Sadly it’s the truth.
There comes a point when a child must realise that their father is not imbued with super human powers. It can be very hard for them to understand but it’s a lesson they’ve got to learn.
James is just 8 and I’m trying to help him to understand that just because I’m an adult does not mean that I know everything about everything and I’m not better than him at everything.
He’ll sometimes be 3 or 4 levels through some kind of computer game and he’ll ask me to help him overcome some obstacle. I have a hard time explaining to him that if he’s already got as far as he has, and I’ve never played that game, he’s got a much better shot at moving forward than I have. He thinks that becuase I’m his dad and an adult I can just about do anything. Wrong.
We had similar issues this morning. My brother and his family gave James an origami book for his recent birthday. First thing this morning James was folding away and asked me to help with the next step. I’m hopeless at that kind of thing but I tried my hardest. I helped him go one step further but that was it. I couldn’t quite get my head around the instructions for the next step. Thankfully Pauline was able to help.
I suppose that kids start out with parents doing everything for them and they gradually take on more and more of their own responsibility. As they grow they gain skills that their parents don’t have. It’s hard for them to comprehend that mum or dad can’t do everything.
It’s nice that kids have that kind of awe and respect for parents, and it’s a great reminder not to abuse their trust, but they’ve got to learn that they’ve been given skills and talents that we’ll never have.
Have you seen that kind of thing happen in your family? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Can you take a few moments to click the comment link below this post and tell me about how it’s been for you and your kids or you and your parents?
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: Parenting – Family – Superman – Origami
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