It’s August, the kids are home on holiday, and suddenly our daughter throws down the ultimate family challenge: “Let’s all draw an elephant!” Now, as a parent, you know this is a trap. Deep down, the child in you whispers, “Win this thing, show them who’s boss!” But the adult in you knows better—let the kids shine, it’s good for their growth (and your ego’s survival). So, pens out, papers ready, game on!
After 20 minutes of furious scribbling, we unveil our masterpieces. Our daughter, the family Picasso, proudly shows her elephant. My wife produces something vaguely elephant-shaped with a flat tummy (if elephants ever did yoga; I hope she doesn’t see this coz she might file for a Divorce). My son? Well, his “elephant” looked like a dragonfly that failed biology class (I hope he doesn’t ever see this too, he might start third world war). And me? Honestly, I tried—I was convinced mine deserved at least silver. Then enters our official judge: the 3-year-old. She ranks them ruthlessly—daughter first (fair), son second (what sorcery?!), mum third (understandable), and me dead last. My elephant was apparently so bad, even a toddler couldn’t find mercy.
The verdict stung, but hey—life lessons came free with the humiliation:
1. Life is a game, keep playing, no matter how odd your “elephant” looks.
2. Keep trying irrespective of the outcome. “Life isn’t always about winning—sometimes it’s about laughing at your elephant that looks like a potato. ”
3. Beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder—or in this case, the ruthless judgment of a toddler with no art degree. We take actions but have no control of the outcome, your well thought actions doesn't always guarantee success.
When your 3-year-old ranks your elephant last, you start questioning your entire education system.
