Meta Title
Wanderer, Not a Prodigy
Meta Description
We need fewer short-lived prodigies and more free-spirited wanderers.
It’s clear
I have no intention of making my kid a prodigy.
She can become a master musician at a very young age if I facilitate her daily routines and practices. Everything can be accelerated and fast tracked for her to become a master musician.
Though sensational, this will eventually take its toll on the gullible and naive mind. Add to that decades of agonizing grief and untreated emotions from being away from regular, everyday people and experiences.
Puppeted, forced and programmed children are damaged for life if they are forced to accomplish their parents' dreams and aspirations.
So then what do we do ?
It was clear to both my wife and me that we wanted to take things slowly with Aathira.
Curating wonders is what we do for her.
The world is full of people who want to prove their craft and greatness, but have forgotten how to live.
As for Aathira, I left her to wander.
She is given the opportunity to get curious, explore, and ask questions.
I observe her closely
In case she shows an interest in a particular topic, I provide all the materials she needs to go down its rabbit hole. I enjoy seeing her amazement. In spite of the fact that it may not relate to what she has to become or be in life, I love her passion for learning and reading.
Earlier this week, I suggested she start reading about history. I told her about my interest in the history of India, which was sparked by the works of Mirza Ghalib.
As I was reading a book on Pandit Ravi Shankar, I narrated a story from his life that was so surreal she asked "Is this true, or is it from a movie?".
Going Deep
Although she loves the idea, she isn't committed yet. In the meantime, I'll wait for her to get back to me with some questions about history, and we'll both dig into it deeply together to learn and document.
It is her ever wandering mind that she will have built a solid foundation of knowledge that will keep her ever curious, humble, focused, and committed in whatever she decides to do in the next decade.
In this fast-paced world, it is important to remember the value of slow and steady growth.
More Wanderers
Instead of striving for short-lived prodigies, we should encourage our children to be wanderers and lifelong learners.
This will foster humility, focus, and commitment in their pursuits, rather than causing unnecessary stress and damage.
We need fewer short-lived prodigies and more free-spirited wanderers.
For the raindrop, joy is in entering the river –
~ Ghalib
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