Four Things I Will Teach You

Little one, I have been thinking. What can I give you that will last? Not toys. Not clothes. Four things I can teach you.

The first is kindness. I will show you how to be gentle with a puppy. How to share the last biscuit. How to ask a sad friend if they are okay. I will try to be kind to you, and to me, every day. This is my promise.

The second is honesty. Telling the truth can feel hard sometimes. I will show you that it is safe to tell me anything. Even when a cup breaks. Even when you make a mistake. I will listen first. This is my promise.

The third is curiosity. That means wanting to know things. Why is the sky blue? Where do the ants go? I will never say, "Stop asking." We will look for answers together. And when I do not know, I will say so. This is my promise.

The fourth is joy. Joy in small things. Puddles after the rain. The first mango of summer. Dancing in the kitchen in our socks. I will laugh with you, a lot. This is my promise.

Kindness, honesty, curiosity and joy. I will not teach them with long lectures. I will teach them by living them, right next to you. Some days I will forget. Then I will say sorry, and try again.

These gifts are already waiting for you. Wrapped in love, with your name on them.