[Extended] Clint Smith with Krista Tippett

Joyful Moments

Clint Smith shares the joy and spontaneity of parenting through the lens of his family's post-dinner dance parties. These moments, filled with laughter and rhythm, highlight the simple yet profound joy of being present with his children. Smith's poetic sensibility captures the essence of these experiences, emphasizing the importance of cherishing such moments amidst life's challenges.

Sometimes in the evenings, after dinner, after the spaghetti has been slurped and I have bribed the broccoli into their bellies, I give both of my children the look when my eyes meet theirs.

--- Clint Smith

His reflections remind us that joy is an essential part of the human experience, deserving of attention and gratitude 1 2.

   

Parenting Responsibilities

Parenting, for Clint Smith, is a profound journey that intertwines joy with a deep sense of responsibility. He reflects on how his children serve as both a respite from the world's tragedies and a reminder of the stakes involved in shaping a better future. Smith emphasizes the importance of teaching his children about their history and the sacrifices made by previous generations to pave the way for their lives today.

I want them to hold that. I want them to sit with that not in a way that's meant to overwhelm them, not in a way that's meant to cause them despair, but in a way that is meant to help them accurately situate themselves in this sort of long lineage, this long historical arc that they are a part of.

--- Clint Smith

He aspires for his children to recognize their place in history without being overwhelmed, balancing joy with an understanding of their heritage 3 4.