Kids and Clay

Last evening when my kids were back from the play, I got introduced to Georgina and family. My younger one described a ghastly incident where in Georgina was attacked, her husband witnessed the event and her kids ran to comfort their mum. I was shocked to hear that and enquired where did my 8 year old happened to be that evening. Its an event that took place in the middle of our amphitheatre and disturbed my otherwise strong and cheerful boys. Yes I forgot to mention, I am a mum of 2 young boys, an 8 and an almost turning 11 year old.

I immediately got into action and started throwing questions as to how, where…we live in a very reputable community and such incidences are a clear “No”. Georgina’s entire family got hurt in public, with bruises on her face and her kids licking her hands…sorry..what is that last statement? Kids licking hands? I understand the children were frightened too..but..why licking? And why did no one report it yet in the community forum?

“Mumma, Georgina is the furry little white cat with blue eyes” [sic] – said my younger one. I let out a sigh and took hold of my emotions. It took me 2 minutes of deep breathing while I was serving them evening snacks, to settle down with my sentiments. Kids!!..I am a loving person and do not support or dismiss this event just coz it was a cat and not another fellow human being..but it did bring me some sort of relief, I will admit.

What actually startled me was how my unicorn boy connected with the cat and the family. How confidently he gave a name to her and narrated the entire story to me, with such angst and equal fervor. He wanted me to contact a vet in the apartment and get help for the injured family. Well we took required actions and went back to our usual day..but something stayed with me. Initially I was worried as to how he was not able to filter out the emotions ..how the pain he felt was the same as we adults might have felt for another human being. Empathy is a good virtue to have.. Slowly, the concerned mother in me felt proud for my boy..for he felt the pain of another living being, for he could relate to the cat family?- the husband, the little kittens just as another family..somewhere I felt my little boy did rise to the situation, and was not so little anymore.

My heart swell with pride seeing my 8 year old standing for another (cat) family. Somewhere he took upon himself to bring help for the kittens as the mother was hurt and father looking after the wife. Well, I am not sure when and how the cat ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ lingo got established..but the point is the "concept of family" was well defined in my boy’s heart and mind. He knew what has to be done. I was glad - guess the boy is being raised well.

I strongly believe, kids are an extension of their families. They are like wet mud, clay to be precise. One can mould them, shape them to a certain extent (how much water added, what form) and then part of it is not in your hands (sunny/ rainy weather). But try we must. And surely give it your best shot..coz after all, the child from today will be an adult of tomorrow. We have the power to nurture and raise a responsible future community – it’s a serious effort. And we need to work on it today, bit by bit everyday!!

In a world of automation and bots, children and their childhood are getting lost. We as parents often are lost in the “race” to make it big...the definition of 'big' certainly matters. We might not have time to spend with the child today – he needs me today for an hour, but I will promise to make up for the time over the weekend...amongst weekend chores, get togethers...and may be another important meeting that landed in my lap on a Sunday, unfortunately. The child will be surrounded by the best of the gadgets, loaded with latest gaming versions...but the parents. It’s a world of convenience today – 30 min pizza or free, 10 min grocery delivery or money back…quality time with the little one today or ..tomorrow? We know the future already..

Human connect is what we all crave for today...after all we are social animals.