26 mei 2006

Hide and Go Seek

How do children learn
where to seek and hide?
The answer is - as parents know
- in how WE lead our lives.

Our daily actions _not what's spoken_
as seen though youthful eyes
becomes a living breathing testament
that guides their playful minds.

Encouraged by a creative and a meaningful intention
to undestand the _need_ to _hide and seek_,
instills the ability in our kids to learn to critically think.

Life Lessons taught through games at play
in backyards and on playgrounds
are the furtile soil of young minds
that nourish higher values.

If consideration, empathy and kindness are standards we all honor
- respecting rules of games at play
should come before the score.

Winning is NOT the only thing
- but in life we all keep score.
Reframe the measure of success
by recognizing the character of their soul.

So when you play a game with kids
hide on the ground, get dirty.
Recognize and praise creative thinking that's way outside the box
you'll see a child forming values that are worthy.

And while your at play
ask her when she most feels like hiding...
the answer may have you both soon crying.

But its through salty tears
and shared pain that life lessons learned are lasting.

Best of all
kids' never forget
the friends who hide together,

finding answers they didn't seek but somehow NOW seem to matter.