got: amazing.
Thank you for sharing this!
My son has said these things:
“God is in the trees mom, but he’s also in your heart”
“Let’s pray for Jay-Jay mom so that God can teach him to not be mean anymore”
“Sometimes if you are having a bad time, it is okay to go have some quiet time to make yourself feel better.”
“Don’t be mean mom! It isn’t nice.”
And Gracie?
“Mom, puppies and kitties don’t yell.”
“When I die I won’t have diabetes.”
And you know what? They are right.
Before Lori adopts him, I'd like young G to come and spend some time and be my personal life coach (when the weather is warmer, of course.)
Kids are mind blowing! I truly believe they are far, far wiser than the rest of us. What your son said really makes me stop and think about how often I get down on myself for things. He is so right - stop b*tching and do something about it! Smart kid you have there.
George,
What a wise young man you have there. He has some great advice that we would all be wise to follow.
Holden recently wrote a paper at school about his most influencial person and he picked me. When I read it, I just cried and cried. It amazed me how much he understood what I do for him and how much I love him.
Kids are much smarter than we give them credit for most of the time.
Kids can have such a fresh, unencumbered perspective.
This post made me pause, reflect and consider the question your son asked.
We are often too hard on ourselves.
Thanks, George, for posting this 12-year old wisdom!
Sounds like some good parenting instilled such an optimistic perspective in LittleG.
That's pretty cool for both you and him.
Wow! We all need to listen and learn from young George. Let him know that we appreciate his comments. Smart young man!
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