CuppaGemma

As a mother there are many things I want my boys to understand. Compassion, respect and empathy rank high among them. To be caring and considerate of others. These qualities matter more then using the appropriate fork for salad, or what outfit you choose to wear in the morning.

I’m happy that we gave the privilege of growing up in more then one place, with more then one language or culture surrounding them. I want them to comprehend there are many ways to do things, and many kinds of relationships with people. All of which evolve over time. One way does not outrank another, it is just different and there is always context around why one person makes the choices they do (or don’t).

Last night we went to the diner with our friends. We are hosting a homestay with my friends from Denmark’s daughters. We were a large group since a few of the neighborhood kids wanted to join. Everyone had milkshakes. Listening to the kids all talk about their hometowns and their lives in general made me smile. Some things are constant across cultures- like who is using Facebook and YouTube and Google. Frustrations with parents and siblings. Also a gentleness to try to explain a word or concept- or around that word or concept with someone. The kids have that down pat.

They all share an eagerness to understand- like the determination you have to ride a bicycle or do a cartwheel. And there is laughter. But also support- let’s say this word over again, or tell me more about that.

Maybe kids understand the value of humanness in a way that we forget as adults. They want to listen.