A Life Lesson
It was noon. Ethan was just about to ask his parents if he could have a brand-new electric guitar. He loved playing the acoustic guitar. The sound of an electric guitar is very different from that of an acoustic guitar. He had always wanted to play the electric guitar.
If I learn how to play one, my guitar skills will improve, and I can play some songs better. But how should I convince my parents? How should my tone be? Polite? Respectful? Imperative? No, persuasive! Should I tell my problems first…or my desire? You know what, let the content flow. I am sure that they would buy it for me: I recently got good marks in my Olympiad exams, and I also came in the top five in my badminton academy, so they should be feeling like rewarding me. Ethan felt confident, but the back of his mind constantly asked him, ‘Will they really buy an electric guitar for you?’
Ethan approached his mother. She was in her room, colouring a mandala.
“Mummy, can I have an electric guitar please? I really want to learn how to play it.” He asked.
“No.” My mother replied calmly.
He slumped his shoulders. “But I really want it!” Ethan pleaded.
“Ethan, a month ago, you already got a Hot Wheels playset for you. Now you want an electric guitar. We can't just give you whatever you want all the time.”
What! No! Ethan’s insides boiled up. “But I got good marks in my exams and did really well in my badminton class. I should be getting a reward.” He argued.
“The reward was the Hot Wheels playset. And also, we can't give you something every time you do something well,” she said. “Your exams start in a few days. Don't think about getting an electric guitar, but instead focus on and study for your exams, so you can get good marks. After a few months, we can buy the electric guitar for you. It is not important to get everything every time. Learn to have patience. Do not rush everything. And always concentrate on the task at hand.” She smiled and told him to go to his room.
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