The prompt for Sunday Scribblings this week: messenger.
A tale of two small girls
Parents and other adults are very important messengers in life. What messages do you send to your children and/or other people's children? What messages do you want to send?
A few years ago I was at the art gallery with my daughters, participating in an art activity. My children were happy cutting and pasting and I took a little time to watch two small girls there with their families. I can't remember now the exact task but it involved drawing shells on paper and then cutting and pasting tissue paper on to the drawings.
One girl was cutting tissue paper and gluing it with the support of her parents. What a fabulous creation she made. Her little face was beaming with pride. Her work of art did not look at all like the examples provided but she was visibly happy with what she had done.
The second girl came with lots of ideas which seemed ready to burst on to the paper. As her mum urged her to think first I could see her losing interest. She was obviously starting to worry about doing it right. She drew a spiral on the paper. Then the mum urged her to do the next one bigger so it would be easier to cut the tissue paper. The girl started looking away. Not interested any more, she was worrying about getting it right. Her initial enthusiasm was gone. She left with a work of art very similar to the example provided. I don't think she liked it very much.
I wonder how those two girls are a few years on. I wonder what other messages they have been sent by the adults in their lives.
I hope I send the messages that being creative is a good thing, that it is good to try out your own ideas and it is okay to make mistakes. Messages I remind myself of daily.
Unexpected connections
4 days ago
Then there are messages that are not verbal but actions. Children have such receptive minds that your actions may also be absorbed and played out by them later as well.
ReplyDeleteoldegg - yes, most definitely - actions often speak louder than words. Both are really important I think. Thanks for your visit :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an insightful piece, I could talk about it all day!! Wonderfully observed and written :o)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant illustration of how with (probably) the best intentions a message can be skewed..particularly through the eyes of children..Jae :)
ReplyDeleteGREAT post. Just loved it. You are so right about the verbal and non-verbal messages we as parents (and teachers) give our kids. Very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
As parents we are powerful messengers be it good or bad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, thanks for sharing.
Lisa
InspiredbyLisa
It is amazing how words can detour us as children and adults. My husband every time I want to craft, decides to tell me how mess or dirty this is. He sucks the fun out of my mood. Yes, I will get to it, but when inspiration strikes, sometimes one needs to go with it~
ReplyDeleteAll of that can use such a reminder. :)
ReplyDeletei second lisa's words...
ReplyDeleteparents play a pivotal role in their kids life...the message ans advise they provide is important....i am glad i came here to read this beautiful article...
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