Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Someone asked our 6.5yo Brie about her recent Mount Lawu hike:

‘So did you enjoy it?’

And … Brie shook her head.

‘Oops!’, the man smiled and looked at Wilson. ☺️

…

Well.

Naturally, we prefer conveniences, and AVOID hardshipsTo us, it is okay if our kids say they didn’t enjoy the hike.

We don’t make them say ‘I love camping!’

I mean, naturally, we prefer clean beds and proper toilets.
Instead of sleeping in some run-down hut and having to do our ‘business’ in the bush out in the open.

Naturally, we prefer relaxing spas and pampering massages.
Instead of walking uphill and stepping on rocks for 8-10 hours straight.

Naturally, we prefer Disneyland.
Instead of camping trips in the middle of nowhere.

Naturally, we prefer conveniences, and AVOID hardships.

Our kids simply come along with us, whether or not they ‘like’ itTo us, our kids simply come along with us, whether or not they ‘like’ it.

We don’t expect our children to love NOT being able to shower for 3 days, eat super simple food and drink from a well.

We however wish for our children these 5 things (among many others):

>>To learn how real life will not always be convenient, we will not always enjoy what we want, we will not always be ‘at the top of things’, BUT it is okay.

Real life will not always be convenient>> They discover for themselves how they apparently COULD survive the struggles and difficult courses! That they should never underestimate themselves and their ability to go BEYOND their comfort level.

>> If they ever have to go through inconveniences in life, we hope they’ve learned to ‘complain less’ and instead ‘struggle forward’, having had the experience of moving forward towards the peak of mountains, even when things get really tough and exhausting.
 

 
>> That there’s beauty after hardships and amidst struggles (seeing beautiful surrounding, esp. from higher grounds)

>> To see how others looked out for each other during the trip, including how others cared for their well-being, that they in turn learn to be self-less, too, and help others who are more in need.

 
…
 

So, is it okay with us if our kids say they didn’t enjoy the hiking trip?

Yes, it is totally fine.

Because we believe that REGARDLESS of how they feel about the trip, the memories of the experience will somewhat ‘equip’ them (most probably at unexpected times) for life’s many ups and downs.

(But anyway, Levi LOVED the trip and soooo looking forward to our next hike! =)