BOOTS IN THE SUMMER

I went to the park today with my grandkids. Josh wanted to wear his boots, because, he said, “All my shoes are dirty.” I pushed them in the swings, and it reminded me of when I used to push their dad and I could never push him high enough or long enough. Nate wanted to climb on the playground equipment and go down the slide by himself. I was sure he was going to fall, but when I tried to help him, he scolded me.

Kids know what they want, and sometimes, parents don’t get why they insist upon things like wearing boots in the summer and going down the slide by themselves. But grandparents know. Because they’ve seen it. They’ve seen how ordinary, quirky kids can grow up to be extraordinary adults.

If they’re allowed to be themselves.