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| Picasso’s greatest works came early; Cézanne’s came late. |
Are you one of those classic"slow poke" types that took a really, really long time to grow up? Some one who everyone kind of gave up but made heads turn and people going "gaga" over you later on? Then, this is for you. Feel free to pass on this public service message around.
My honest belief is that all children are amazing works-in-progress who are on their way to a beautiful end-products, IF shaped well. And, who's to decide what is the appropriate age that's supposed to happen? I've always taken a strong dislike to those who think they can look at a child, and decide on how they're going to be a failure as an adult. And, what irks me further is how they voice their misguided prophecies to the children themselves, which can manage to destroy whatever self-esteem they have.
And, if the above doomsdayers happen to be your neighbor or a pathetic passer-by, you can brush them off and continue taking your time to mature. Remember, society admires and has time only for those who're obviously and actively doing something that smells or reeks of success. Best example would be the child who gets the best grades or excels at sports or an outstanding student whom teachers armwrestle to have in their class. After all, who wouldn't want to teach a A+ student, a potential winning racehorse, right?
What about the child who's left behind in the class, the one who takes a longer time to grow up is often ignored or end up considered to be a slob? Let's turn the focus on him/her. Probe the child further and find out their real strengths and inherent weaknesses. Then, create enough opportunities to work on both these areas, so that the child can bloom. Chances are high they'll make rapid turnarounds and surprise you sometimes with their ingenuinity.
Lastly, let's not forget that it's the tortoise who overtakes the hare, through patient hardwork and never-say-never spirit. Give children a big break, some time to grow up. Don't give up hope on them. Not yet.