A Child's Perspective
Maryanne Law



QUESTION: Do children have a different perspective on life than adults?

ANSWER:  Children learned their life perspectives from the adults in their lives. However, if we're wise, we will listen closely to our children and let their perspectives shape ours, too.  Here are three children's perspectives on life situations that are well worth adult reflection:

            Are you discouraged?  One Dad shared this experience. As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home.  As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was.  "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile.  "Really," I said.  "I have to say, you don’t look very discouraged." "Discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven’t been up to bat yet."

            Disappointed about your spot in life?  Jamie was trying out for a part in a school play.  His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.  One the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.  Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.  "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words which will remain a lesson to me: "I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer."

            Facing unfair challenges?  The father of ten year old Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all of the time, tells this story.  Sarah came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day" – that's where they have lots of races and other competitive events.  Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say about not letting this get her down – but before I could get a word out, she said, "Daddy, I won two of the races!"  I couldn’t believe it! Then Sarah said, "I had an advantage." Ah.  I knew it.  I thought she must have been given a head start…some kind of physical advantage.  But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn’t get a head start…my advantage was I had to try harder!"        

            If you would like to talk about the challenges of raising children, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Línea de Apoyo at 877-434-9528.  For free emergency child care call Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599.  Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org