My Independent Little Boy
I often wonder why people tell me Ethan is a smart boy. At home, he is just my son who wants me to be holding him, kissing him, or giving in to everything he wishes to enjoy like watching TV all day long. But on Columbus Day, I saw Ethan in action. Despite his temperature and cough, I talked him into going to the first Chess Tournament of the year for his school chess club. He was excited that he has people to play chess with, and not have to threaten me to play with him to no avail.
I must admit, despite my desire for Ethan to attend this tournament, I really wasn't that excited about hanging out the whole day in a room while he plays chess against other students in NYC. Since I forgot my wallet, I left soon after I dropped him off with the coach and other parents, and I told Ethan that I have to pick up my wallet but will return in time to buy him lunch. I was gone for over an hour. When I got back, he was eating a slice of pizza by himself while other older boys were eating pizza and loudly fooling around. As soon as he saw us, he said, "Mommy, I lost my first game. The next round is at one o'clock." He begged for permission to drink soda just like the other boys. I said okay. He went and got everything himself. He also went to join other boys in watching a practice game in his club's assigned class room or in talking about the chess moves with the coach. He was sick but he sure was alert and into the whole tournament. He figured out who he needed to talk to in order to find out where to go for the next round. He figured out how to keep score of his chess moves during the actual game, and he was happily playing other kids who were a lot older than him. He was the youngest in the tournament, and he was fitting right in.
I learned that when Ethan is engaged in an activity that he loves, he can do very well without my supervision. Somehow, daddy succeeded in inspiring Ethan to play chess.
Ethan won the third round and he made a bee line to tell his coach who had previously praised him for playing so well even before any formal lessons. Ethan always wanted approval for what he does.
I am so proud of Ethan. When we got home yesterday, he asked me to kiss him on the lips, and he said "thank you".
