She Climbs

Walking my daughter home from school today, I watched her climb every snow bank she could find.  She does enjoy the odd climb, but this was drastically more than usual.  It seemed like a metaphor for the moving talk we had the night before.

My 8-year old wanted to discuss her public speaking classes. She was tentative in her approach and I saw a glimmer of tears in her eyes, yet she pressed on.  “Mommy, I have really been thinking about this, and I do like the classes and the instructor is good – but I need a break.”  I was caught off guard.  It is not unusual for kids to question commitments to sports clubs or any number of classes.  We had been down that road before and reminded her that once she makes a commitment she needs to see it through.   This was different.

These classes are not a long-term commitment.  We pay as we go and, in fact, this week was the last scheduled date we had arranged.  The point of the classes was to give her more confidence and provide skills and composure to project when speaking in groups, at school or otherwise. She has excelled and enjoyed the experience immensely.  So, why the need for a break?

I asked, “You don’t want to do the speaking anymore?”

She jumped in, “No Mommy, I really like it and I don’t want to let anyone down.  I just feel pressure.  With homework and speaking practice, sometimes I don’t get to play.  Last week on vacation I had to keep practicing when other people were having fun.  I want more family time.”

“You know that sometimes we do things in life that aren’t fun, right?”  I injected, even though she had already sold me on her way of thinking.  I needed to make sure my impending agreement would not send the wrong message.  She nodded and I continued, “Do you want to stop the classes completely or just take a rest?”

“I am not really sure what it all will be like, Mommy.  Can we just take a rest for a while and talk about it again another time?”  I smiled and hugged her.  “Absolutely!  I have your back, baby.  I am so proud of how you handled this.”

“Yay”, she said and ran off to play.  I sat stunned.  How had this balanced, wise soul gotten inside my 8-year old child?  We teach our kids all the lessons we can think of and then hope and pray they make good choices.  This little girl was already making smart work/life choices that took me nearly 40 years to achieve. 

In those moments when I learn from my child, I realize she is already climbing huge mountains in her life.  She needs me to guide her, support her and basically – not screw it up!!!  She already has so much spirit, wisdom and bravery – it will take a light hand, an open heart and a courageous Mommy to let her grow into the awesome human being who already hurdles mountains every day.