Listening and learning

Stressful moments are not the only times I work jigsaws. I also like to work puzzles when I'm on the phone, especially while studying with my daughter. Let me explain...

When our children were little, I would "give out" their spelling words each week to help them study. By the time they reached upper elementary school, our son and older daughter no longer wanted any help. Not so with our younger daughter. Throughout elementary school, junior high and high school she brought me notes and study guides to give out. I would kid her and ask if she was going to fax or e-mail me her notes from college so I could give out over the phone. Turns out the joke was on me. Sort of.

I don't give out notes anymore, but I listen to them. My daughter takes meticulous notes in her classes. Before a test, she calls me and goes over them... teaches me what she's learned. It benefits us both. She gets to review her notes in the way that best helps her and I get to work on my puzzles while "auditing" her classes!

My daughter is scheduled to graduate from college in May with degrees in History and Psychology. Thanks to her "study habits" I feel like I've gotten to go back to school - only without the tests, papers, deadlines and stress. Learning just for the pleasure of learning. What a treat!