Dear Parents,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we navigate the journey of parenthood together, I wanted to share with you some profound wisdom that has resonated deeply with me. It comes from William Martin’s “The Parent’s Tao Te Ching,” a timeless guide to mindful parenting.
““Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life.” says he.
William Martin further insists that we, “Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them.” The extraordinary will take care of itself, is his expectation.
Thus, in his poignant words, Martin reminds us not to impose the pressure of striving for extraordinary lives upon our children. While it may seem admirable, he suggests that it can lead to foolishness. Instead, he urges us to help our children discover the wonder and marvel of an ordinary life.
Let me illustrate this with some scenarios:
Scenario 1: Imagine a sunny afternoon in the backyard. Your child is exploring nature, picking tomatoes, apples, and pears from the garden. Rather than pushing them to achieve greatness, you simply watch with delight as they marvel at the colors, textures, and tastes of these simple fruits. In this moment, the ordinary becomes extraordinary as your child discovers the joy of the natural world.
Scenario 2: Your family experiences the loss of a beloved pet. Instead of shielding your child from the pain of grief, you embrace it together. You show them how to cry, how to mourn, and how to cherish the memories of their furry friend. Through this shared experience, your child learns the importance of empathy, compassion, and resilience.
Scenario 3: As you tuck your child into bed at night, you hold their hand and feel the warmth of their touch. In this simple gesture, you communicate love, comfort, and security. Your child learns that the greatest pleasures in life can be found in the everyday moments of connection and intimacy.
In essence, Martin’s message reminds us to make the ordinary come alive for our children. By showing them the beauty in everyday experiences, we nurture their sense of wonder, gratitude, and appreciation for the world around them. And in doing so, we lay the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
As parents, let us embrace this wisdom and guide our children with love, patience, and humility. For in cherishing the ordinary, we empower them to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment in every moment.
With warm regards,
Bigteacher
