Aug
11
I’m So Proud of My Kid for Screwing Up
by Leslie
It finally happened. After three years of near-perfect piano recital performances, Julia messed up. And I’m not talking about a little flub. I’m talking about forgetting the finger change in “Go Tell Aunt Rhody,” and taking an excruciating 72 seconds to stop, breathe and find her place again.
I thought I was going to vomit my heart during that 72 seconds. I wanted to run up there and save her, shout out a clue or something. But, I just stood there, clutching Lucy close, listening to the blood rush through my veins while she pulled it together and finished the piece.
After taking her bow, she walked toward me shaking her head. I could see the fear in her eyes – the fear of my disappointment, because I’ll be honest, I can be very critical of Julia when it comes to peforming. Ask her what her mom’s motto is. She’ll tell you: “Don’t just do it, DO IT RIGHT.”
“I messed up….” she began, putting her head down.
My first instinct was to say, “What happened? You KNOW that song. How could you forget the finger change? I guess we need to practice more.” But she knew her mistake. And it was just that, a mistake. And she was the one that had to live through it with the weight of the audience’s gaze and anticipation upon her. So instead, I opened my arms and embraced her. “You did great! You didn’t give up. You finished the song!”
I felt the tension leave her body. She pulled away to look at my face, to make sure I was serious, and gave a huge smile of relief. “It’s okay?”
“It’s okay. I don’t know what I would have done if that was me. You really kept your cool, Jules. Good job.”
She walked out of that nursing home with her head held high, knowing she had accomplished something great: she fell down, but got back up. And she did it with grace.
I am so glad to know she can do that.
Comments
7 Cool Kids Commented
Stuff I Do
-
Stuff You Should Do
You know, Stuff.
You’re such a good mom.
that’s what makes a true mucisian: learning to screw up and continue, always continue with a smile on your face (preferably pretending that nothing happened and that public didn’t notice….they often don’t.)
That’s fantastic Leslie! I have really been trying to think before I speak too. It’s SOOOOooooo hard sometimes.
Way to go Julia for hanging in there!
Awww, good story! Way to be a supportive mommy
I’ve been keeping up to date with your site, but just don’t always have time to comment (sorry). Just thought I’d say hello again so you know I’m here!
I’m 30. I’m still waiting for the moment that my mom does what you just did.
Congrats.
It’s moments like this that remind me of how very SCARY it is to be the parent sometimes. Your first instinct can often be the wrong one, and yet you went against that instinct and helped Julia build even more self-esteem. Good for you – what an awesome mommy.