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Yesterday evening, my kids had an enjoyable experience at a workshop bazaar. They made key chains, potted plants, discovered hydroponics, produced paper mache, and photo frames. It was run by youth, so everyone including the trainers had a blast. It was already past their bedtime.

When we reached our door, my son realised he forgot his prized keychain. He made one especially for his school friend. Naturally upset, he informed us, and wanted to rush back to retrieve it. Whilst I was contacting the trainer, he stormed out of the compound back to the venue.

Mind you, it was about 900m away but it involved exiting a gate, walking through a short carpark, entering a building, probably passing 20 people, and down the stairs. Then back home. Plenty of blind spots and risk for an eight-year-old.

As parents, we were flabbergasted. I rushed to get him. By the time, we connected, he had retrieved the artpiece and we headed home.

Of course, he received a scolding from both parents. The next morning, here are the lessons I attempted to teach him:

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Like his generation, he wanted things fast. It would have been about eight minutes of difference between his brisk journey, versus my connecting with the trainer. Both journeys would have the same result – the keychain in his hand.

Once he exited the gate, he was out of sight. By acting rashly, he put himself at risk – so many things could have gone wrong on his journey. It’s a crazy world we live in – as parents, we were in fear.

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If he had been calm(er), we could have promptly resolved the matter. We would not all gotten upset, slept late, and the next morning woke up late, delaying the routine to school. You get how this could have panned out differently.

I had a heart-to-heart talk with him on the journey to school, hoping he understood and praying this won’t happen again.

Now the irony, here's what observing him taught me:

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He valued his friend – and had asked me for an extra coupon to make one for him. His perspective – treasure, and always put people first.

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Life will always throw you (unexpected) curveballs. Be brave and make the journey. So what, if I am eight, and so what if it involves getting out of the gate (and angering others). If you don’t brave the unknown, you’ll never know what’s on the other side.

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Sure, you can make a call and get it done. But that takes time and it inconveniences others. Let me get the job done and have the prize in hand, before I sleep. After all, I spent time on producing it for my pal.

You may wonder, who (tried) to teach whom? Well, that’s my question too.

Notice, I offered two and he presented me three. I guess you learn something every day.

I can tell you, one thing is certain - parenting is the toughest job in the world. I pen this past midnight, with the goal to share this with him when he’s older.

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#parentingishard #lifelonglearning #lifelessons