Little Sweetie is so innocent!

Comments in my graduation slam book (one which gets passed around among friends to leave their contact details in the final year) have one thing in common – that I am innocent and sensitive. I felt good about it, taking that as a compliment. Not quite sure when, but an interesting view point flashed across – Innocence is lack of knowledge/awareness (relative to age and social fabric) and being sensitive amounts to emotional vulnerability. We somehow tend to put a positive spin on these deficiencies. I now realize what a dumb cry baby, I was. Maybe I still am😊

My maternal uncle`s kid (aged around 13 at that time) was showcasing a magic trick which he learned recently and he was not quite convincing. His sister, 3 years younger to him, told him very calmly something similar along these lines – “Don’t try to impress, focus on the act and you will master it.” I was shocked and amazed at her maturity and ability to read the situation, at that age. She was everything but innocent. Kids are way smarter than we imagine and hence this “innocence” if observed should not be reinforced as a positive trait. The other down side is, kids will masterfully exploit and manipulate by acting innocence, if they notice positive acceptance. Sympathetic and accepting body language towards “being sensitive” would be a hindrance to evolve confident, independent and strong-willed personalities. Incapable of doing malicious things (or) being manipulative is not innocence. Being respectful towards others feelings is not being sensitive.

We react to any physical limitations in children by supplementing with appropriate nutrition, encouraging them to play sports, enrolling in martial arts etc. Should we not similarly try to create awareness and offer emotional support if in case any knowledge and emotional limitations are encountered?