Question

Essay on When I am 64 – Wondering what new skills I can learn from my grandchildren

Answer 1

 'Child is the father of man.' , was said by Wordsworth. There is more truth in his words than has been interpreted so far.There are so many skills we can learn from a child. So naturally when I am 64, I may learn many things from them. Children are naturally so good at living life. Since their minds are not tainted with the corrupt, unwholesome, materialistic influences of the world, they enjoy being alive to the maximum. They are neither stressful, nor tense concerning life and its challenges. They just take them as they come. The first skill that I will learn from my grandchildren will be the carefree attitude.
Another divine skill that I may learn from them is their innocence! They never think of harming anyone. They just say what they feel. The thinking process in them is so clear, without any conflict. I would love to learn this innocence and spontaneity of expression from them.
Another very charming skill that can be learnt from them is their natural feelings of dependence on elders, especially their father, mother, or grandparents. On the contrary, as we grow, we stop being dependent on others; we become egoists. The truth is, in this beautifully complex life, we are always dependent on others. However, we forget this truth and fact in our conceit and pride. Every moment we are dependent on life's resources; we cannot have our existence without oxygen, water, food, and all the help we receive from our parents, teachers, mentors, etc. But children have an innate wisdom about this dependence which they are very proud of. Whenever they need something, they immediately demand it from their elders. I would love to learn this dependence on elders from them.  All of us are God's children, but we forget this fact. I think all our problems exist because of this mistake of ours. We forget to depend upon God!
The next very crucial skill that they can teach me is their playfulness! They love to play; they are ready to play all the time. Unfortunately, when we grow, we stop playing which is so crucial in keeping us fit physically and mentally entertainingly. I would love to learn this playfulness from them.
The most important skill that can be learnt from children is their ability to forget the unpleasant experiences. They don't have any regrets, remorse, ill-will, etc for anything and any one. Even if they have short innocent brawls with anyone, they forget it, and again start playing with the person they had brawl with. This I would love to learn from them. In the Bible, Jesus advises his disciples to be child-like if they want everlasting happiness.

Answer 2

    When I am 64 perhaps my grandchildren will be about 5 years to 12 years old.  And the time would have moved many years into the future.  The world will be a lot different from it is today.

   Definitely there will be a lot one learns from from one's children.  And it is quite sure that one learns from the grandchildren too. The learning goes hand in hand with teaching them about life and the way of the world.  One learns also when one plays with the children too.

   I can learn the way the kids and children will be during those times.  I learn about the way education goes, the schools teach and the expertise of teachers.

   As the kids are more aware of the state of the art stuff, I can learn to use the gadgets that will be there at that time.  I can learn the advanced ways of communications and social sharing too.  I can learn about the technological and other advances that happen at that time.  While I am taking care of the children, I learn various things perhaps like cooking or gardening.

   I also learn to care for children, and to enjoy spending time with children.  I can learn any languages that they learn at school.  Perhaps children will learn music, dance, crafts, art and other skills.  So I can learn those from them.

    As I will teach spirituality and meditation to my grandchildren, I will learn and practice yoga and meditation with them too.  I will learn important points about legal matters or political matters, so that I can teach them.   I will read various sacred epics or the vedas and tell stories about them to children.

    I can learn to be like a free bird and not to worry about anything.  Also, I can learn to enjoy my time instead of brooding over the past.  I can learn to sleep well and exercise well.  I can learn to be optimistic and live another day expecting some good to happen.