Parenting on Traffic Lights

Parenting on Traffic Lights

I remember that day clearly—it taught me a quiet but powerful lesson.

It was my day off, and I was just sitting at home, drinking tea, thinking about what I could do to feel refreshed, to shake off the tiredness from work. After a few moments, I decided to go for a walk in the nearest park. I didn’t dress up—just slipped into a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt. I wanted to relax.

The sun was out, and the sky was clear—no clouds, just a warm day with a gentle breeze that made it feel more bearable.

I walked toward the traffic lights near the main road, waiting for them to turn green so I could cross. While standing there, I noticed a mother with her two daughters—young girls, probably around 7 to 10 years old. They had shopping bags in hand, maybe returning from the nearby mall.

The daughters were pointing ahead, tugging at their mother’s attention.

“We need to go this way,” one of them said. “The lights are green here—we should cross now.”

But the mother shook her head. “No, that’s the wrong way. I know where we’re going. Just stay quiet,” she replied firmly.

The girls insisted, politely but confidently.

“But we’ll get home faster if we go this way. We’re sure.”

The mother didn’t listen. She stood still for a moment, looking around, and then began checking the street numbers. Slowly, I saw the realization dawn on her face—her daughters were right. But by then, the light had turned red. She didn’t say anything, just stood there quietly, her pride mixing with hesitation.

When the lights turned green for the opposite side, she began walking, slowly, cautiously, glancing in every direction. Her daughters followed, and one of them softly said,

“Maybe we were confused, Mama. This is the right way. You’re always right.”

I followed them across the street. At the next turn, they went one way and I went the other. They disappeared into the crowd, and I entered the park.

But that moment stayed with me.