All I really need to know I learned from my kindergartner

...with special needs, by enrolling him in school (and being his one-on-one paraprofessional for two days). [With apologies to Robert Fulghum]

• No doesn’t always mean no; sometimes, if you whine enough or throw a hissy fit, you just might get what you ask for.  While that sometimes works for my nonverbal son, it’s better if you “use your words” —especially if you are an adult.

• Just because you can’t yet do something doesn’t mean you never will.  This applies whether you are six or forty-six.

• A genuine smile and hearty laugh can win over even the most curmudgeonly of individuals.  So can showing genuine appreciation for those same people.

• People remember the innate goodness of genuinely good people.  People in positions of authority remember these same good people and are sometimes willing to go out of their way to help them— even if their parents might be a tad pushy. (What? It’s for a good cause!)

• Sometimes, a gentle nudge isn’t as effective as a full-fledged shove— as long as no one gets hurt.

• “Why not?” is a very valid question.   “Because those are the rules” is a very stupid answer.

• Keeping up with the class isn’t as important as learning the same lessons.  There are many paths to the same destination.

• Gym class can be fun.  Even for an out of shape forty-six year old who’s helping her son participate as fully as he can.

• Hard work is its own reward.  It is also exhausting.

• Hard work is much easier when you know someone believes, really believes in you.

• The thrill of victory can take many forms.  It is just as sweet whether it’s an Olympic medal or the satisfaction of watching your child blossom before your very eyes.

Comments

[Stimey]

My favorite is "Keeping up with the class isn’t as important as learning the same lessons. There are many paths to the same destination." So, so true.

GREAT post!

[redheadmomma]

I love the "hard work is much easier when you know someone really believes in you." SOOOO true. Great inaugural post, Niksmom! XO

[Anon.]

Great observations, and so true! Nice post!

[Alysia]

My favorite was the last line. I feel like we've won a medal everyday when I see my son accomplish something new. Thanks for sharing.

[V.]

Loved this! And a big hurrah on your joining Hopeful Parents!

[Kelly]

Great post! I've learned a lot from you the past couple of years...one of the most important is summed up in that last line...every victory is sweet and worthy of celebration, no matter how big or small and no matter what form it takes.

[Joeymom]

We believe in you and Nik. :)

[jess]

Just because you can’t yet do something doesn’t mean you never will.

a-flippin-men, sister

[k-Floortime Lite mama]

I heart this post niksmom

[Tanya @ TeenAutism]

This is such a great list! So glad to see you here, too. xo

[Michelle O'Neil]

So glad to see you here, & happy for Nik! What a great post. May you both have a wonderful year.

[kal]

Great list, niksmom. I hope the year is off to an awesome start.