What happens when you look into the eyes of your child while the two of you are working together on a section of an eleven plus paper? You will know your child’s face pretty well by now. When he or she was a baby it is likely that his or her head turned from side to side when unwanted food was thrust into the mouth. You will also recall the first early smiles and the expressions of utter disgust when the wrong food was offered.
It is also likely that you will recall the impassioned expression on your baby’s face while tears were running down the face.
Bu the time your child has reached the eleven plus stage you will have learnt just how easy it is your child to suppress his or her emotions. Equally you will also be very aware when you have displeased your child or are being regarded with disquiet or (possibly) elements of anger and frustration.
The happy child, however, will be leaning towards you with an excited and contagious smile – drawing you into the web of joy and triumph. As you solve that perplexing Eleven Plus question you may well offer a hug and recall Lewis Carrol in the Jabberwocky:
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
(Some parents may need to substitute the word `boy’ for `girl’ – but the sentiment must be the same!)
Happy hugging!
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