Mommy, our childhood is not here to stay!

My son asked me, “Mom, will you make me sleep till I go to high school or even after that?”

And I said “Grown up children sleep on their own.”

But, mom, our love also grows when we grow, and I love you more every day, and that means I need you more every day.” He adds up,  “Mum, why do  parents always want their children to grow up early, do things like big boys/girls? Do parents not like small kids, and things they do?

And then the questions started raining, and rather than finding their answers, I started questioning myself for many reasons. I was lost; lost in the world I created for my kids and myself.

Mum, don’t you like when I ask you to watch a football match with me or play a game?” I said, “Yes, honey! Of course I do.”

But then why do you not do that often?”, he said.

I had no answer to this! Deep down we both knew the answer that I am usually busy juggling office and home, and not able to find enough time to do this. But I didn’t want to give this answer to him, rather I asked myself, Why do I need to be that busy that I miss these chances that will never come again in life?

Mom, why are you always cranky in the evening, when you come back from office, and don’t seem interested in whatever I say about my day in school, with friends, in the playground, but you always ask about my homework, notebooks, school dairy?”

Why are you always in a hurry to cook, to serve us dinner, to make us sleep, to wake us up early in the morning, to complete our homework? Why don’t you sit with us for some time?”

I again had no answer to this!

Mom, you know I like it when you are at home with us, when you take an off from work, or on a Sunday, and we sit and watch TV with a cup of tea; and when we dance together, even if I don’t like to dance on those silly songs you dance on; and when we lie down together on the couch for hours, and watch my old baby videos.”

I love that too, my baby”, I said. And again I got lost in scratching out the real meaning behind these questions and replies.

Mom, I can see many times you are very tired, but still cook for us, help us in homework, I always want to help you in kitchen, but you don’t allow me use knife, or handle hot pots, or go near gas stove. So tell me how can I do that?” and I laughed at this, and my son laughed even louder, and I asked, “Why did you laugh?” He replied, “Because you were happy and laughing.”

I couldn’t think beyond this! Just that, I have everything, but still I am losing a lot that will never come again; my children’s childhood; their innocence; their silly stories; their genuine emotions about the world around; those cuddly nights; their soft, chubby cheeks; those squeezing hugs full of love and that duckling trail- like after mama duck 😉

We must not take all this for granted. Our kids give us everything they have unconditionally, and our time and smile is all that they look for!

Tom and Jerry, the Life Coaches

Tom and Jerry, the Life Coaches

The thing I learn from cartoons, esp. Tom & Jerry, and that inspires me the most is that no matter what you go through, a thrash, a bang, a turmoil, a blast in your life, a crash, or even if you are crushed by adversities, somehow you always get back to normal (shape or mind), and then you again chase what you want!!!!

  1. Follow Your Dreams

The cat chases the mouse and the mouse is always aiming at his favorite cheese and milk. No matter what they have to go through, they plan, execute and ultimately put all their efforts to reach to what they desire. They are persistent and never lose hope, and keep running the race of life.

  1. Relax Often , or Whenever Possible

When Tom’s master is out, he relaxes in the house; When Tom is out in the garden he swings on the hammock with a glass of juice. Jerry, whenever possible lies down on his matchbox or tin bed to enjoy the time he got for himself. They take out time for themselves even after hectic days of running behind each other.

  1. To have Fun

To have fun doesn’t only mean that you enjoy alone, but to make people around you happy and feel good. You presence can be enjoyable or tormenting to people you be with, so it’s your choice to make it worthwhile. Like everyone loves to watch Tom & Jerry and enjoy, similarly our nature and behavior can makes us fun to be around or a wet blanket.

  1. Forgive and Forget (To be Friends with the Enemy)

It’s ok to forgive, rather very liberating, to get out of the clutches of hatred. And, it’s even better to forget and move on. Also, you might come across similar situations or people many times in life, but eventually you will learn the art of forgiving and forgetting. Even if you don’t forget the wrongs done to you, they won’t bother you anymore, because to choose to move on. Peace is important!

  1. To Concentrate and Balance Well

Concentrating on things to focus to avoid loss is a skill, and Tom and Jerry are pro at it. Even if somebody is pestering you to the core, like Jerry does to Tom by throwing all the stuff from the kitchen shelves, Tom only concentrates on collecting that stuff in piles and balancing a hard as he can to avoid the loss. At times Tom fails to balance and things crash on the floor, but it’s OK, he is honing the skills at least. Similarly we must concentrate on working on ourselves and learn to balance well, by prioritizing our responsibilities.

  1. Never give up! Take a break, but get back up!

No matter how many times they fail, Tom and Jerry always get back up; explore new ways; make new discoveries to reach their goal. At times they don’t really get what they want, but they get what is meant for them. And then, without cribbing about anything they move to the next target. THEY JUST DON’T STOP!!