Schooled by the student

Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” If he was correct, I most certainly am not old – yeah!

Because ever since becoming a parent almost nine years ago, I most certainly learn something new every, single day.

Usually my lessons learned come from interactions with my three boys. What I’ve discovered could fill a book – or this blog.

Did you know that milk, when spilled on the floor, actually makes hardwood floors appear shinier? Or that blue, gloopy, children’s toothpaste never, truly comes off bathroom rugs?

And did you know that county-fair-won-goldfish will die if put directly in a bowl full of tap water? Or that when thrown from the upstairs balcony a lightweight Hot Wheels car will, in fact, leave a dent in your floors?

All of these lessons are, in their own way, useful. They are the boys’ way of paying us, their loving parents, back for the important life lessons we teach.

However, this morning, when the five of us sat around the kitchen table playing the game of “Life,” I discovered a third type of lesson and it is the variety that I like the best --- The lessons my sons teach each other.

At the end of a hard-fought, two hour game, my youngest, three year old Ryan began to cry – and then scream – because he did not win. (Although he did beat both of his parents who have quite a bit more experience in this whole “life” thing – I’m just saying).

My six year old Colin won and he was thrilled.

But Ryan kept screaming.

“NO, I WIN!”

I tried to explain over the sobs and screams that this was just a game, that he did well, and maybe he’d win next time.

Did he listen?

NO.

So I tried again.

More screams.

And then the lesson came.

Colin, without being asked, went over to his hyperventilating younger brother, put his arm around his shoulder, and said this:

“It’s ok Ryan. When I was three I didn’t win either. So you’ll win when you are six.”

Is it true?

Maybe, but it’s the six-year old logic and the way in which it was delivered that was today’s biggest, and most delightful lesson.

Colin did succeed in getting Ryan to stop crying. He also taught his baby brother that he understands why he is upset and someday the outcome will be better.

Colin also taught me.

Today, I learned that my boys truly care about each other. Sometimes they don’t need mom or dad to make it all better. Sometimes they just need each other’s shoulders to cry on. Because no matter how hard Jeff and I try, they will understand each other better than we will. They are navigating childhood side by side with us as their well-meaning but flawed parents. And because of this, they will need each other the most. And I am thrilled, that without being asked, they are stepping up to the challenge.

Today I learned that we must be doing something right.

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Have a great weekend!