Hello, everyone. Ronit has asked me (Gal) to contribute to “Family Matters” from time to time. I am honored and this is my first contribution. I hope you like (as Borat says “I like! Very nice!”).
In the past few months, I have been observing our little daughter Noff (“Dad, I’m not little, I’m nearly 7”) attempting handstands and cartwheels. About a year ago, she went through the same process until she mastered hula hoops and became the center of attention at various outings. Sometime after that, she discovered our digital camera and gradually learned how to take excellent photos and produce interesting video clips, some of which show mainly her…
When Noff develops a skill, it is a fascinating lesson in focus and determination.
She starts by getting an idea into her head, usually after seeing someone she looks up to do it. Because she likes the idea and initially wants to impress someone with her abilities, her motivation is all set.
Next, she simply starts to practice, and she practices every minute she can. If she is done getting ready for school, she steps up to the mirror and does some handstands. As soon as she has finished her dinner, she walks up to the mirror again (it is right next to our dinner table, so there is always the added bonus of having an eager group of spectators, cheering her on) and does some more handstands.
The other day, she told me all her friends had gone and done something without her during one of the breaks at school. “So what did you do?”, I asked. “I did handstands”, she answered, her tone implying, “What else did you think, Dad?”
Do you think she got better? You bet!
Do you think she had some challenges, falls, awkward landings and the likes? Sure she did, but did she give up? No way! She kept learning and learning 
from every little thing, improving her balance and control with every handstand, until she managed to stand on her hands for a second, to our loud and excited screams of pride.
I find my little girl a source of enormous inspiration when she does this. She is a treasure for me as an adult, having lost that skill of pure focus and unwavering determination. Whenever I see her going at something again and again, how can I not learn from her example and do the same with my work, my relationships, my skills, my hobbies?
Thank God for little kids, looking at everything with virgin eyes and showing us the way (back).
Thank you for your kind words, Tina.
Ronit and I believe that our kids are a reflection of how we deal with them. Fortunately, we did a good job with Eden, and then we had help, which made things a lot easier.
To anyone who is afraid of having kids, you should know I was afraid too, but some things in life are worth the perceived risks, and I’m happy I decided to have kids.
Start with one child and do your best. Improve as you go along and do what’s in your heart, and things will be OK. Your first child has the magic power to make you a mother, which is awesome!
And, of course, you can always call us.
Enjoy,
Gal
http://www.behappyinlife.com/parentcoaching.php
I’m sorry, I just have to make another comment here (I can’t help myself really – once I get something in my mind…
Most of the people in my family always say negative things – like not to have kids because its too much hard work or because you dont have a life anymore and they are not worth it and so on.
But the way you and Ronit talk about your kids and the way I see your family interact – it actually makes me want to have a family… it makes me think that it must be such a wonderful thing to experience.
You guys are both inspirations!
Thank you, Tina. I just love her to bits.
Gal
Hi Gal. Great to see you on here. I think its beautiful that your first entry should be about your beautiful girl, Noff. Looking forward to your next article!