We were driving back to my place early in the morning. Bella their dog needed to be checked on, given some medicine and let out for a stretch. She was staying at home while mom and dad took a trip. The kids and I were having our own adventure for several days. We live ten minutes apart. As we came off the highway and approached our turn, there it was. A giant gathering of protestors up and down the side of the access road. We passed all the signs, flags, costumes and every sort of person – like walking through a Buc-ees!

The kids were mesmerized. “What is happening?”

“Look, that guy is dressed like a zebra!”

“That’s a protest.”

“What’s a protest?”

“When people don’t agree, they get together and express their feelings. Do you see all those signs?”

“Don’t agree about what?”

“Well…some people think broccoli should be required on your plate at lunch and some people think we should NEVER have to eat it.”

“Some people think your teachers should receive bigger paychecks, others think they shouldn’t.”

“There are all kinds of things people don’t agree about. It has to be very important for people get together, make signs and take time away from fun on Saturday. Broccoli doesn’t seem very important.”

My grandchildren are seven and almost four.  I had to keep going with the story as we rounded the corner on our way to donuts. In their minds, the big deal of the day.

“In some countries, you are not allowed to protest. You will be put in jail. What’s wonderful about our country is that we are all free to voice our opinions. You don’t go to jail just because you don’t agree. Sometimes, you go to jail if you hurt someone or take something that is not yours.”

“In our country we are free in so many ways. We are free to disagree and protest.”

Do either of them know what a “country” is? Not sure.

This is the part where that big lump in my throat appeared.

“What’s wrong with your voice?”

“Right now, things can seem really hard. Especially to those people protesting. As time goes by, most things usually get better. I think we live in a special country because we can disagree and still be friends.”

Explaining the world to your children, grandchildren is a way for you to pass on little lessons that matter so much. It’s also the best way for you to make certain you really understand. It’s thought that Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.”

What’s always going on all around that needs some explaining? Whether you translate it or not – little eyes and ears are still watching and hearing. Don’t you want to be a part of helping the next generation put all the pieces together?