Throughout my life as a parent; many events, interactions,and comments have left me bewildered at the true wisdom emitting from the actions or mouths of children. We adults tend to be overly concerned with structure, stature, cultural norms, as well as etiquette while our children simply live. They live their lives in the moment, seldom being concerned about consequences and the impact their actions will have on the future. In many instances, our children display an poignant example of how we too can excel through grace and empathy.

While shopping at a local store recently, I watched as my youngest child, Riyann, went about her normal routine to “seek and overcome” dads reluctance to purchase the latest item we didn’t need but was in fact essential in her eight year old mind. As we finished up our shopping and began walking to the car, I watched as she approached and greeted a couple people, unknown to her, in her normal, kind manner, ever smiling and upbeat. It warmed my heart as I watched this truly caring little lady interact with others and as her words immediately transformed emotionless faces into those of visible joy with wide smiles affixed.

Upon storing all the groceries and getting into our vehicle my daughter described to me; “Daddy, I like telling people they look really nice and are beautiful” She went on to say “that could be the only time they hear it and it will make them feel really good even if other people are being mean to them”. As I commended her on her kind actions I will admit that there was a moderate amount of pride expanding within me.

My mind began considering all of the times I had witnessed her sharing a kind word, providing a hug, or simply waving at total strangers in an attempt to bring a ray of sunshine to a persons seemingly darker day. Leo Buscalia, an American Author once stated “ Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around”.

Being a father, mother, or caretaker can many times set us along the path of believing that we alone are the source of wisdom. A wisdom which must be passed on to our offspring. Listening becomes secondary as we strive to diligently better the lives of our children. We must remember wisdom comes in all forms…. sometimes from the lips of our most vulnerable. I have many times, over the years, watched as my child interacted with others through words and touch. I hadn’t truly understood her intent but by listening, I now know, it was me who was in school and she who was teaching me. Oh the lessons we can learn if we merely open our hearts and minds. Even through the teaching of an eight year old.