How To Fix A Problem
The other day, my daughter and I finished one of our epic walks with a stop at our local park. She wanted to practice her scooter tricks on the hill, race around the paths and climb a tree. I sat under a big tree watching her and thinking about how fast she is growing up, taking new risks and gaining freedom. When she was done her adventures and ready to go, we walked together talking about the day. We came up to a huge puddle and I jumped over it and kept walking. When I sensed that Kara wasn’t beside me, I looked back to see her completely puzzled about what to do. It was a classic parenting moment when my heart wanted to swoop in and solve the problem for my girl while my brain reminded me that this is another chance for her to build skills and get ready for the world! Kara was stuck and because I didn’t swoop in with suggestions, she stayed stuck. She looked up and said, “MUM! What do I do?” and I answered with something like, “There are lots of choices. You pick!” She didn’t like this answer more than any other kid would. But I held my ground and watched her struggle for a while until she said “There must be a right thing to do. There always is.” I asked Kara to tell me the choices she thought she had. Her predicament made me think of how often as adults we react this way. We tend to think that if we dedicate enough time, thought and research to something that we will figure out the one, best solution too. But the truth is, there are often many great options to choose from and sometimes you’ve just got to pick one and go for it…which is what Kara and I talked about on the way home!