As I sit down to write this article, I look up from my computer and see the face of my sweet little girl. She will soon turn 8, and school started two weeks ago. As I make lists and try to prioritize the tasks I need to accomplish, it is apparent that I learn a lot from my second grader. As you look at your planner or check out the calendar on your iPhone, the following tips may help you to focus in on what is important and enjoy life a little bit more.
Important Lessons from My Second Grader:
- Make a schedule and stick to it: My little girl loves planning ahead and we have her daily schedule on the fridge. She knows what needs to get done and in what order it should be accomplished. Routine rocks!
- Put family first: Would you like to go to the zoo or take a trip to Grandma’s? Oh, let’s go to Grandma’s! Memories last when they are made with ones you love.
- Wear what makes you happy: Zebra and Cheetah prints are her favorites. When she wears an outfit she loves, the day starts out on a great step. Even if others may not choose the pattern match-up, she chose it for a reason and her smile is the best addition. Confidence grows when we are comfortable in what we wear and how we look.
- Stop eating when you are full: She tells me her belly is full and she is finished with her meal or snack. Wiser words are hard to find. Be aware of our body and how it feels. It has much to tell us.
- Sing loud and sing often: Whether it is a commercial from TV or a praise song from church, my gal loves to sing. She sings in the car, in the grocery store, and in bed at night. She sings songs from PBS that teach her to share, follow the rules, and control her emotions. She is heard humming a tune while washing her hands and belting out a chorus while taking a shower. Music is a must.
- Friends are fun: Her two best friends have been in her life since preschool and they enjoy recess and lunch together each day. She smiles just talking about them and reminds me that I need to take time to connect with my friends.
- Hold hands, dance, and laugh: Throughout the day hold someone’s hand, dance in the kitchen just because and laugh great big belly laughs over knock-knock jokes or the word “underwear.” The little things matter a lot!
- Dream big: She wants to be a mom and she wants to be an artist. Next week she may want to be a doctor or a lion tamer. She is not limited in her aspirations and creativity. I want to dream a bit more and see where it leads.
More than any of these individual lessons, I learn overall to enjoy life. Take my time. Get back up when I fall. A kind word and a Momma’s kiss can fix about anything, and that learning never ends. The world is our classroom and we need to focus on each other and acknowledge that we are better together.
