Play

I wrote a little Telugu play for my students to perform at an event earlier this year. It was inspired by a famous poem. It talks about how you would be wise to hear what others say but use own judgment when it comes to taking actions. My students did a fabulous job on stage, and I use that play as an example very often and quite effectively when it comes to handling statements like "but she did it!" from my six year old. As recently as this afternoon, she heard the word 'stupid' float around two ten year olds and looked at me with a question mark on her face. We banned the use of that word at home. I asked her to use her judgment and ignore the rest. Once again, my play reference worked like a charm.

I have had a pretty rough last few days as I have been bogged down due to an unfortunate matter constantly playing in my head. These little kids are extremely perceptive- at bed time tonight, my kid figured the matter out and asked me for details. I told her that she might understand it better when she turns ten. She pressed me some more for the full story. I offered to write it down on a piece of paper, put it in a sealed envelope for her to read on her tenth birthday. She seemed to buy that initially but then she changed her mind and wanted instant gratification. I finally gave in and told her that somebody hurt my feelings with their words and that I am very sad as a result.

"Why don't you ignore their words and just be happy? Like in that play?" was her instant response.

Well played, kid. I will take you up on that advice.