It was a few years ago. I had just been assigned to a new school and was exploring new routes. I passed by a driving license test center, and suddenly, memories of when I obtained my driving license came to mind. I didn’t particularly enjoy driving, but I decided to get my license thinking about the future. I even challenged myself to get a Class 1 license so I could drive a van.
On the day of the written test, it snowed heavily. I was already nervous, and the snow made things worse. Sitting in a bus that was crawling like a turtle, I was extremely anxious. The test was multiple-choice, so I had practiced by solving many problems and memorizing answers. Since the questions had definite answers, all I needed to do was study hard. Even though I had prepared thoroughly, I was still nervous when I faced the test paper. Fortunately, I only got one question wrong and passed safely.
Then came the practical driving test. I had always been told that I had good motor skills, and I was confident in them. I believed I could pass the second test in one go. I got into the test vehicle, smoothly navigated the T-shaped and S-shaped courses, followed the signals correctly, and even passed the surprise tests. However, on the hill, the car slipped. Maybe I didn’t shift the gear properly. I was so flustered and embarrassed at that moment that I wanted to get out of the car quickly. Eventually, I passed on my second attempt. The experience of failing the first time made me practice more, which boosted my confidence.
When I first drove alone after getting my license, I was extremely nervous. My husband, who was beside me, kept reassuring me that driving is just a skill and that I would get better with practice. As a beginner, I was always anxious about how to merge into traffic. Since I couldn’t merge, I often had to take long detours. However, now I signal my intentions with the turn signal and merge confidently. At first, I didn’t even know how to open the fuel cap. But now, I can refuel at self-service stations without any issues.
Raising a child is similar. When I first became a parent, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know how to hold the baby, feed it, dress it, or bathe it. I knew nothing. I kept childcare books by my bedside and studied them. I listened to advice from my mother and mother-in-law and followed it. Eventually, I became proficient. Studying solved the problems. Even if you’ve never done it before, raising a child is like learning any new skill. When you buy a new gadget or encounter something unfamiliar, you have to study it. Especially when it comes to raising your precious child, it’s unimaginable not to study. However, it’s crucial to remember not to follow others blindly. You need to observe your child and raise them according to their unique personality because no child is the same as the one next door
