I absolutely treasure backseat conversations with my son during school drop-offs.
A friend once asked why my son does not take the bus to school so I can be at work before 9:00am. This is my answer. It is our special time, just me and him. We sing songs and we talk. It is the only time I get to see his school. Gab goes home by bus in the afternoon. Any mum with growing children with tell you that we don’t have much time left with our “babies”.
When driving, I am facing front. I think Gab feels quite open and his thoughts become free-wheeling. He cannot see my facial reaction hence he does not feel threatened nor judged. Our exchanges are the most meaningful and revealing during this morning routine. For a working mum, these moments are priceless (as the cliche goes).
Picture this. The music is off and I ask my three questions about school. From there, we segue to other topics.
“Why did Israel soldiers attack the pro-Palestinian humanitarian boats? It was guns versus sticks, mum!” This question launched me into an animated talk of how Israel came to be, and why the Palestinians have no country of their own. I thanked a high school teacher for this little piece of knowledge.
“Carla (not her real name, a year 3 girl) hugged me yesterday in the bus queue, mum!” “Well, darling, just treat Carla as you would a little sister. But never ever push her away because you could hurt her.”
“Why is America so powerful?” This question after seeing how much coverage a US presidential election gets on Australian TV.
“Why do we always have to peg against the US dollar?”
“Why did the Japanese side with the Germans during World War II?” This is probably something that is hard for him to digest since Gab is a big fan of anime, manga and all things Japanese.
The questions keep coming. Sometimes, my creative answers amaze me. Often, I have no answers. “Google it” or “Ask Dad” are my stock replies.
So yes I love these moments. These backseat conversations will end in 2012. He will be in high school then and will be taking the bus to and from school. I hear that teenagers are a different breed altogether! For now, I can hug my two boys as much as I want and they don’t push me away, not just yet.
Here’s a classic backseat Q&A. Enjoy!
Rick Jr Maligalig says
Priceless..