It has been a crazy week. I cannot remember a week so full of changes like this ever before.
We had a great time at Banner Elk with some family and friends, came back Monday and adopted our two new children, moved our oldest daughter to her new room, and put together a bunch of furniture. All this activity and the contractor is still building our deck and minor touch up to the room addition.
As I was putting together furniture my son had his tools and wanted to help. He talks a mile a minute and apparently I did not hide my frustration. As he approached me for the tenth time to convince me that he knew how to put together the bed.... I lost it. He looked at me and asked "Daddy, why are you so upset, what did I do". It was at that point I realized the stress of trying to make everything perfect for the kids really did not matter. They would rather me listen or play.
It is so hard to remember that. This is such a special time for us. Two wonderful children adopted and in a good home, so loving and fun. I am blessed to have them in my life and so overwhelmed with the grace my wife gives me for so many stupid actions...
Here are pictures of the remodeled garage, which is now the 4th bedroom
Saturday, March 3, 2007
It's 1:35 AM
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I learned this lesson early on as well. I think every kid is very capable of helping; in fact this is the way they learn. I think most adults underestimate kids’ abilities and cut them off from so many wonderful opportunities to learn. Think about it…..how often do you stand and teach your kid verbally. It is all what they “see” you do and what you “give” them to do. Once I realized this I challenged myself to plan ahead for the things Max could help me do. Even things that did not matter to the project, as long as he felt part of the process he was happy. I also realized that I was not only teaching him to paint or build I was showing him how to be patient during a project, that we all make mistakes and in the end how to enjoy the moment. In turn it helped me grow more patient (not perfectly).
Great point James, it is something we all need to keep in mind.
If you want to test it give your kids a bottle of Windex and some paper towels. Show them how to clean the window and tell them to call you when they are done. Watch from a distance. It's a game and its learning. When you come to "inspect" fill them with praise for a job well done and just watch their little face light up. Those little things throughout their lives should culminate in an adult that has a good work ethic and is self confident. They just want to be little adults. They have a drive to please you and show you they can be "big kids". Nurture that. Enjoy that!
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