Educating kids is like escorting Tang Sanzang on his journey

Where’s the challenge? A mismatch in perspective. Wukong looked at Tang Sanzang and wondered: how could such an ordinary, frail mortal possibly guide him on a journey of 108,000 li?

The quest for the scriptures is really a story of personal growth. Both Tang Sanzang and Wukong evolved. Tang Sanzang slowly came to understand that he didn’t possess Wukong’s fiery eyes, while Wukong gradually realized how vital communication is—and how essential it is to reach mutual understanding.

That’s far more important than grumbling or simply quitting and heading back to Mount Huaguo. As a result, the two of them grew increasingly synchronized as time went on.

This kind of sync always improves when the less perceptive party raises their level of understanding. It gets much easier once your child starts elementary school, and even easier by middle school. Of course, that assumes you’ve invested real effort along the way and helped them grow under your guidance. If you haven’t put in any effort beforehand and are now disappointed by the results, it’s time to take a hard look at yourself.