Lessons learnt from A burden of a bag

Yesterday after work, I decided to park my car at home, and walk to my sis's house to pick up my children. Instead of just 2, 4 kids asked to come home with me, and I said "ok." :) After a short walk, Jo said "Mum, please hold my pencil and paper" and skipped down the street to join her cousins who were far ahead already. Nel just walked slowly beside me, burdened by her bag of books.

My mind began to wonder, thinking of all the many children who are daily burdened by never ending homework, tuition classes (some up to 3 extra tuition a day!), extra curricular activities, compulsory stay backs in schools, never ending exams. (I'm thankful I've chosen not to put my children through this sort of life.)

As I continued dreaming, feeling for those kids, Nel trudged on silently, never once asking me to hold her bag. I snapped out of my thoughts and said "Nel, would you like me to hold your bag, so you can go catch up?" A smile lit up on her face and she replied "Really mum? Thanks, and I'll take Camel the dog." So off they went, Nel and her pooch bounding down the pavement in large strides to catch up with the wild kids who were giggling and laughing loudly some distance away.

I guess, sometimes when a child is older, they may keep thoughts to themselves, they've learned they must handle responsibilities, to do whatever they can by themselves. It's nice some times if we parents can learn to imagine what they might be thinking, and sometimes make conscious effort to "alleviate" that burden, that they may be free as children. :)

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2012