Changing How They See Themselves

I dont know how it happened but I seem to be needed a lot less around here. Somehow, when I wasnt looking my boys learned to make their own breakfast and get dressed reasonably well. They even know where the laundry chute is and nothing but clothes go down it(although I have overheard interesting theories about what would happen if the dog went down instead) As they take on more of their own responsibility in physical ways, the mental responsibility that I take on increases. Our conversations turn to things that are not so easily answered. Recently, N was almost in tears and came up to me saying that he didnt want us to have another world war. There was no easy response to that. I dont want another world war either and I said so. This doesnt make him think that I can stop it but it does acknowledge that his thoughts are valid and other people dont want war either. This conversation stems from Inaugeration day and talking about our government as a whole. It is interesting to hear how children process what they hear in a conversation. We watched the president-elect become the president and as we did, his *job description* was discussed. One of the points that were made was that he was in charge of decisions for our entire country and we voted him in because he sounded as if he would do the job well.(this isnt a comment in support of or against, just a presidential discussion in general)Out of that conversation, N's focus was on protection of the country. This is all new thinking for him. As children grow and mature, they start thinking outside of their own needs and desires. It is a sign of them becoming less focussed on themselves and more on their place in the world. As another apron string becomes gently untied, I proudly listen and learn from a healthy minded young boy.

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