Music to a Dad’s Ears | VictorSchueller.com

“The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~Tom Bodett

Last week, I heard my daughter say something that was absolutely music to my ears.   My older daughter,  Brianna, was playing with her younger sister, and they were engaged in a dialogue.  It’s not unusual for them, as they are playing with their “Barbie” dolls and various other toys for them to make comments about the dolls or how the dolls look or act.  My younger daughter, Ava, must have said something about the appearance of one of the dolls or something to that effect, and it must not have resonated well with Brianna.

The next thing I know, Brianna said to me, “Daddy, when Ava said that to me, I told myself that I didn’t agree with her, and if I don’t feel that way, then it’s not true, right?”

My jaw dropped.  I couldn’t believe it.  I responded with a cool and collected “Yes, your absolutely right, Brianna,” but inside I was jumping up and down and pumping my fist and hooting and hollering, just absolutely ecstatic that she got it!

She just turned seven, but she had just shown me that she actually gets it and understands it — she understands that when someone shares an opinion, we have a conscious choice.  We have the conscious choice to accept or reject the opinions (and thoughts) of other people.  If we don’t accept it, then it doesn’t get passed to our subconscious where it can be processed by our body and manifested to come true.

It  was so gratifying to hear her say those words, because we have been working so hard with her to understand and grasp that concept.  No doubt, as it served her well in this safe environment where she can test out these methods, it will serve her well as she continues to mature and deal with some of the social challenges she will no doubt as she continues school and deals with other people who sling insults and hurtful comments toward anyone who is close enough to hear.

As an afterthought, it was also very impressive to observe that she didn’t condemn or correct her younger sister.  She didn’t say that her opinion was wrong or that she shouldn’t say something like that.  She understood in that moment that her younger sister had the right to voice her opinion, and while she didn’t agree with it, she respected her sister’s opinion.  That in itself is another important skill to develop along the way.  I was so proud of her.  I always knew she was a great kid — a mature soul — and her mastery of these two important skills at such a young age is simply proof of that fact.

To hear what I heard the other day was just awesome.  It was the best music to a dad’s ears!

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