POLOKWANE – A Gr 5 learner, Botho Moatswi (11) from Laerskool Pietersburg Noord (Noordskool), is proving that age is no barrier to inspiration, after writing a book titled ‘The Teachings of My Mother’ – a heartfelt tribute to the life lessons passed down by her mother.

For her mother Dixie, she said the project was not entirely unexpected.

“It was not a surprise to me because she has always loved writing little notes. Even when she goes to bed before me, she leaves a note on my bedside table wishing me goodnight and telling me how much she loves me and how I inspire her,” she said.

Dixie added the idea for the book was born during a profound conversation about death – a lesson that will feature in Volume Two – which is set to be published soon as her second book.

“She told me that she did not want to forget everything I had taught her throughout her life. She said she wanted to put my teachings into a book that would become like her own Bible, something she could continue to refer to as she grew up, even when I was no longer around.

“I was so honoured and really touched. My heart was full,” Dixie shared.

She expressed what touched her most was that Botho believed the book could not only guide her, but also inspire and guide other individuals.

“As a mother, I said never expected my daily guidance to become something meaningful for others, especially to my daughter. Reading her notes made me realise how closely she had been listening and how much those teachings had become part of who she is. I felt incredibly proud and grateful that everything I taught her and am still teaching her, she takes into consideration,” she said.

Dixie added that Botho wrote the book when she was nine years.

Dixie expressed the book reflects values she intentionally instilled: kindness, respect, honesty, courage, confidence, faith, perseverance and compassion.

“Seeing these values reflected in her writing is very rewarding.”

Botho’s passion for writing emerged early.

“Her room would constantly be filled with little pieces of paper, each containing a short story, a thought or a note. I would clean them up one weekend, only to find more papers filled with her writing the following weekend. Instead of discouraging it, I nurtured it,” Dixie said.

She explained she chose to nurture her creativity by encouraging her to write freely, listening to her ideas and giving her the confidence to believe in what she could achieve.

“The most moving part was seeing my lessons through my daughter’s eyes. It reminded me that children may not always respond immediately to what we teach them, but they are listening and learning.”

My advice to other parents is simple: listen, encourage, and allow children to shine, no matter what career path or hobby they choose to follow or keep themselves busy with.

“Do not underestimate their ideas because of their age. Create an environment where they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, dream and be creative. The best gift that a mother can give to a child is God,” Dixie said.