At the age of 12 I remember going on the Camp Ramaquois Day trip to see "Into the Woods." A budding theater geek with a memory like a movie camera, I still remember hearing the character of the witch sing "Children will Listen." I would later perform this song in various venues as it held a special place in my heart. Though not a parent, the gift of being an educator is seeing children and teenagers from a detached vantage point. I love my students, and though not fully responsible for their well-being and survival, I charge myself with contributing to their understanding of themselves and the world. With the unique opportunity to teach character development and leadership through numerous lens' I often impart messages to my girls that I hope they will take with them. They are sometimes simple lessons that are obvious but sometimes go unspoken.
While completing a leadership class for this semester, I ended my last lesson on the importance of "The Now." Trying to avoid too much cliché I focused on the observation of our attachment to the past or reliance on the future. As a teenager, learning to let and grow is a challenge. Of course one must plan for their future and lean into it with enthusiasm. (Hey, I am queen of excel spreadsheets, lists, and planners ; who am I to talk?) The precious moments of "now" are fleeting before your eyes. This detachment from what has been or what will be is a glorious opportunity. We are invited to savor life like a good hot soup on a cold winter afternoon.
I know we think kids don't always listen. It's true, they don't, but they do listen a whole lot more than we think they do. Don't you remember words that stung or inspired you from your childhood? They carry our messages with them wherever they go, impacting their souls beyond what even they can see.
While perched on my couch the other night looking out at the moon reflecting off the rippling Hudson I received a quick email from a student who was in the class I mentioned above:
"Ms L! I just had a terrible day but I wanted to let you know I remembered what you told us about living in the present and not worrying about the past or future. It helped me feel so much better! Thanks for the advice!"
I am not special. I don't write this for accolades, for I see the fruit of my labor every day before my eyes. Please don't leave me a compliment, instead please PAY IT FORWARD. I write so you know of the impact you can have on a child and see just how powerful we all are. Share your stories with kids in your life and the wisdom you have accrued. They will listen.
In the words of the GREAT Stephen Sondheim:
Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey, but children will listen
Children will look to you for which way to turn
To learn what to be
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Children will listen...
My favorite part later in the song:
Guide them but step away
Children will glisten!
