All I really need to know I learnt in Kindergarten: A Template for Life after completing 70 Years!!

In the past few months for the first time in my life, I began to feel old. Was it the number 70 or did it have to do with the pandemic or something else?

I had to do some soul searching. The number 70 — age is just a number and with Shobhaa De I say, ‘Seventy…….. And to hell with it!

There are tell-tale signs — aching bones on cold days, loose skin, wrinkles — wrinkles are funny and could they be hereditary? I have the exact same wrinkles as my mother had. All of this reminds me that I am growing old, yes growing old!

No other option but to accept it. And in the acceptance came a number of thoughts on how to embrace growing old with cheer and a few guidelines.

Wait a minute, bear with me as I digress and go into the conversation of a kindergartner with his mother — overheard by a silver haired senior (S).

Day 1

Mama, we were all fighting for crayons. Teacher told us that we must share our crayons, toys, tricycles. She said share everything. But, I will be careful not to share information with strangers as you told me not to.

S: I have decided to share happiness, share sorrows, share time, share laughter, share jokes, share helpful and hilarious forwards, share recipes, and share whatever my heart tells me to…

But share everything? A word of caution here — Discern, don’t be gullible. Ask yourself the 3 important W’s: What to share? Keep ‘the need to know’ concept in mind. With whom to share? Why Share? Be Safe!

Day 2

Today two children in our class were answering all the questions. Teacher said, we should be fair and give everyone a chance.

S: Be fair, play fair. This is a difficult one! How does one play fair, when life is not being fair? Well, it’s all in the attitude and attitude is a choice. I am going to count my blessings at the end of each day. I have so much to be thankful for.

Day 3

Mama, Mama, there was a big fight in the play-yard. My friend got hurt. Nurse had to call her mother. My teacher told us that we should not hit each other.

S: Hit People! Surely not!

Aaah! What about hitting below the belt? Talking about bygones, making you cringe with each shot. Not letting the past remain in the past and casting aspersions about a person’s intentions and character. That is dirty and not playing fair at all. Healthy confrontation clears the air. Also, remember, just in case you need to, the golden words learnt in Kindergarten, — say sorry when you hurt somebody in the heart and soul.

Day 4

Today our teacher showed us how to use material and to put it back in its place. There was no pushing and pulling.

S: Now that’s a good lesson! Why is this so difficult? Could it be an old age thing to forget where to put it back? Looking for keys, spectacles, (Thank God for multifocal lens I don’t need to search for my spectacles) wallet and nowadays the mobile. I must do some memory exercises and different kinds of puzzles to keep the old ticker going.

Day 5

We had a lot of fun with water, colours and painting. We also made a big mess on the floor. Teacher said we have to learn to clean up the mess. That was not fun at all.

S: It is good to teach and help children to clean up the mess.

What kind of mess do we adults and seniors create? The biggest mess we make is when we forget to keep the strongest muscle in the human body in its cage. What a mess it can create when let loose! If you can’t say something kind and respectful — Zip it up! There are others — Many of us have created a mess of our health, or finances or relationships or jobs. If unable to clean up the mess, let’s seek expert advice or better still learn from the mistakes.

Day 6

Before snack time, we sang — “This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands!” Teacher also said we must wash our hands often.

S: I remember singing that as a child. The Corona virus has taught us the importance of washing our hands and the right way to wash our hands. Let’s continue to do so, even when the virus makes an exit.

Day 7

Helper Aunty was very upset. She told teacher that we do not flush and there is a terrible stink in the toilet. Teacher made us sing the same song as yesterday with new words: “This is the way we flush the toilet, flush the toilet, flush the toilet!”

S: Flush the toilet — very important. I must consciously remember to do that. Talking of flushing and another thought came to mind. Equally important is to flush the toxins from body, mind and heart. Bitterness, anger, and hurt if not dealt with can be debilitating.

Day 8

Today at nap time we pretended to sleep and giggled and laughed. Teacher told us that if we have a nap we won’t be cranky and grumpy in the evening. Mama, I think you too should take a nap. You are often angry and cranky in the evening.

S: Am I also like that, — cranky and grumpy? Everyone says a power nap / cat nap in the afternoon is good. So bed! here I come.

Day 9

Guess what Mama; we had warm cookies and a hot chocolate drink. Loved it!

S: That reminds me that I need a warm fuzzy to make me feel good. A nice hot cup of tea will do the trick, and maybe some bitter chocolate.

Day 10

Ma, we are going on a field trip. Teacher told us we must hold hands, stick together and watch out for traffic.

S: What beautiful imagery! Traffic is a monster, and holding hands and sticking together paints such a warm picture.

You know what; these kids in kindergarten have a pretty balanced life. They “Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” Robert L Fulghum

And so, let me add, talk some, listen some and pray some. So, here we are oldies, with fantastic gems as a good template to follow given to us by Robert L Fulghum in “All I really need to know I learnt in Kindergarten”

I recently heard the song — ‘The older I get’ by Alan Jackson. Please do google and listen to it. I will conclude with the chorus

‘And if they found a fountain of youth

I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth

Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet

The older I get.’

I am looking forward to it, and so should you! Also, Happy Republic Day!!