Abstract: Children should be full of wonder…not have to wonder.
I often use the word “wonder” when I talk about children. I often say, “Children are full of wonder.“ or I say, “As adults, we should all have wonder in our eyes like a child has in his/her soul.” Lately I have been wondering whether others wonder what I mean when I refer to wonder in the phrase, “Children are full of wonder.” What does it mean to be full of wonder?
Here are some examples that hopefully will provide some meaning of the word “wonder” when I use it within the context of children:
· Children should always wonder whether the dragon that is going to save them one day will come by way of flight or on all
fours?
· Children should always wonder how many stars are in the sky?
· Children should always wonder whether you can really count to infinity and if you can, then is the next number “infinity and
one?”
· Children should always wonder how long it would really take to dig a hole to China, or whatever country happens to be
opposite from them on a globe.
· Children should wonder whether on stormy nights the Thunder Gods use 8 or 10 pins when Thunder Bowling.
· Children should always wonder whether the Tooth Fairy is related to the Birthday Fairy and the Garden Fairy--and by the
way…do they all know the Easter Bunny?
With an understanding of what wonder is, you can then answer the question, “Can you see wonder in the eyes of children?” My answer to that particular question is a resounding “YES…There is nothing like it!”
I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when a child realizes that this year, their Birthday happens to be on the same day that they were born! I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when they insist that they believe in leprechauns (“I do believe, I do believe!”) because they know that the leprechauns only appear to those fortunate enough to really believe in them! I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when upon awakening they notice that the Garden Fairy has brought a flower to their bedside to welcome the first day of spring. I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when they really understand why the chicken crossed the street. (That is usually coupled by the wonder in being able to retell the “chicken joke” to adults who then chuckle because as adults we are tickled by the fact that there is always someone, usually under the age of 7, who thinks that they are telling you that joke for the first time!)
As adults, we all know that we have many responsibilities when it comes to children. One that is forgotten all too often though, is the responsibility to keep the spirit of children alive with wonder. In today’s hectic times, which unfortunately are touched by trials and turbulence, this is not always an easy thing to do. We must remember that every child should be full of wonder---there shouldn’t be one child that has to wonder.
· A child should wonder what will be for dinner - a child shouldn’t have to wonder when will be his/her next meal.
· A child should wonder what the Tooth Fairy will leave under the pillow - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether a parent
will leave.
· A child should wonder what fairy will tend to their garden - a child shouldn’t have to wonder what a garden looks like.
· A child should wonder what they want to be when they grow up - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether they will have to
go to war when they grow up.
· A child should wonder how much one person can love - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether there is even one person
who loves them.
Like I said before, children are full of wonder…they should not have to wonder. As adults, if we can all remember to keep wonder alive in children then our reward will be immense. Our biggest and most cherished reward should come by being touched by the flame of a child’s wonder--so much so that it ignites the wonder in our own eyes and maybe, just maybe, if we are lucky, all the way to our soul.
Here are some examples that hopefully will provide some meaning of the word “wonder” when I use it within the context of children:
· Children should always wonder whether the dragon that is going to save them one day will come by way of flight or on all
fours?
· Children should always wonder how many stars are in the sky?
· Children should always wonder whether you can really count to infinity and if you can, then is the next number “infinity and
one?”
· Children should always wonder how long it would really take to dig a hole to China, or whatever country happens to be
opposite from them on a globe.
· Children should wonder whether on stormy nights the Thunder Gods use 8 or 10 pins when Thunder Bowling.
· Children should always wonder whether the Tooth Fairy is related to the Birthday Fairy and the Garden Fairy--and by the
way…do they all know the Easter Bunny?
With an understanding of what wonder is, you can then answer the question, “Can you see wonder in the eyes of children?” My answer to that particular question is a resounding “YES…There is nothing like it!”
I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when a child realizes that this year, their Birthday happens to be on the same day that they were born! I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when they insist that they believe in leprechauns (“I do believe, I do believe!”) because they know that the leprechauns only appear to those fortunate enough to really believe in them! I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when upon awakening they notice that the Garden Fairy has brought a flower to their bedside to welcome the first day of spring. I’ve seen the wonder in a child’s eyes when they really understand why the chicken crossed the street. (That is usually coupled by the wonder in being able to retell the “chicken joke” to adults who then chuckle because as adults we are tickled by the fact that there is always someone, usually under the age of 7, who thinks that they are telling you that joke for the first time!)
As adults, we all know that we have many responsibilities when it comes to children. One that is forgotten all too often though, is the responsibility to keep the spirit of children alive with wonder. In today’s hectic times, which unfortunately are touched by trials and turbulence, this is not always an easy thing to do. We must remember that every child should be full of wonder---there shouldn’t be one child that has to wonder.
· A child should wonder what will be for dinner - a child shouldn’t have to wonder when will be his/her next meal.
· A child should wonder what the Tooth Fairy will leave under the pillow - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether a parent
will leave.
· A child should wonder what fairy will tend to their garden - a child shouldn’t have to wonder what a garden looks like.
· A child should wonder what they want to be when they grow up - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether they will have to
go to war when they grow up.
· A child should wonder how much one person can love - a child shouldn’t have to wonder whether there is even one person
who loves them.
Like I said before, children are full of wonder…they should not have to wonder. As adults, if we can all remember to keep wonder alive in children then our reward will be immense. Our biggest and most cherished reward should come by being touched by the flame of a child’s wonder--so much so that it ignites the wonder in our own eyes and maybe, just maybe, if we are lucky, all the way to our soul.
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