School re-opening and a life lesson!

"What is the point of our school reopening on a Thursday?" asked my son on the first working day of 2020, which happened to be a Thursday. He was drenched in sweat post his early morning football training that wrapped up on time unlike the extra time they enjoyed over the Christmas holidays. He seemed to be genuinely puzzled and continued, "They could have delayed it by 2 more days and reopened on Monday. What is the point of going to school just for 2 days and again 2 days leave over the weekend?" 

As a kid, I too had this question but I never asked anyone. I suspect anyone who grew up with me in the 90s cared about finding the reason, so naturally I did not have an answer. But, my 12 year old son seemed to be curious or was it just the urge to play for some more time? 

Luckily, another parent and a good friend (who also happens to be an enlightened soul) came to my rescue. He clarified, "Son, there is a reason behind it. When you have spent a long holiday it will take sometime for your mind and body to get (re)used to the school routine and a full week. Reopening on a Thursday/Friday will allow you some more time over the weekend to get ready for a full week again."

It seemed to have resonated well with my son and he looked convinced with that explanation. He learnt something new!

I asked my son to give my friend a high five for sharing his wisdom, which he did and gave a hug as bonus. I then went on to add, "Son, see this is the difference between parents of current generation and the older (i.e. our) generation. We never got this explanation so you should be happy to have parents like us."

At this point, my friend quickly intervened and added, "Actually, son it is great that you asked the question. Only when you are curious you will learn new things. It just happened I knew this reason and shared. But, its your initiative that made me to respond. Stay curious." That brought out a big smile on my son's face and the excitement to get back to school appeared from thin air!

During our 15 mins ride back home I realized, while, I reacted with an emphasis on parenthood, my friend responded with an emphasis on parenting. I, too, learnt a valuable lesson!

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