A proud mother

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.” 

― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

My little girl Parisa (3 year 4 month old) showed a sign of being empathetic to our maid who looks after her when I am away at work. Yesterday when it was her afternoon nap time, Reshma took her in her lap and started the sleeping routine of rocking Parisa. But it was painful for her as she had a sore boil just beneath her knees. Parisa could understand that and said, 'You don't have to rock me today, I'll lie down and fall asleep by myself.' And she just did that!

Parisa and Reshma playing on the rooftop

This little incident made me truly proud of my child. When I was carrying her, I prayed this one constant prayer that she should be a good human being. I understand it's too early to say that she'd be one such person when she grows up and there are hundreds of other examples when she appears self-centered - by not sharing a toy or by shrieking at the top of her voice demanding something. However, this small act of thoughtfulness and kindness means a lot to me, and I praised her a lot for doing that and mentioned this to others already in front of her. She should feel that her empathetic act is being praised and encouraged, and the act is not an end to itself rather the good feeling stays.

Reshma asked Parisa to show her facial expression when she smells her poop :)

3 years of rearing my baby and generating fellow-feeling has not gone in vain, and I'm truly happy!