Unheard Voices

In a hectic airport between transferring flights, I was walking with two bags, a cold and a sore knee. Opposite from me, a little boy was walking with his parents. He was holding each of their hands and occasionally skipping as everyone around him hurried by. As I passed him and his parents, I overheard:

"But, the biggest continent is yellow!"

I stopped in my tracks. A Montessori child! His parents looked down at him, absolutely confused and asked him what he was talking about. I smiled. I knew what he was talking about. He was referring to Asia.

This little gem of a moment made my day. It also reminded me that children are often brushed off or disregarded. It's easy for us adults to get flustered or caught up in our busy lives and send children away. Roald Dahl understood this perfectly. Even though children don't always say profound things (but often times they do!), they need to be heard. It's an affirmation that not only builds confidence, but allows children to be part of our community. So, on this Christmas Eve (if anyone out there is reading), I urge you to slow your holiday hectic-ness and listen to those little ones. You never know what gem you might find.