The best kids

Living a nomadic life offers some exclusive surprises.
Due to circumstances with the Fuso Szulc, for some time now life is lived in a small community on a lovely estate in Southern California.
Long time friends who are happy people.
Who have a harmonious and loving relationship.
And have created a little paradise in a canyon.

But the most beautiful aspect of being here is the fact that two grandchildren of the long time friends are also part of the little community.
We have Pearl, a beautiful and bright 13-year-old girl and her brilliant brother Buster of 5.
Their father was a Yakima Indian who drowned in a river.

The thing with children is that in principle they are open to have a new friend.
And the interesting pre-condition they have is that first they see if their standards are met.
Is the adult accepting them for who they are?
Is the adult prepared to spend quality time with them?
Does the adult have true interest in them?
Once they are convinced the adult is really on their side, the loyalty and warmth is total.

This is a situation and condition ideal to be educational.
In a playful way.
Once there is trust, children love to learn.
When presented in a way that is like a game to them.

Last night for example was dinner in a Chinese buffet restaurant.
It is unacceptable of course that the dinner conversation is exclusively between the three adults.
That the two children are just sitting there boring themselves and likely to become obnoxious.
So, they are integrated in the social interaction.
Once adults do this, it will be a surprise how interesting the discussions remain.

During this dinner, Buster, the 5 year old, was asked if he wanted to answer a “difficult question”.
Yes, he said while his sis was watching curiously.
So, the question was: “What is the meaning of red and what is the meaning of green?”
Buster, brilliant as he is, didn’t have to think long.
He replied: “Red means stop and green means go”.
He was applauded by all present for this very correct answer.
And he immediately asked for another “difficult question”.
Followed soon by a request from his sister Pearl.
The long time friends also got involved.
They too came up with “difficult questions” and it was a communal thing now with all actively involved.
Having a lot of fun.

It is so interesting this thirst of kids to want to learn.
But it depends completely of the social circumstances of the child and the way the learning is presented.
Offering a fabulous challenge and immense responsibility to adults to create a situation beneficial to children.
In many cases, a troubled child not doing well in school is only a reflection of the context.
But last night Pearl and Buster were the best kids around.





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