Keep on trying
Lesson from a child28 total reviews
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I have often had a similar conversation with my boys about their daughters. All of my granddaughters are very strong-willed. It seems more than my grandsons. I have mentioned to their dads that even though it's difficult as their parents, training them, it will be to thier advantage as adults. Thank you for sharing this very parentwise post.
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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I have often had a similar conversation with my boys about their daughters. All of my granddaughters are very strong-willed. It seems more than my grandsons. I have mentioned to their dads that even though it's difficult as their parents, training them, it will be to thier advantage as adults. Thank you for sharing this very parentwise post.
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you for your understanding! Parents sometimes perceive this determination as "stubbornness" and try to curb it, but the ideal is to harness the attribute and ensure it is used with wisdom, and for good purposes. Super review, thank you for your thoughts.
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
What a delightful little girl! Her determination will take her far. We're never too old to take a lesson from a six year old. The little girl in the picture is a cutie. Your granddaughter?
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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What a delightful little girl! Her determination will take her far. We're never too old to take a lesson from a six year old. The little girl in the picture is a cutie. Your granddaughter?
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you, Verna, for a lovely review! No, it is just from google, but my granddaughter looks very similar. I wanted a photo of a child on the monkey bars, and that is one I don't have!
Wendy
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Wow, I wish I had her determination! When I was growing up I didn't have her determination to accomplish events at school or at home. I laid around the house and moped and often got nothing done except my homework. They told me I was depressed and had to go see child psychologists that were not helpful at all. So, I hope she gets what she wants out of life and all I can say is more power to her!
Jesse
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Wow, I wish I had her determination! When I was growing up I didn't have her determination to accomplish events at school or at home. I laid around the house and moped and often got nothing done except my homework. They told me I was depressed and had to go see child psychologists that were not helpful at all. So, I hope she gets what she wants out of life and all I can say is more power to her!
Jesse
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thanks so much Jesse for such a positive review. Most of us give up far too early, I am sure. Sounds like you had a difficult time growing up, and were not helped as you needed to be.
Wendy
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Yes, I had a difficult time and felt neglected all through my childhood.
My only hope is that others gain the necessary benefits from home to keep on trying!
Jesse
Comment from Aussie
They might think you physically 'picked her up' they no understand our English. Maybe 'gave her a lift'? Some kids have strong ideas and don't need our help, we can just observe unless it's looking dangerous. As an adult, I came home from UK blistered because I was determined to walk more places on crutches. K xx
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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They might think you physically 'picked her up' they no understand our English. Maybe 'gave her a lift'? Some kids have strong ideas and don't need our help, we can just observe unless it's looking dangerous. As an adult, I came home from UK blistered because I was determined to walk more places on crutches. K xx
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thanks for reviewing and I am so glad you enjoyed it. Ah, you are another determined person! Many thanks for the six shining stars. They are lighting up my night sky!
Wendy
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I can't understand why the Yanks changed the English language to suit themselves and, how about the date? Back the front - they just have to be the leaders I think. English has its roots in French and they wouldn't know that!
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
As a mom, I used to encourage "other ways" of achieving a goal. Perhaps I should have allowed them to exhaust their attempts first. I think your granddaughter will be able to achieve anything she sets her mind to do if she is always allowed to do so.
You're right - we can learn much from these kids.
Your story stays on point and has an encouraging message. Thanks, Wendy.
Pam
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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As a mom, I used to encourage "other ways" of achieving a goal. Perhaps I should have allowed them to exhaust their attempts first. I think your granddaughter will be able to achieve anything she sets her mind to do if she is always allowed to do so.
You're right - we can learn much from these kids.
Your story stays on point and has an encouraging message. Thanks, Wendy.
Pam
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you Pam! What a lovely review!
Wendy
Comment from karenina
I love that she was so self-driven. What she loved to do was try...and trying led to success. That's all the difference, for when a parent is pushing and probing and constantly pressing a youngster to excel they crush their child's spirit.
Loved that you gently expressed your unconditional love---whether or not she continued her effort or succeeded.
My guess is she will continue to be self-driven and likely surpass the "normal" expectations.
My HOPE is that her educators will embrace her spirit and offer her stimulating things to challenge her!
I know she'll be fine...she's got you in her corner!
Karenina
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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I love that she was so self-driven. What she loved to do was try...and trying led to success. That's all the difference, for when a parent is pushing and probing and constantly pressing a youngster to excel they crush their child's spirit.
Loved that you gently expressed your unconditional love---whether or not she continued her effort or succeeded.
My guess is she will continue to be self-driven and likely surpass the "normal" expectations.
My HOPE is that her educators will embrace her spirit and offer her stimulating things to challenge her!
I know she'll be fine...she's got you in her corner!
Karenina
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you for your lovely review. I hope and pray that you are right. She is a gifted child, and I hope she will develop some high aspirations and have the determination and perseverance to fulfil her goals. (At present she is already bored with school, and is not being extended academically, which grieves me greatly, and I am trying to think of ways to enrich her without being an interfering Nan. We have wonderful discussions about things!)
Thanks again.
Wendy
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The wonderful discussions will stick with her for life! Good call "Nan!"
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Your observations were keen here Wendy and this girl was determined and this will carry her a long way in life. Traits of personality are evident at a very young age as we see children grow and we feel great satisfaction when we see this kind of determination, I enjoyed your fine story here, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Your observations were keen here Wendy and this girl was determined and this will carry her a long way in life. Traits of personality are evident at a very young age as we see children grow and we feel great satisfaction when we see this kind of determination, I enjoyed your fine story here, love Dolly x
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you very much Dolly. Such a lovely review. She's a gifted child, so I hope she doesn't settle for being "average".
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
I think this child will do well in life. It's interesting how we try to see the future of a child by evaluating their actions when they are young. The sad thing is when this child encounters tragedy or an abusive relationship and becomes a lost soul.
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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I think this child will do well in life. It's interesting how we try to see the future of a child by evaluating their actions when they are young. The sad thing is when this child encounters tragedy or an abusive relationship and becomes a lost soul.
Comment Written 01-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Yes, you are right, and I hope that doesn't happen. She will need resilience as well as determination. Thank you so much for a fine review.
Wendy
(PS: Sunny went out today as a Therapy Dog for the first time - and was brilliant. I'll write about it soon.)
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Youngsters really can astound us sometimes can't they? Unfortunately, it has often been my experience that the system often manages to knock them back somewhere between the age of 8 and 13, and teenage hormones take care of many of the rest. If only the system could be changed... (hormones too of course, but we have less power over them). kay
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Youngsters really can astound us sometimes can't they? Unfortunately, it has often been my experience that the system often manages to knock them back somewhere between the age of 8 and 13, and teenage hormones take care of many of the rest. If only the system could be changed... (hormones too of course, but we have less power over them). kay
Comment Written 31-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you for this very insightful review. I fear that you are exactly right - she is a gifted child and is bored at school. Talking in full sentences at two, and like an adult at three. Reading level is about three years ahead of her peers. I hope she will set herself some BIG goals and work steadfastly towards them, and not settle for being average.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
I'm smiling thinking about your granddaughter and her determination to be able to catch those monkey bars by herself! That's a wonderful gift to have - perseverance.
One suggestion is to modify that last sentence: "what will she do with her life?" Maybe use some other verb that will draw us back to the story? Or something like "What obstacles will she overcome in life?" or "What will she conquer"? Or: what "elusive" goals will she achieve?
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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I'm smiling thinking about your granddaughter and her determination to be able to catch those monkey bars by herself! That's a wonderful gift to have - perseverance.
One suggestion is to modify that last sentence: "what will she do with her life?" Maybe use some other verb that will draw us back to the story? Or something like "What obstacles will she overcome in life?" or "What will she conquer"? Or: what "elusive" goals will she achieve?
Comment Written 31-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2023
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Thank you Helen, for your super review - and you are right wqith your suggestion. While in my mind the final sentence was a reflection on that experience, it does need to be tethered to the playground situation. Very insightful. Thank you again.
Wendy
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It wasn't the tethering to the playground that I was thinking of. Talks about "doing with one's life" could have positive or grave connotations and that's what I was reacting to, I guess. But of course, it's all up to you!
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Thanks. I get it now. I have changed it slightly, and I hope it is better and clearer. Thank you again.
Wendy
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I like it! And I love you were there to cheer her on! 💖
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Thank you so much. I appreciate your insights very much.
