The Honeymoon Years - Mikhail and His Homework

Mika was with me in my room. "Papa, can you help me with my homework...?"

"Whaa...?! Again?" I was home and a little tired. so sue me. Anyway, I helped him with his science work the night before, so Dad-job done and sorted, I thought.

"Naaw... You don't have to help me. You just need to be WITH me." He explained.

Great. Now I feel like an eel. But so it was, I followed him down to the kitchen, and just sat next to him while he finished his Kumon (maths and English) homework. "Ah... this is so easy, Papa!...Look, I am doing this so fast!" He said, as if to assure me that he doesn't need my help but only my company.

I think it is true, parents. Many a times, we don't actually need to help our kids. After all, if their brains are not tested and challenged, they won't learn much. And I think children are innately competitive, and their thirst to know and APPEAR to know (without adult help) is much bigger than we give them credit. They wanna feel that "I-did-it-myself-am-I-not-awesome?!" feeling. I get that.

So be around, sunshine, for your children. Even if you do nothing at all. People say it is all about quality time, not quantity, but I say sometimes just being around is good enough. It's like you are a supermom/dad emanating some 'parent super-good vibes' by your brooding presence. This is just one of many ways that your children makes you feel special. And remember, when puberty kicks in, they may not even want to be seen with you, so enjoy this honeymoon with your kids while it lasts.

It is priceless.

Have a superb Sabbath, sunshine.

wa min Allah a-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way