© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswrites
Infinite is a mother’s love. Unconditional devotion. I see it every day. If only there was an infinite supply of energy too. Children, of course, seem to have this miracle supply. Whereas the mere mortals, of the adult world, must make do with what we have. But a mother’s love is like a turbo boost to the soul. It always gets them over the finish line.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
I love reading to my children at bedtime. From quite an early age I have been reading full length children’s books to them. Sometimes it might take a couple of months to finish a book, as my wife and I normally alternate reading between us, but the children are exposed to both Czech and English literature. I also think it helps to improve their memory and attention span, as they have to remember quite long, and sometimes complicated stories.
We started with some classics, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the first. Then we read some Roald Dahl and recently we have been reading David Walliams. And I have to say I am a big fan. As with Dahl, sometimes his stories can be rude, with a typically British type of humour. For example, don’t be too surprised by the occasional fart joke.
But there is much more to his books than that, they can have a serious side too and often convey important messages. This book, Gangsta Grannie, is about a boy and his relationship with his Grandmother. It is a lovely story about how the boy, who originally thinks his Granny is boring, grows to love here. And it is especially important that he did get to know her, as nobody lives forever.
As you can imagine, there is an uncomfortable moment when you are reading a book to your children which involves death. But, I have to say, it is handled in a very delicate manner and is not dwelt upon. It just happens, people are sad but life goes on. My son, who is older, felt sad that Granny had died but enjoyed the book a great deal. And, maybe, he now understands that it is important to spend time with the people that love him, as they won’t be there forever. Thanks to David Walliams both my children have learnt a little more about life, both the good and the bad.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Today was another day filled with the sensations of the season, specifically the aroma of Christmas. All day the smell of baking gingerbread has filled our home, along with the excited voices of our children.
The kids have been looking forward to this day, the day when the baking begins. Now the biscuits are cooling and awaiting decoration, those that are left. Of course, it is hard to resist eating a few during the day.
This is a marvellous Czech tradition, though it is a lot of work for my wife. But there is so much more satisfaction to be had when something is made with love and joy. In Britain, we have become very lazy. I am not sure if anyone makes anything anymore, it is certainly a good time of year for the supermarkets.
I think the way that the British consume, and seemingly don’t grow or make things themselves anymore, is quite shocking to the Czechs, who are still a nation of producers. I have to admit that I am on the lazy side of this equation myself. But I am more than happy that my children will be brought up to make more themselves, and enjoy it.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Thank goodness it is Friday. It wasn’t chaos, this week, it was too organised to call it that. I always knew it was going to be busy, just not how much it would take out of me.
My favourite thing about Fridays is that I get to pick my daughter up from kindergarten, nice and early. We get home by 12.30 and have our traditional cwtch. That is a cuddle, for the non-Welsh out there.
I love that time, even if it is only for ten minutes. It is just the two of us and we get to have a little catch-up on what has been happening that day. And today she even gave me a little Czech lesson, testing me on which words I new.
So that is the line, that is where, what feels like, chaos ends and the weekend begins.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
Today was a public holiday and, due to the bad weather, we decided to stay at home. But it wasn’t a wasted day, we got plenty of jobs done, although I think my wife gets the prize for highest productivity. And I spent the day watching my kids work, play and create together. They form such an amazing team, they never seem to get tired of each other. Obviously there are the occasional arguments, but they are always solved swiftly.
I think the two year age gap has contributed to their closeness, and also to the fact that there is rarely any jealousy between them. It is always interesting to listen to their conversations. Even though they speak to each other in Czech, I understand well enough. And, in some ways, it makes it even more fascinating to listen to them. They are so talkative and are constantly communicating, with each other and with us. There are some times, as every parent knows, when this can become tiring. Everyone needs some peace and quiet sometimes.
So, maybe some earplugs? No, there will be a time in the future when life will be too quiet, and I will wish for a return to these crazy days. So may they always remain the noisy, lively, energetic maniacs that they are. I love them, and I wouldn’t change them for anything.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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