Yesterday my husband Wade took the day off (that's one of the really cool things about having your own business!). The only bad thing about yesterday is that two of the kids are still sick-they have that cold with the horrible cough and congestion.
So, needless to say, I've been going a little stir crazy and was so happy for the extra help.
The kids were excited too. They love spending time with their Dad.
In fact, on days he does work, there's a terrible commotion when he comes home. As soon as the van pulls in the driveway, the kids run to the window and start yelling, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" in that familiar, excited child chant. Next, as Wade comes up the sidewalk, they all scramble to get to the front door-usually getting in trouble for pushing to see who gets to stand right at the opening. Finally, the front door opens, and everyone cries, "Daddy, you're home!" They jump up and down while they wait for their turn to be picked up and hug.
There's nothing my kids like more than spending time with their Dad, and I hope the same is true for you too!
So, on Wade's day home yesterday, he decided that he needed to get the garage organized. Of course, everyone wanted to go out and help; and I was just to eager to get some breathing space. Since the garage is heated, they could have a little fun without it slowing down their immune system.
They were probably out there for three hours, but it seemed like only three minutes before they were back inside and desperate for something to eat.
As I fixed them something, I listened to stories from the garage. One that nine-year-old Nathan told me really caught my attention.
Wade prefaced the story with the fact that he's teaching Nathan to be a problem solver. While they had been working, he told Nathan about a problem and how it was solved.
Afterward, Wade had asked Nathan, "Do you see how you can solve any problem when you want to?"
"Yeah," Nathan had answered, "well, yeah, except I know I can't lift a car?"
How like Nathan. He is so exact and tries to immediately think about any exception that may exist to any statement or principle.
But now Nathan picked up telling the story, "Yeah," he laughed, "I told Daddy there was no way I could lift a car!"
I was all ears.
"So, Daddy said I could do anything I wanted and took me over to the car and I lifted the car."
What! Nathan lifted a car? Did Wade tap into some type of mental super-strength for my child to lift the front of a car?
"So," I asked, wide-eyed, "how exactly did you lift the car?" I wasn't really sure I was prepared for the answer!
"It was easy," Nathan said with sparkling eyes, "I put a jack under it and pumped it up."
"That's wonderful!" I exclaimed, amazed at my husbands lesson. It was actually two lessons: 1. You can solve any problem, and 2. Think beyond the obvious.
I needed that lesson. When I was thinking about lifting a car, the only thing in my mind was someone putting their two hands under the bumper and lifting it up. But in actuality, using your mind to come up with a solution is more powerful.
That's the type of thinking that allowed a man to invent the steam engine. That's the kind of thinking that allows us to drive 70 miles an hour in vehicles of total luxury. That's the kind of thinking that got a man on the moon.
The lesson to use your mind to find solutions for the "impossible" is more valuable than I can describe. Take a moment today to reveal to your children the awesome power they possess!
Laura Bankston is author of Cooking with Kids Curriculum: "Homeschool Cooking in a Box" and the "Homeschool Cookbook". She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com
limousine service Round Lake .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareFor many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
It's no surprise that the self-image and self-esteem of overweight... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not... Read More
You know that children can get into trouble. The older... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
The big yellow school bus is coming down my road... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Children do what feels good to them and follow their... Read More
The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More
Sex has a lot to answer for ? babies usually... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
In June, elementary school children across North America cheered as... Read More
Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
St. Charles cheap limo service ..Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More
Parenting |