Age is Just a Number: Age Versus Ability

"Dad, why is ago so important?" Drake asked his dad. "Now that I am seven, I can do things in gymnastics that I have been able to do at home, since I was four. Devon can do them too, and he has just turned six. But, he is not allowed to do them at school."

Bentley, the boy's father smiled.

"Age is just a number, son."

"Being able to do something is more important than any number."

"I agree."

"Then Devon should be allowed to do them at school, too."

The next afternoon, Bentley was called to come into the principal's office to discuss concerns about Drake and Devon.

"First, I want to commend you," said the principal. "As a single parent, you are doing an excellent job of raising your two boys. You can be very proud of them."

"Then, why am I here?"

"Your boys are exceptionally alert and agile when it comes to gymnastic activities, but..."

"Now the 'axe' is about to fall," thought Bentley. 

"But, there are certain kinds of sports activities that we have to limit by age, simply because we do not have enough staff to prevent the students from injuring themselves. You know your boys, all boys for that matter, will try anything!"

"I know my boys are natural gymnasts, and I have taught them to continually develop their skills."

"Your boys need to be supervised properly while engaging in these kinds of activities. Of course, there are other boys who want to try the same things."

"That is only natural for boys!"

Bentley was becoming angry. He did not want restrictions placed on the gymnastic activities he was teaching his two sons. He quickly got up to leave.

"I will talk to my boys."

"Wait! What we really want to know is how you are training them. Our school would really benefit from having a more advanced, training program."

Bentley could not believe what he was hearing.

"Your boys are so always excited, enthusiastic and obviously able to do things far beyond their age levels. Would you be willing to take time to train other students who are interested?"

He paused, not knowing what to expect.

Bentley smiled.

"So my work has not been wasted after all," he said.

"We would pay you, of course."