A Conversation between Mother and Son

I like children. I like them as people because they are funny and most importantly, most children I know receive the best care ever from parents who love them to bits (thankfully). While walking from school on a chilly evening, this was what I overheard from a mother-and-son pair next to me.

Mother (tall woman holding the hand of a little 5-year old): "I didn't know it was going to be so cold today. It was fine when we left home this morning wasn't it? I think if it gets colder, maybe you should wear your fleece, don't you think?"

Boy (walking studily and bundled up in like a ball in an anorak): "I don't think..cold..Is it very, mommy? Well, can I? Maybe yeah okay."

Mother (walking purposefully with now-skipping boy): "And, also I want to apologise for being so cranky the other day...."

By this time, I had outwalked the pair and dodged into the warmth of a nearby store. It struck me then that this Mom could have been speaking to a 5, 15 or 25 year old. She sure got it right by ditching the baby-talk. Second, to hear any parent apologise to a child (and a very small one at that!) appealed to my asian sensibilities. So very refreshing - not to mention unheard off in our confucian world. I think children learn and internalise most of their values and worldviews from the home and their parents. What a good way to teach a child to speak properly, plainly and truthfully.