What you can learn from being silent

People that know me know that I am not one to sit silent for long. I have a lot to say, even about things I may not know about. It doesn't matter. If it's a topic, I have an opinion. Regardless, as I age (I sound so mature, don't I?) I am learning there is much value in listening and allowing a conversation to unfold without my interjection. I know, it's taken me a long time to figure this one out. The important thing is I AM figuring it out.

Case in point. Today was a very busy day. I felt like a chauffeur, schlepping my kids to their different camps on the opposite side of the state (so it seemed). By the time I had picked up the last kid, I was worn out and the idea of conversing with three children for the 40 minute ride home was less than appealing. So I listened to their day, what they accomplished and who was there, etc.

This is what I learned in those 40 minutes. My son overcame his fear of heights as he climbed a 35 foot rope - because "that is really high, mom." He did cry for me at one point, but he overcome that, too. Whew. All of a sudden he transformed into this mature little dude. Could it be? Then it was confirmed...Maura and Gage engaged in a conversation atypical of a 4 1/2-year old and 9-year old, I think.

Maura (in a nails-down-a-chalkboard whiny voice): Mom, Shayna is 5 and she has a TV in her room. Why can't I have a TV in my room?

Gage: Maura, we don't judge people by what they have. We judge them by who they are.

Maura: I wasn't talking to you, Gage. And I am not judging her! She is judging me because I don't have a TV in my room!!!!

I drove in silence and disbelief. I learned so many things in that brief interaction. Now I know how to motivate Maura into listening to me.....(insert evil laugh)....hahahahaha.