Being Chinese

Dayna has been preoccupied lately with being different at school. She is particularly sensitive to comments about her nose. (You can read about that here.) It's worth pondering that 1 out of 5 people in the world is Chinese, but she's the only one in our town.

Earlier this week, Dan & I were able to share with her class (and the other Kindergarten classes as well) about Chinese New Year. We read some books, she sang a song, and I taught the entire Kindergarten a song I learned in China. We finished it off by giving red envelopes with chocolate coins to her classmates.

It was something else to watch Dayna shine. She wore her red silk Chinese dress and was instantly bombarded with all sorts of compliments from her classmates. They were truly interested in Chinese New Year and some of the traditions that go along with it.

The look on her face was priceless. And, though we know this may all change again tomorrow, she was proud to be Chinese and be just a little bit different from everyone else. Hopefully this is a lesson in how EVERYBODY is special and has something to offer, and that we can celebrate our differences and appreciate our unique individuality.

It's difficult to watch your little one struggle with her identity, and I'm sure we're going to fail her in this area. I can only trust that she continues to love who she is...nose and all!