You’ve probably come across one of the popular Dr. Seuss books with the bouncy rhymes, the quirky creatures, the unmistakable illustrations. Maybe you’ve read The Cat in the Hat at bedtime or giggled through Green Eggs and Ham with your little one.
But have you come across Oh, the Places You’ll Go!?
It looks like a typical Seuss book with its playful drawings, typical rhythm, and a character in a yellow onesie wandering through whimsical lands. But beneath the whimsy lies something quietly profound. This book, with its amusing pictures and lovely rhymes, speaks to courage, resilience, and the messy beauty of trying something new. It’s a pep talk for grown-ups and children alike. And if you’re a parent encouraging your child to explore, to make a decision and to begin – or to keep going even when things become difficult, as they inevitably will at some point… this book might be the most powerful one on your shelf.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Whether your child is learning to ride a bike, trying a new hobby, or starting school, this line reminds us that they already have what they need to begin. And as parents, we’re there to cheer them on as they find their way.
Dr. Seuss speaks honestly about the bumps: “Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.” And they do. There are days when things don’t go as planned. When the glue won’t stick, the words won’t come, or the courage feels far away. But those days are part of the story too.
Then there’s the “Waiting Place” –
…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting…
NO!
That’s nor for you!
This can feel especially real for both children and parents. Waiting to see what their friends are doing. Waiting for the right time. Waiting to feel ready. But being ready often comes after we begin. After the first messy attempt, the first wobbly step, the first brave “I’ll have a go.”
So, if you’re encouraging your child to explore and make a decision – whether it’s choosing a new hobby, choosing a foreign language to learn at school, GCSE or A level subjects to study, let this book be your companion. Let its rhythm remind you that progress isn’t likely to happen in a tidy straight line, but that there will be many detours. And these detours are part of the map. And that the places they’ll go might just surprise you.
“You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” We’d love to hear about a time your child took a brave step forward – big or small. Feel free to share in the comments. Your story might just encourage another family to take their own first step.