On Tying Laces and Other Such Important Things.

I decided that my youngest needed to learn to tie her shoe laces for many reasons, some more lofty than others. Well you see if she could master seemedly complex processes early, maybe run of the mill processes would not appear intimidating to her (on a more selfish note its just plain easier for her to do it). When she did get the hang of the shoe tying the sense of accomplishment that engulfed her entire demeanor told me that I did right.

But in taking her through the ins and outs of laces, I was able to realise that everything has a process. Additionally, some processes have to frustrate and break you in order to build you up again even stronger. Before I started I researched the project electronically and found that there is actually quite the font of literature on lace tying but because I was not inclined to spend on same, my options were severely limited. That's when I found http://www.newbalance.com/kids/, it has a virtual shoe tying experience which I used to initiate my daughter into the task at hand (please excuse the painful pun) that was both fun and informative to her.

I then had to simplify each step into terminology that could resonate in her memory and evoke visuals enabling her to translate theory into practise. Big words aside, I saw where she understood and had genuine light bulb moments-what a joy to behold-because of terms like "bunny ears" and "bunny mouth". It wasn't all fun and games though because there were times when her aggravation with her little fingers not doing exactly what she wanted, led to tears. But when she worked through those moments the breakthrough followed almost immediately after.

Is that what parenting is about-encouraging children through the trying times because breakthrough works hand in hand with breakdown? I think so.