I’m a bit of a lecturer by nature. An opportunity will present itself to educate one of my children on the ills of the world, or the secret to the universe and I seize it – both hands enthusiastically latching onto the gift and refusing to let go.

Dave often catches me mid-ramble and gently redirects my passions elsewhere. Eli will roll his eyes and say ‘I know, Mum!” Hudson will just go off and find something that interests him.

It is a weakness, an urgency of mine to impart awareness of all the important things. I feel like I’m running out of time, that I’m squandering chances to pass on wisdom – letting go of golden moments to teach the next generation before it’s too late.

It probably isn’t the holy grail that I assume, however. Lately I’ve been changing my tactic, asking the kids instead: “What am I worried about right now?” Without missing a beat usually, they can come up with three or four reasons of why what they are doing may not be a great idea, often including problems I haven’t even foreseen. They are aware of so much more than I realise.

Maybe this wisdom I suspect that I hold isn’t in the information at all. Perhaps it lies in the ability to allow others make those connections themselves.

This post is part of the #Write31Days challenge that I’m participating in along with talented community of other writers. We free write for five minutes (or more) each day guided by a prompt. Today’s prompt is ‘aware’. 

For more information on 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes, check out Christina Hubbard’s site!