No one really taught us how to walk. We make that momentous first step without warning or advance notice. Indeed, walking is one of the miracles of life. So when Julia started to walk, Don and I are thrilled! This means that she is taking little steps to achieving her life's potentials. As much as we want to hold her while walking or lift her every time she falls, we just stay beside her, ready to help when she needs it. We give her the opportunity to practice, too. Just recently, we redesigned our Sunday schedule and went to places where she can walk freely and safely without giving us a heart attack.
During our "practice" walks, our goal is to enhance her curiosity, confidence and independence by giving her enough space to walk on her own. In between every rise and fall, "no-do-not-touch-that," "no-don't-go- there," "stop" and "time to go," we hope she learns about trust, persistence, courage, discipline, humility and flexibility. I was so engrossed with my role that it took me some time to realize that Julia is also teaching Don and I important lessons that we can apply as we go through a difficult phase in our married life.
LIFE LESSONS by JULIA
I realized that aside from reading materials, advice and testimonials from family and friends, Don and I have a little teacher, Julia, that will journey with us as we brave the challenges of family life.
How about you? What important lessons did your child teach you?
