Only at Western

Lifelong Learning – Humble Pie

My oldest daughter, Aly, is now 13.  My middle daughter, Payton, is 12.  Recently the girls and I went for a run.  I jog somewhat regularly as part of my fitness regime, but this weekend we all went running.  It was myself, my two older girls, the dog and my 7 ½ year old Chloe, who was riding her bike. 

When it’s just my dog and I running, we “agree” on our pace and we run.  My middle daughter was running steadily at a pace I felt comfortable running, and Chloe was right there with us on her bike.   Aly was with the dog about 20 yards in front of us since her pace is a bit faster than Payton’s.  Had Payton and Chloe not been with me, I would’ve been “forced” to run at Aly’s pace.  Oh, I could’ve done it, but it would’ve been an actual workout.   

It was at this moment, where I saw her running ahead of me that I realized how much Aly really is growing up.  I was so proud of her and Payton as I saw them running---I mean pacing themselves and really going for a run.  And not getting tired after running just a few blocks.   Every day I realize that they truly are growing up so fast.  I was also very proud of Chloe for riding her bike so well without her training wheels.  But in addition to the pride, I was also hit with another overwhelming feeling—my competitive nature kicked in.  Talk about Lifelong Learning-here’s one lesson:  It is quite humbling when you suddenly realize you have to work harder in order to “beat” or “stay up” with your child at an activity that you used to “dominate”. 

And, I have learned that the same is true for computer games.  It used to be that when we would play board games and card games, like Candyland or UNO, I would let them win a lot of the time.   But now, with video games like Playstation and the Wii, I have to try my very hardest because, they truly ARE better than me and my competitive nature tells me I need to try to save a little face.  Sometimes with some of those Wii games, I’m lucky if I can even score a few points.  I’m awful.  I’m starting to get used to eating more Humble Pie.  And, you know what, as competitive as I am, I’m still ok with it because I am realizing that the most important thing is the time I am spending with my kids. 

I think as parents we all want to know that our children need us.  It’s easy when they are younger because they truly are dependent-for changing diapers, for helping them dress and tie their shoes, for rides to school, for reading stories to them, for advise, for kissing booboos, for bad dreams, for laundry and many other tasks.   At the same time, it is a wonderful feeling to see your child perform without your assistance knowing you have helped them become an independent young person-they have learned to read, dress themselves, make their own snacks, to do their homework without help and much more.  Still, deep down, I guess I want them to be impressed by me.  I want them to think I’m kinda cool.

So, the other day, as I’m trying to “be cool” in front of my kids, I am at the store trying on jeans.  I needed some new ones and also some smaller ones as I am getting in better shape.  (Yea me!).  I tried a pair on and Aly and Payton were very complementary saying, “Wow, you look great.  Those aren’t even OLD people jeans.” 

During that family jog I mentioned earlier, Chloe was very encouraging to me as she rode her bike.  At one point, though she didn’t come out and say “OLD”, she did say, “Good running, Mom, you could probably do well in the Senior Olympics.”  (I’m 44.)  I love my kids and I am learning to take their compliments in the spirit in which they are intended- I’m learning how to eat Humble Pie.  They important thing is I am spending time with them.