Teach a Child Involvement

I know you're busy. We're all in the same fast lane of life. Personally, I have two speeds, slow and hysterical. 

For our children, whether first generation kids or second, our grandchildren, they all need routine and involvement. Since a child can't drive, that means you need to play chauffeur.

When Jim was little, a trip to the try cleaners turned into a field trip. The owner was happy to show him how the press worked. For our youngest two, Leenie and Mandi, a stop in front of an elevator on the way home from pre-school as farmers dropped off their grain taught them how others work.

For our granddaughter, Shyloe, a special poster she made about re-cycling, led to meeting the mayor and an invitation to speak at City Council ... all because Mommy, Amanda, took the time to drive her to the appointments of a seven-year-old.

Teach them to be involved in their community by being involved in their lives.

Shyloe and the Mayor Show How to Succeed

My new children's picture book, Shyloe and the Mayor, is now available on amazon.com. This charming little book shows how to encourage children in leadership and "doing."

Many of our children, much older than Shyloe, have already lost their nerve to step up and be part of the solution. In my book, Shyloe is passionate about littering. So, she does something about it.

The secret to her success is the support from her mother. Momma doesn't say, "Wait until you're older." She doesn't discourage her by adding, "Shyloe, you are only seven years old." She helps Shyloe accomplish her dream of making a difference by letting her do what she can do, within the ability of her age. 

You can help your child, your grandchild, or the kids next door by listening to them, encouraging them, and by validating their plans. Children are thrilled when you get down on their level and validate their experience … when you really “see” them.

One of the men in one of the churches we served greeted our daughter every Sunday with, “Good morning ornery.” 

Aunt Ollie said, “Vicki always has that look … what can I get into now?” They certainly let her know they saw her and she was of value in their world.

My aunts and uncles were all encouragers.  If I told Aunt Ollie I was going to build a rocket so I could go up and walk on the moon, she wouldn't have dismissed my idea as foolish. And, she wouldn't have laughed or mocked me, crushing my dream and making me leery of steeping forward in the future. She would have smiled and said, "Well, take along a camera. I want to see the pictures when you get back."

Are we lifting up our children so they can be doers? Or, are we discouraging them by shooing them away while we work or even play games? We hold the keys to their success. Help them be doers not don'ters.

A New Beginning

We live in strange times, my friend. People no longer create new ideas. They steal the work and creativity of others. Because they can hack, doesn't make them original. It makes them nothing more than hackers.
As time goes along I will post new thoughts. Log on and catch up. Let me know you're still there.
Thank you for your patience.