Thick skinned and ok
I was amazed the other evening how thick-skinned and daring the children are, and then I thought it was actually a good thing.
After a bout of scolding, loud talking and fierce instructions, Nigel gingerly came out and asked "Daddy, can I have the aircon tonight?". It's like all the negativity from just 10 minutes earlier was just forgotten and business was back to usual.
In this highly competitive world I think he is displaying some very good points:
- The ability to bounce back emotionally, both quickly and completely. The person who recovers the fastest normally wins. The one who mopes around in sorrow thinking about how bad things are would miss out on opportunities that are bound to start coming their way.
- The willingness to stick your neck out and ask for something, even if you're quite sure the answer will be no. Many times we assume that we will get turned down, and hence we do not ask. But sometimes things turn for the better and all you have to do is ask the right questions. Ask and you shall receive.
The kids of today seem to be adapting themselves to the world. Many times, they may come across as rude, naughty or plain disobedient. But I think with some coaching and positive reinforcement, we can leverage that energy and attitude to build up strong citizens of the future.
As for that night, I said no aircon tonight Nigel, it is a cool night. He said, "OK". But walked away contented, without complaints. I think he must have been thinking, "Well, I tried".