When my first child was just 3, I remember her big brown eyes fluttering with thick lashes looking up at me. "Mommy, what do big fish eat?" Wanting to answer thoroughly I paused for a second. Her small hands rolled her golden curls that tickled her face. I started with "things" that fall like waste to the bottom of the ocean. Then quickly spun to fish food flakes that we buy for our pet fish. Then closed with, "You know, that would be a great thing to research! How about your first trip to the library?" A blank stare and clean fresh slate looked back at me. "Mommy?" she questioned. "Yes Love?" I responded half listening. My mind was still replaying the answer I gave her in my head, hoping to be a great teacher. Mostly though, I was thinking of how I failed. "I think they eat the small fish" she said contently. With a quick smile and bounce she was off again.
Puzzled I stood there in awe at how obvious and simple the question and, in turn, answer was. Mostly what amazed me though was how it seemed she already knew the answer.
I was so hung up on playing "teacher" that I never paused to really listen. How silly am I to think that my children can only learn from me. Many years and 2 more children later, I have learned that I too am the student... If I only stop, pause and listen.
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