Core Values

Fiona is working on a project for school last night.

I find a piece of paper on top of her backpack that has this written on it:

"Jostis.

Jostis is vere enportint.

We need jostis.

It maks you smart.

It maks you think mor.

Evre boty wil think your smart."

And then she drew a person with a thought bubble that has 2 + 2 = 4 written in it, and an arrow pointing to the man's head labeled, "JOSTIS."

In case you couldn't decipher Fiona-glyphics, she was writing a "report" on justice.

When I asked her if she knew what justice was, she just shook her head no.  Uh oh, evre boty won't think she's smart after all.

We sat and went over "core values".

Me:  "Can you tell me what wisdom means?"

Fiona:  "It's when you're good and nice."

Me: "Nope."

Fiona:  "Smart?"

Me: "Sort of."

Fiona: "Oh, pretty!"

Me: "Not at all.  Go back to smart."

Fiona:  "Happ-"

Me:  "Fiona, let me give you a hint.  Nana and Papa are wise.  They possess wisdom."

Neve:  "Oh!  I know!  Wisdom means old!"

Me:  "Don't say that to Nana, but yes.  Old is part of it."

Fiona:  "Old and smart?"

Me:  "Yes.  And what makes Nana and Papa smart?  What do they have a lot of?"

Fiona:  "Pillows."

Me:  "Yeah they do, but no.  Experience!  Do you know what experience means?"

By this point, Fiona is half on her chair, half off her chair, chewing on her hair, and groaning.

Me:  "Okay, okay, let's wrap this up... wisdom is what you gain after years of experience.  Nana and Papa are wise because they've seen so much, done so much, and they've been many places.  Do you think that makes them smart and experienced (or wise)?"

Fiona:  "Mmm hmmm."

Me:  "Other than Nana and Papa, can you think of anyone else who's wise?"

Fiona:  "Neve."

Me:  "No!  No offense, Neve, but no!  How is she wise?  She's 4!"

Fiona:  "She is wise with cheese.  She's very experienced with cheese.  Smart with cheese."

We never got to justice.