If you’re interested in yesterday’s conversation, it’s still going strong. I’ve gathered your best questions, and thrown them down, but I’ve no Idea if Benji’s bound to bounce them.
“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.”
~John Betjeman, Summoned by Bells
I don’t think there’s a sum I wouldn’t part with for the chance to live inside my children’s heads, either one, and even if only for half an hour.
I’m totally serious.
I’d drive to the bank, stack my collateral, beg for a loan, then walk home and figure out the best way to take care of the interest before it buried me to bones.
Whatever I saw from behind those eyes, I’m sure, would be exponentially worth it.
I can only ponder how my children view a world unfolding three feet from the ground. By the time they’re old enough to really break it down for me, they’ll no longer be focusing behind the same lens.
I helped make them, I certainly know them, and I believe I’ve a pretty good idea about how they string their thoughts together. But it’s been a long time since I was as little as they are now, and I’ve long since forgotten what it’s like to peer at the world in front of me, without so much as a single breath of cynicism.
I cannot imagine feeling, at my age, anything so innocent.
When they’re grown, I hope I haven’t lost the wonder of musing the machinations of their minds. I hope, when my children are my age now, and Daisy and I are cradling our grandchildren between us for a long, anticipated weekend, that I’m still wondering.
Of course, I won’t be able to see any more clearly into the mind’s of those still too small to speak, or too tiny to know the minutia of poverty, crime, and deceit.
I will not be able to see through the eyes of my grandchildren, so I’ll turn my eyes to Mia and Max, and see the world as they do. It will be easier by then. Our long histories will have woven together with the unrelenting fabric of shared experience. Their first world view, born beneath the shade of Daisy and myself.
So when I’m wishing I could see the world as my grandchildren do, but peering from the perspective of my own brood, it will be the perfect time to ask myself…
Do I like what I see?
Writer Dad
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Lovely. Simply lovely. I feel so fortunate time to time when I catch a serendipitous glimpse into the world through my children’s senses.
Lovely. Simply lovely. I feel so fortunate time to time when I catch a serendipitous glimpse into the world through my children’s senses.
Emily: Ditto for me. My children make me reinterpret my past.
Kyddryn: “Kids can be brilliant reminders of the potential in everything, especially when adults have become jaded, faded, and worn with time and worry.” Love it.
Vered: There’s no doubt about it.
Dot: No forgiveness needed. Comments are a gift. I never look them in the mouth.
Ilinap: Those glimpses make my heart beat faster.
Emily: Ditto for me. My children make me reinterpret my past.
Kyddryn: “Kids can be brilliant reminders of the potential in everything, especially when adults have become jaded, faded, and worn with time and worry.” Love it.
Vered: There’s no doubt about it.
Dot: No forgiveness needed. Comments are a gift. I never look them in the mouth.
Ilinap: Those glimpses make my heart beat faster.
Interesting thought! Knowing the power the parent holds at that stage in life to form the child’s mind is humbling! I shudder when I hear how some parents speak to and treat their children! They are a precious gift a responsibility from the Lord!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
Interesting thought! Knowing the power the parent holds at that stage in life to form the child’s mind is humbling! I shudder when I hear how some parents speak to and treat their children! They are a precious gift a responsibility from the Lord!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
Wow, I was having just this conversation with my wife the other night! I indeed wonder what my son thinks when he’s interacting with the world, how he thinks of his mom and dad, what is making him laugh when he goes off on one of his laughing jags? I often find myself staring at him and wondering what thoughts are racing around his head.
Something happened a few weeks ago which I wasn’t sure if I was going to blog about. It speaks to this, but also to my fears. It seems a bit too personal to put out there, but you inspired me to do just that. So, I hope you don’t mind if I take your theme and run with it a bit. Damn you for writing this first! :) But I guess if you hadn’t, I probably would have kept it to myself.
Thank you for another thought provoking post.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Eight Questions – Interview with Barbara Swafford of Blogging Without a Blog
Wow, I was having just this conversation with my wife the other night! I indeed wonder what my son thinks when he’s interacting with the world, how he thinks of his mom and dad, what is making him laugh when he goes off on one of his laughing jags? I often find myself staring at him and wondering what thoughts are racing around his head.
Something happened a few weeks ago which I wasn’t sure if I was going to blog about. It speaks to this, but also to my fears. It seems a bit too personal to put out there, but you inspired me to do just that. So, I hope you don’t mind if I take your theme and run with it a bit. Damn you for writing this first! :) But I guess if you hadn’t, I probably would have kept it to myself.
Thank you for another thought provoking post.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Eight Questions – Interview with Barbara Swafford of Blogging Without a Blog
Sometimes I watch my three year old and my one year old nephews and wonder what they’re thinking. The older one is very serious and seems to worry a lot, and his topics of conversation are wise beyond his years. The little one is always smiling and walking up to strangers as if everyone loves him and is happy to see him. I think the mind of the little one is probably filled with pink unicorns, giant lollipops, and streams of kool aid.
Marelisas last blog post..Four Outstanding Thoughts on Innovation
Sometimes I watch my three year old and my one year old nephews and wonder what they’re thinking. The older one is very serious and seems to worry a lot, and his topics of conversation are wise beyond his years. The little one is always smiling and walking up to strangers as if everyone loves him and is happy to see him. I think the mind of the little one is probably filled with pink unicorns, giant lollipops, and streams of kool aid.
Marelisas last blog post..Four Outstanding Thoughts on Innovation
In my experience with children, I always enjoy asking and answering questions with them just to get a small glimpse of how they think!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
In my experience with children, I always enjoy asking and answering questions with them just to get a small glimpse of how they think!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
Marelisa – Your line, “I think the mind of the little one is probably filled with pink unicorns, giant lollipops, and streams of kool aid” is awesome!
Marelisa – Your line, “I think the mind of the little one is probably filled with pink unicorns, giant lollipops, and streams of kool aid” is awesome!
Oh boy! I have written this post in my head THOUSANDS of times…but not about my children, about my husband! :-) I would pay a FORTUNE to spend a day thinking the way he thinks, doing the things he does…I guess my children are certainly old enough to articulate their feelings – and they’re girls. But my husband? After 23 loving years – a total mystery!
(And I demand I recount on comments! I was out for 5 days – not fair! Watch out, Sal – I’m coming after YOU !)
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The TERRIBLE PARENTING Song We Love to Hear
Oh boy! I have written this post in my head THOUSANDS of times…but not about my children, about my husband! :-) I would pay a FORTUNE to spend a day thinking the way he thinks, doing the things he does…I guess my children are certainly old enough to articulate their feelings – and they’re girls. But my husband? After 23 loving years – a total mystery!
(And I demand I recount on comments! I was out for 5 days – not fair! Watch out, Sal – I’m coming after YOU !)
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The TERRIBLE PARENTING Song We Love to Hear
trying to see the world through my boys eyes has helped me to connect. trying to look through my stepdaughter’s eyes I wonder how they see me and I am to them. Thanks for making me slow down today and reflect a little.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..Subprime Crisis: An Interactive Experience With Stick Figures
trying to see the world through my boys eyes has helped me to connect. trying to look through my stepdaughter’s eyes I wonder how they see me and I am to them. Thanks for making me slow down today and reflect a little.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..Subprime Crisis: An Interactive Experience With Stick Figures
Tim: It is appalling how some people communicate with their children. I’m with you; shudders all over.
Blogger Dad: Sometimes, my favorite posts are the ones that have things which make me hedge before I push publish. They’re closer to my heart, and people can feel it. I can’t wait to read what’s close to yours.
Marelisa: I’m with Blogger Dad; I think your last line’s amazing.
Tim: They’re answers are usually funny, surprising, or enlightening. Rarely, bland.
Rita: Daisy would, and does, say the same thing. In fact, she said it last night when I read her this post.
CK Lunchbox: My pleasure, Ron. Thanks for that Adult Swim sketch yesterday. It was so funny. I played it for my wife later on. She laughed even harder than I did.
Tim: It is appalling how some people communicate with their children. I’m with you; shudders all over.
Blogger Dad: Sometimes, my favorite posts are the ones that have things which make me hedge before I push publish. They’re closer to my heart, and people can feel it. I can’t wait to read what’s close to yours.
Marelisa: I’m with Blogger Dad; I think your last line’s amazing.
Tim: They’re answers are usually funny, surprising, or enlightening. Rarely, bland.
Rita: Daisy would, and does, say the same thing. In fact, she said it last night when I read her this post.
CK Lunchbox: My pleasure, Ron. Thanks for that Adult Swim sketch yesterday. It was so funny. I played it for my wife later on. She laughed even harder than I did.
I don’t wanna sound religious or anything (hell… religiosity is the thing I hate the most in this world) but the Bible as a GREAT example on that:
Teach the kiddo’s the way they should walk and when they grow they will not turn away from it…
never to young to start… and let’s put it like that… if we (parents) don;t teach some basics to our kids then who will???
I don’t wanna sound religious or anything (hell… religiosity is the thing I hate the most in this world) but the Bible as a GREAT example on that:
Teach the kiddo’s the way they should walk and when they grow they will not turn away from it…
never to young to start… and let’s put it like that… if we (parents) don;t teach some basics to our kids then who will???
WD,
Yippee! So I’m like Daisy! (Take THAT Sal!)
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The TERRIBLE PARENTING Song We Love to Hear
WD,
Yippee! So I’m like Daisy! (Take THAT Sal!)
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The TERRIBLE PARENTING Song We Love to Hear
The innocence of children. It is refreshing. As I watch my own children grow, I am seeing it disappear. Just a couple of weeks ago we watched some videos we had of our kids when they were younger. And I could just feel that innocence, and sense of wonder – while I watched them playing together. To see through the eyes of a child…
Lances last blog post..A Helping Hand
The innocence of children. It is refreshing. As I watch my own children grow, I am seeing it disappear. Just a couple of weeks ago we watched some videos we had of our kids when they were younger. And I could just feel that innocence, and sense of wonder – while I watched them playing together. To see through the eyes of a child…
Lances last blog post..A Helping Hand
WD: On your comment to me waaay up above: Yes. I couldn’t agree more. I mean, we still have our limits (can’t be around each other for too many days at a time!) but in general, it’s pretty cool to hang out and all be grown-ups. My parents were super strict when I was growing up, but unlike many parents of people my age, they knew when to let go and treat us as equals. I appreciate that more than anything.
stephs last blog post..On How to Let Go
WD: On your comment to me waaay up above: Yes. I couldn’t agree more. I mean, we still have our limits (can’t be around each other for too many days at a time!) but in general, it’s pretty cool to hang out and all be grown-ups. My parents were super strict when I was growing up, but unlike many parents of people my age, they knew when to let go and treat us as equals. I appreciate that more than anything.
stephs last blog post..On How to Let Go
I think my wife wants to know what’s going in my head everyday. Probably every moment she’s speaking to me and I suddenly go off into the distance (thinking about what’s she’s saying).
Matthew Drydens last blog post..7 Ways I Masturbate With Google Analytics
I think my wife wants to know what’s going in my head everyday. Probably every moment she’s speaking to me and I suddenly go off into the distance (thinking about what’s she’s saying).
Matthew Drydens last blog post..7 Ways I Masturbate With Google Analytics
I agree child-like wonder can be recaptured and I think I’m managing to do it by focusing on life’s small pleasures (Ooh, fluffy clouds! Look, a daisy patch! Dogs playing! Ladybird cupcakes! I love that tree!). Taking the time to notice and appreciate all the little things around me gets me out of my own head and really seeing the world and finding even more to love. Since I started doing this, I feel as if I’ve really opened my eyes and I’m the happiest I’ve been for many years.
I like the quote you started off with there – I was just thinking this morning how I feel a bit like I’m a born again 4 year old, so that quote drew me in.
I agree child-like wonder can be recaptured and I think I’m managing to do it by focusing on life’s small pleasures (Ooh, fluffy clouds! Look, a daisy patch! Dogs playing! Ladybird cupcakes! I love that tree!). Taking the time to notice and appreciate all the little things around me gets me out of my own head and really seeing the world and finding even more to love. Since I started doing this, I feel as if I’ve really opened my eyes and I’m the happiest I’ve been for many years.
I like the quote you started off with there – I was just thinking this morning how I feel a bit like I’m a born again 4 year old, so that quote drew me in.
You reminded me how important that spark of possibility is, along with able curiosity.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Strengths and Weaknesses vs. Personality Profiles
You reminded me how important that spark of possibility is, along with able curiosity.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Strengths and Weaknesses vs. Personality Profiles
UrbanVox: It’s funny you should bring that Bible verse up! These days “professionals” would have us to believe we SHOULDN’T try to influence them to think the way we do. The child should be free to develope into the person he/she will be and not be influenced by silly things like “the way he/she should go.” I think without guidence in the formable years, our kids won’t know or understand our love for them. True, the way we think isn’t always perfect so we should use Scripture as a guidebook!
Glee Girl: I like your statement about noticing life’s small pleasures! I was just pondering the difference of when I notice something like a tree now and back when I was young. Now I stop and look at a tree and admire the strength and beauty of God’s creation and wonder things like “I wonder what was going on in the world when this tree was young.” When I was young, I always saw the opportunities the tree could afford, like, “Is the tree good for climbing and how and when can I try?” and “This tree will work fine as a catcher for our baseball game!” Much of my younger years were made up of climbing and sometimes falling from trees and backyard baseball. Now I find myself pondering the last time I took the time to climb a tree or hit a ball around. I miss those days!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
UrbanVox: It’s funny you should bring that Bible verse up! These days “professionals” would have us to believe we SHOULDN’T try to influence them to think the way we do. The child should be free to develope into the person he/she will be and not be influenced by silly things like “the way he/she should go.” I think without guidence in the formable years, our kids won’t know or understand our love for them. True, the way we think isn’t always perfect so we should use Scripture as a guidebook!
Glee Girl: I like your statement about noticing life’s small pleasures! I was just pondering the difference of when I notice something like a tree now and back when I was young. Now I stop and look at a tree and admire the strength and beauty of God’s creation and wonder things like “I wonder what was going on in the world when this tree was young.” When I was young, I always saw the opportunities the tree could afford, like, “Is the tree good for climbing and how and when can I try?” and “This tree will work fine as a catcher for our baseball game!” Much of my younger years were made up of climbing and sometimes falling from trees and backyard baseball. Now I find myself pondering the last time I took the time to climb a tree or hit a ball around. I miss those days!
tims last blog post..Who Are My Pets?
@Rita: So…I have a lunchbox…beat that! And now it is my turn to run after you!
Sals last blog post..A Man’s Gotta Do…Part III
@Rita: So…I have a lunchbox…beat that! And now it is my turn to run after you!
Sals last blog post..A Man’s Gotta Do…Part III
Urban Vox: It’s our jobs, and we should never consider it cool to drop the ball.
Rita: In a few ways, Rita, yes you are.
Lance: I’ve determined that I need to do a better job of capturing them on video. We have a camera, just never ever use it. I know if I don’t start, it will be something I regret.
Steph: Daisy and I talk about it all the time. It’s kind of fun to make up stories about what we think they’ll be like as grown-ups. There’s some things about them, that have just never changed since they were babies. It’s easy to see them as adult qualities.
Matthew: You’re a drifter, huh Matthew?
Glee Girl: Of course you would have a comment that delightful. Your name is Glee Girl. Nice to hear from you GG.
J.D.: Able curiosity… well said.
Urban Vox: It’s our jobs, and we should never consider it cool to drop the ball.
Rita: In a few ways, Rita, yes you are.
Lance: I’ve determined that I need to do a better job of capturing them on video. We have a camera, just never ever use it. I know if I don’t start, it will be something I regret.
Steph: Daisy and I talk about it all the time. It’s kind of fun to make up stories about what we think they’ll be like as grown-ups. There’s some things about them, that have just never changed since they were babies. It’s easy to see them as adult qualities.
Matthew: You’re a drifter, huh Matthew?
Glee Girl: Of course you would have a comment that delightful. Your name is Glee Girl. Nice to hear from you GG.
J.D.: Able curiosity… well said.
Hey, thanks Blogger Dad and Writer Dad :-)
Marelisas last blog post..Four Outstanding Thoughts on Innovation
Hey, thanks Blogger Dad and Writer Dad :-)
Marelisas last blog post..Four Outstanding Thoughts on Innovation