<br>
<br>
Well, my 16 year old son decided to take on a part time job for the holiday season. He works as a Santa Claus in a large shopping mall center, where parents come with their toddlers to take pictures with a Santa.
<br>
<br>
Today, he needed a ride home after his work. As I picked him up, he greeted me with a big smile and many stories to tell. He is always so happy after work, even though he might have to tell me something that was sad about a child or two. He was feeling so proud of himself, especially when he felt he could make a sad child happy and make the child smile.
<br>
<br>
He was telling me about a child with disfigurement and autism who hardly smiled, according to his mother. He was happy that the way he had interacted with the child made his mother cry and the boy smile. He told me how he pretended that his legs weren't hurting while holding a rather large child on his lap, how he surprised a Spanish child who couldn't speak a word of English by communicating in Spanish with that child, and so on.
<br>
<br>
As a parent, I wasn't sure at first whether I should let him take on a part time job or not, when he should be busy preparing for college. But, I have to say that I am glad he is learning much more than just academic learning.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<!-- -->
첫댓글Sounds like you have a wonderful son. He has a very warm heart. I sincerely hope that he will not to lose it for the sake of prestige, vanity, profession, or even intelligence or knowledge. I can only hope that my offsprings will end up with such warm hearts.
What a wonderful experience your son is having! I certainly can understand how proud you must be of him. That reminds me, I must start getting ready for X-mas too. Presents to prepare, send off cards etc..... Oh my~
Oh, elaine! What a warm story it is! These days I have been very busy dealing with many duties and hadly visit our cafe. But I can feel a necessity to visit here every often. My mind is full of hapiness and warnth whenever I read our members's good posting like yours.
Thank you for your responses. I think parental responsibilities get harder as kids get older; however, I also learn from kids through serious debates or discussions. Sometimes, I feel I am so inadequate as a parent, but I know one thing is certain that they have kind hearts, and I am grateful.
though academics is very important, I feel that for the child to take on a part time job and developing other skills outside of school is important as well, teaches the child to balance academics and other responsibilities.
첫댓글 Sounds like you have a wonderful son. He has a very warm heart. I sincerely hope that he will not to lose it for the sake of prestige, vanity, profession, or even intelligence or knowledge. I can only hope that my offsprings will end up with such warm hearts.
What a wonderful experience your son is having! I certainly can understand how proud you must be of him. That reminds me, I must start getting ready for X-mas too. Presents to prepare, send off cards etc..... Oh my~
Oh, elaine! What a warm story it is! These days I have been very busy dealing with many duties and hadly visit our cafe. But I can feel a necessity to visit here every often. My mind is full of hapiness and warnth whenever I read our members's good posting like yours.
Thank you! Thank you, elaine! And sometime ago, I couldn't see your chatting messenger because I was teaching lessons. Sorry for that.
Thank you for your responses. I think parental responsibilities get harder as kids get older; however, I also learn from kids through serious debates or discussions. Sometimes, I feel I am so inadequate as a parent, but I know one thing is certain that they have kind hearts, and I am grateful.
though academics is very important, I feel that for the child to take on a part time job and developing other skills outside of school is important as well, teaches the child to balance academics and other responsibilities.
sometimes it is necessary to teach children how to fish rather than giving it to them on a siver platter