Chats with Gran
The children loved their phone call with Gran today. They adore talking to her. Gran, who spent her whole career as a teacher, knows exactly how to connect with them. She has always loved working with children and takes real pleasure in teaching her grandchildren. They pour out stories from school, eager to share every bit of news. They could happily chat for hours about their day. To them, Gran feels like an old friend. They confide secrets in her that they keep even from us, their parents.
The calls usually stretch on and on with the children, and then comes part two: Gran speaks to me and gently offers lessons on how to be a better parent. I try to stay calm and not push back too much. It isn’t easy. While she has decades of experience, she doesn’t live the day-to-day reality of four very energetic children. Listening to them and understanding their little virtual world is one thing; actually, living inside that whirlwind is quite another. Children are wonderfully egocentric little beings. Their own needs fill the entire frame; everything else fades into the background. They see themselves as the centre of the universe, fully aware of their rights but blissfully ignorant of obligations—whether that’s learning manners, clearing their plate, or helping around the house. To them, these are mere trifles they’d rather run away from.
Today Lilly told Gran all about their latest school lessons, the arrival of a new classmate, and how everyone received a little present because a friend was celebrating a birthday. Sean proudly boasted about playing outside and scoring a goal in football (soccer). Little Mario can’t say much yet, but his beaming smile told its own story of a happy day at school. Sadly, Karim wasn’t there—he was under the weather and stayed home.
When I arrive to collect them from school, they come running with huge smiles, thrust their schoolbags into my hands, and dash off to the nearby playground. I stand there like Father Christmas, buried beneath bags, coats, and jumpers (especially on warmer days). The teachers always laugh, and I find it funny too. They know me by now: the dad with the four children.
