Kids, Feelings, and Confidence – An Opportunity

Why should we care about how other people’s kids, feelings, and confidence are in the world? Not our kids, so why bother? Someone else’s problem, right? If we see some aspect of the world, maybe we can step in and make a difference.
I was a single mother of three children, supporting them on my own, working in a stressful environment, and attending college. My children and I made the most of the moments, because there was so much that had to be done. Cooking, cleaning, working, listening, helping with homework – doing my part as a mother and head of household and supporting each child as a growing person.
Sometimes I wished that a kind person would reach out a hand and say, “Would you like a little help?” It would have made a world of difference to have a few moments to breathe if someone had stepped forth and offered a couple moments of attention to my children. I would have loved to finish reading a page in a book, to have a chance to do something for myself like sketch a scene or write a poem, or just a quiet moment to myself.
 

Time Gives You More Than One Opportunity

This week I saw two kids of different ages at coffee shops.
One I observed from a distance and didn’t offer help, because a parent was next to them and I didn’t see an opportunity to step in and give a lifting word. The other I did have a chance to make a kind gesture. Both situations had a father who was trying to finish something important on the computer next to their child.
I felt disappointed in myself for not doing something the first time. It was a missed opportunity to make a difference. Something inside me said, “Next time, don’t miss the ball.”
On the second chance I boldly went over to the child and asked about the interesting thing he was playing with on the table. Over the course of 20 minutes, I listened and he smiled. His father, by the way, said, “Thank you.” Then the dad finished his task. I asked the little boy if he wanted to learn something new, and he said, “Yes!” I showed him how to make a mind map. I asked him what he wanted to do a mind map about and this little boy, who was 6-years old, said, “Feelings.” Wow!

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I’m simply going to put the picture for your thoughts. And, if I may, suggest that if you find yourself in an opportune moment, reach out and make a difference with a kid, too. You might raise the level of consciousness in the world of kids, feelings, and confidence – an opportunity.
Namaste,
Cat