We recently took our boys to see “Riverdance”. Given they are “half Irish” we thought it’d be a good experience to help celebrate part of their heritage. They loved it of course, those fast tapping feet are sure to impress even the biggest skeptic. And it was a great family afternoon out – at a cost of course.
My mom couldn’t believe the cost of the four tickets. It sure wasn’t cheap. But I truly believe it is money well spent, to give children unique and impressive experiences. My one son came out of “Riverdance” with a desire to learn the Irish Drum, the other to become an Irish dancer. At this point in their lives, they believe they can be anything and/or do anything. I believe parents should feed their belief, even if they don’t go onto become Irish drummers of dancers.
My older son participated in a program through the Canadian Opera Company. He developed an interest in Musical Theatre after seeing “the Phantom of the Opera” during its last run here. During his time with the “afterschool Opera program”, he was offered two tickets to see a performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. He and I went to the performance of “Ruslka”. I thought for sure by intermission he would be done, and given it was a school night, I suggested we leave. “You want to LEAVE this???” he asked me, genuinely shocked. “Mom, how can you want to go?!?!” He absolutely loved it. Who would have thought a 9 year old boy would love the opera?
We had a similar experience with my younger son. He is not a joiner, and it has always been hard to a) convince him to attend any program and b) continue going to the program past the first class. I enrolled him in a yoga class, on a whim, because they both enjoyed practicing yoga with me at home. When I picked him up from the first class, I was bracing myself for the worst, instead he asked, “When is the next class? I can’t wait to go back!” And after the session was over, I hesitantly asked if he wanted to do another session. “Another session? Can I do another TWO sessions?” he retorted.
Inspiration can come from many sources, and doesn’t necessarily have to cost a lot. My younger son and I love picking up a baguette and pate and daydreaming about the day we go to Paris together. Every year we go camping at least once, opening our minds and bodies to adventure, and imaging the people long ago who lived their lives completely differently from the way we do. Nothing beats lying on the beach up north, stars overhead, to provoke thought and conversation. My older son and I love “rocking out” with the stereo on full blast in the car, preparing himself for the day he’ll be a rock star. “Mom, when I am a rock star, I’ll give you free tickets to all my shows.” He told me. “Don’t worry,” I replied, “I think it will be well worth the cost to see you perform!”.
Regardless of what the experience is, it’s always valuable. Our schedule is busy, I admit, but I can’t resist when something that presents itself as an opportunity for inspiration comes up. Children have such open minds to begin with, why not keep expanding them? In doing so, I believe it helps us grownups to open our own minds as well. With summer holidays just around the corner, there is an abundance of festivals, concerts, activities, attractions and programs going on worth taking advantage of. Inspire your children! Inspire yourselves!
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