Slightly unclear on the concept

Lil E practices his Tae Kwon Do sequences in class and at home with seriousness and focus. Set to phrases about manners, courtesy and respect, I always feel like he's absorbing these greater concepts of what his teacher calls the black-belt attitude, not just developing his swagga by hi-yah-ing stuff.

Today the class began to learn a new sequence, this time about integrity. It's his day with his dad, so I wasn't there. But his buddy's mom texted me to fill me in on the higher learning it seems Lil E may still need to process a bit.

I could imagine the scene -- I've seen it many times as the teacher sits criss-cross-applesauce on the mats with kids who wear wrinkly gis decorated with patches and stars awarded for reading books, courteous acts and earning links for good behavior. They nod eagerly as he talks and when he asks them questions -- how did you show good manners today? what's a great way to be respectful of your mom? -- little hands shoot up and long-winded stories and tangents are spouted off by the eager Tiny Tigers.

My son loves this part. He always has an answer. Always wants to offer an example.

Today, the text came to me saying the master asked, "Do you know what integrity is?"

My little cheetah belt pounced on it. His answer?

"When your mom tells you to put away your toys and you put them all in a pile or under your bed."

Ahhh, son. Son son son son son. We have much to cover.

And it starts with a broom and all the crap I really did think was put away.

Comments

[Karen Kantor]

I love that boy!