People are really into their kids. I can't tell you how many times I've been talking to a parent and they say something along the lines of how they want to let their kids try every sport, pursue music, art, etc. because they want to find out where their offspring is truly talented. One person a few years ago even went so far as to use the word "genius," as in, they wanted to find out in what area their child was a "genius."
Ummm, guess what? Your kid isn't a genius. He (or she) might excel in some areas or have superior talent in some area compared to other kids, but I'm looking at your kid with two knuckles up his nose, and I promise you, he's no Einstein. Of course, this is the conversation I'm having in my head. As an occasionally polite person, I just nodded and smiled.
I watch mothers and fathers running from soccer practice to football practice to ballet to violin to choir to whatever. And they are exhausted. Their kids are exhausted. And I can't help but think it's an exercise in futility. Just let them go outside and PLAY. An activity or two is fine but if you are gone several nights a week and trying to cram in homework, family life, church, etc. I think you've missed the point.
I'm not against extra-curricular activities. I think they are great. I exhibited a moderate bit of talent musically as a child and as a result I am a sometimes-proficient flutist today, thanks to 20 years of practice. But I am by no means a genius. And thank God that wasn't what my parents were interested in when they decided to let me try out for band in 6th grade because I bet that would have been a lot of pressure.
And since when is it not okay to have an average child? I'll be pleased if Annie does alright in school, has friends, is happy, compassionate and well-adjusted. If it turns out she can play a mean piano or kick a ball farther than normal, well, that's cool too. But I have a feeling that kind of "genius" finds you, not the other way around.
I propose there are other areas of talent (or genius) we, as a society, don't recognize in children because they don't involve balls, uniforms, A-440, or tap shoes. How about the ability to make someone feel welcome? Peacemaking, problem-solving, compassion, honesty, loyalty, etc.
I've added a new line to my usual Annie prayer. It comes from Micah 6:8. I pray that she will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with her God. Even it it turns out she's "below-average," but gets that right, then my dreams for her will have been fulfilled.
Lucky for her, she also just happens to be a genius.
Ummm, guess what? Your kid isn't a genius. He (or she) might excel in some areas or have superior talent in some area compared to other kids, but I'm looking at your kid with two knuckles up his nose, and I promise you, he's no Einstein. Of course, this is the conversation I'm having in my head. As an occasionally polite person, I just nodded and smiled.
I watch mothers and fathers running from soccer practice to football practice to ballet to violin to choir to whatever. And they are exhausted. Their kids are exhausted. And I can't help but think it's an exercise in futility. Just let them go outside and PLAY. An activity or two is fine but if you are gone several nights a week and trying to cram in homework, family life, church, etc. I think you've missed the point.
I'm not against extra-curricular activities. I think they are great. I exhibited a moderate bit of talent musically as a child and as a result I am a sometimes-proficient flutist today, thanks to 20 years of practice. But I am by no means a genius. And thank God that wasn't what my parents were interested in when they decided to let me try out for band in 6th grade because I bet that would have been a lot of pressure.
And since when is it not okay to have an average child? I'll be pleased if Annie does alright in school, has friends, is happy, compassionate and well-adjusted. If it turns out she can play a mean piano or kick a ball farther than normal, well, that's cool too. But I have a feeling that kind of "genius" finds you, not the other way around.
I propose there are other areas of talent (or genius) we, as a society, don't recognize in children because they don't involve balls, uniforms, A-440, or tap shoes. How about the ability to make someone feel welcome? Peacemaking, problem-solving, compassion, honesty, loyalty, etc.
I've added a new line to my usual Annie prayer. It comes from Micah 6:8. I pray that she will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with her God. Even it it turns out she's "below-average," but gets that right, then my dreams for her will have been fulfilled.
Lucky for her, she also just happens to be a genius.
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