My new teacher!!

Last Sunday we had been to Bannerghatta National park. This is the result of two weeks meticulous planning, which also involved 2 other families. I really don’t know how people go on vacation in groups that involve multiple families. Finally, we 3 were determined to go and another single friend joined us. (Really sweet of her – She is a joy to be with). This visit to National Park’s sole motive was to entertain our 2.5 years old Nemo who is familiarised with what’s there in the zoo with the help of books.

One whole week, I kept telling her we are going to National Park on Sunday and prepared her for the upcoming big event. Finally the Sunday arrived and we were excited too. All of us got into the car and were welcomed by the huge traffic on Bannerghatta Road which drove my better half crazy. Nevertheless, Nemo’s spirits and mine were not dampened. As we reached the park, we were welcomed again by the long queues for ticketing followed by jungle safari queue.

While we were standing in the line, Nemo enjoyed the crowd, the other kids and the monkeys that were jumping from one tree to the other. As we got into the matador and were taken into the jungle the first thing that we spotted was some animal, which was not there in Nemo’s book. She dint care. Next was the Bear. Nemo knew the Bear. She dint care this time too. Instead she was happy to be sitting between her mom and dad. Next we saw Tiger. After much persuasion from us, she looked as if she is interested.

All of us got some hint then and there that our madam is not too excited about watching these animals. After our safari we entered the Zoo. The zoo has a little park that has a swing, sliding stone and a merry go round. The moment Nemo saw that it was as if she found her treasure. She ran to the swing and kept playing there. She dint want to leave that place for anything else. While we were trying to explain her why we have come to the Zoo and how she may like the other things in the Zoo, she was not the one to listen. She just wanted to swing in the swing. Though we let her play a thought immediately crossed my mind.

What I thought she might like is not what she likes. This tiny doll – all of 2.5 years has a mind of her own and wants to exercise her wish. It doesn’t matter to her what other things are around her. Her focus is what she is familiar with and what gives her joy. She knew that she was firm in her decision. I only assumed she likes something and presented to her but couldn’t impose it on her.

Nemo is my teacher these days. Instead of imposing things on her, she wants us to collaboratively help her grow and bloom the way she wants. I’ll have to learn to abide by this.