Teaching/Parenting

Sheila and I frequently comment that parenting is easily the hardest job we've ever had. Also the most rewarding...most of the time. But a ton of work. I'm sure some would object to classifying parenting as a job, but we come from the mindset of working hard and deliberately at parenting and not just winging it. Of course that brings chuckles to some as Sheila and I don't have a whole lot of "winging it" in us for any topic.

In parenting so much learning is watching & replicating the behaviors of others. Usually that comes from Mom and Dad, but also comes from school teachers, babysitters, extended family, or friends. As a parent of a child in Kindergarten I am really starting to understand why Mom and Dad wouldn't let me play with certain kids growing up. I was emulating their behavior and they didn't want me to think that behavior was okay.

Well onto what goes down as Sheila and I's proudest moments as parent in our limited 6+ year history. Sasha's Kindergarten class is doing a Dance Marathon to benefit the UI Children's Hospital. The girls know both these organizations well since Sheila is heavily involved in both because of her role at the UI Foundation. For the DM at Sasha's school she was tasked with rounding up coins of all shapes and sizes to donate to the cause to help kids that are sick. During the process of deciding where to get this money Sasha emphatically states, "Well I don't want any of my money, I want to give it all to the Children's Hospital!" After probing to make sure she was serious we had her retrieve her piggy bank where she puts any coins she finds, occasional rewards from Mom and Dad, etc. While she was counting her money Kira abruptly followed suit saying, "I want to give my money too so sick kids can go home to their families sooner!". Sure enough, both emptied their piggy banks, to the tune of $12.41. Sheila and I matched it to show our support and off the money went with Sasha to school.

Sheila burst into tears and I was overwhelmed at our kids generosity. It was an amazing moment for our family, and one that I hope is the beginning of a lifetime of community giving and overall generosity from our children!