Enable, don’t block

When we always do everything for our kids and parents, have you ever thought about the impact of that on their life? When there is a new technology which they have to learn but finding it difficult initially, Dutifully we come forward and do it ourself, without giving them an opportunity to learn. I don’t deny we are making their life easy. But At the cost of making them dependant on us?  After the first time, they don’t ever try to learn as we are there to do it for them.

This reminds me of an old story I had heard in my childhood. When someone is in suffering, don’t give them money, teach them how to earn money. Clearly, the former one just solves the temporary problem but the latter one solves their future problem also.

Keeping this in mind, next time teach them how to do the work, how to make it work. Be there, support them and supervise them when they try, But don’t do it yourself. Make them independent and eager to learn new things in their life. This is the correct way of helping them and motivating them to experience the thrill of doing things on their own.

Image source : Google search

Challenge yourself

Let’s do something different this year. Dig deep into your mind and find out one thing from the list to start with, it could be a hobby or sports activity or any random activity, which you didn’t try ever out of fear or you assumed you can’t do without trying.

Let’s challenge yourself to at least try it once this year to categorise it properly. There is a high chance that you might like it and add it to your favourite list. Who are all up for the challenge?

New things

My little girl was writing something seriously. I stood at the doorway to admire her. She was holding her pencil tight in her hand and stooped over the note before her. Her brows furrowed in concentration. She was practising handwriting dutifully. I came near her and tapped her shoulder to get her attention.
“See what mummy has got for you!” I said searching for something in my handbag.
She looked up at me with curious eyes and asked: “What is it, Mummy?”
I grabbed a new fancy pen and gave it to her.
“Oh, Pen. Why didn’t you buy a pencil Mummy” She sounded confused.
“Now My baby will write in pen from next year. you can practise with it first” I said cheerfully.
“But Mummy… ” Her voice trailed off.
I Sat down before her and put my hands on her shoulder and asked: “But What ?”
She seemed to brainstorm her brain to get the points and said finally “I am comfortable using my pencil. I am using it for a long time. I don’t know how I will like that pen. So I want a pencil Mummy.”
I smiled at her “Listen Jisha. We can have things which are comfortable with us. Even we can stay in the comfortable safe place. But that should not stop us from trying new things. Maybe that new thing will become your new favourite or you might be more comfortable with that. Come on try it” I gestured towards the pen.
She took it to try, But this time happily. I Believe, she will remember this point, not only for a pen, for new things in her life too 🙂