I Can

I never thought I would be amongst folks who talk to their child affectionately and yet be polite, without a need to yell when the situations or circumstances are beyond them. I have surprised myself (quite happily, I must admit) at having done just that on most occasions.

It isn’t that I am a paradigm of model behaviour with Ponnu. But she is the only person I can go back to immediately and say, “I think that behaviour was not on.” I hear that from Ponnu as well, when she is angry with me.

Is it the love for one’s offspring that challenges a parent and brings out the best? I wish I knew. No matter how angry I am, I can still modulate my voice and tell her, “I am very angry now. Just don’t speak with me.” A little while later, I can also go back and explain why I did it, this time in total calm. Or tell her in a grave voice what I disapprove.

It is very easy, I think, to talk to a child with respect and love, and then not be surprised with the delightful results. We are all blessed with talents and bonuses in the form of people and relationships. I have mine in Ponnu. Like every other relationship, it needs to be constantly worked at. I think, unlike other relationships, a child springs a surprise everyday for she is growing up and the process is a long one.