In the car on the way to school this morning, Melina had a question for me.

Melina: Do you get distracted by mirrors?
Me: [Thinks for two seconds.] Yes, I do.
Melina: Why? Why do you get distracted?
Me: Why do you?
Melina: I just look at myself. Then I move on. So, what about you?
Me: [Thinks for two seconds more.] I guess I feel like I need to stop and check on things. Is my lipstick on properly? Is my hair out of place? What am I looking like today? Do I—
Melina: That’s a really negative way of looking at things.
Me: [Thinks for  longer than two seconds, reflecting on the wisdom my child possesses and the negative self-esteem I’ve tried so hard to move away from.] Yes, it really is.

Lessons and insights can be found anywhere—in books, fortune cookie fortunes, movies, the therapist’s office, dreams, and in conversations, especially those with our children.

Image of talking birds by sharkolot from Pixabay.com.