Children Can BE TEACHERS TOO!

FRUSTRATED IS IN MY VOCABULARY TOO!

I am still recovering from 14 days of hosting my grandchildren and certainly have a more deep appreciation of our quiet, empty nest.  As in most recollections of time and being glass is half full type of person, I treasure so many moments. My grandchildren, Eli who is starting kindergarten next year, and Evie who will soon be 3 helped me review parenting skills from years ago and guided me to new learning.

Much to Eli and Evie’s disappointment, we had very little snow during their visit but just a slight covering of snow and a frozen pond which was all they needed to enjoy their soon to be called ‘Nature Walks’.  It was definitely a review for me to remember examining the world through a child’s eyes. I also soon remembered how much easier and often more productive it is to enjoy time with one child at a time. Before Eli started our first walk which he then named a “Nature Walk”, I decided we should make a map of where we were going.  We live on a golf course and woods so we have some space to travel. I was truly amazed when he agreed and actually made a sketchy map. He wanted to take a magnifying glass he had brought and I suggested we take an old set of binoculars. Eli soon identified deer footprints to follow. He also saw ponds with frozen water for the first time...California boy.   We gathered rocks to listen to the sound when the rocks hit the solid ice and talked about the danger of walking on ice if the ice is not completely frozen.  

We did take Evie on our second walk and of course, she decided to lay in a sand trap.  As I sighed, Eli asked me if I was frustrated. I had to laugh to myself...Oh Eli...frustrated is in my vocabulary too

WHERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS….DIRECTIONS???

We spent a lot of time building with legos, reading books that belonged to their mother, but one observation I made is still making me think.  I got out the old wooden, Playschool puzzles. I showed Eli the puzzle and then we dumped the pieces out on the table. He kept turning the puzzle over to see if there were directions. Is this a new or old type of problem-solving???

Having many years of parenting and teaching, I also quickly thought of making an obstacle course in our basement...old idea from years ago.  Eli and Evie quickly got the idea and used bean bag chairs, exercise mats, a stool, slide, and basketball net to create a course...  American Ninja Warrior.

Where are the Directions?

CHILDREN SOMETIMES BECOME A REALTOR’S BEST FRIENDs

Buyers and Sellers often ask if I mind when they bring their children when touring homes. This can be a challenge for the parents, but many times my clients have no other choice.  One of my favorite stories is about two, very active young boys that I could see were a challenge for their parents that were experiencing a very stressful time related to health and moving.  I taught the boys the Yoga Tree Pose and we had several contests. They were competitive and loved the challenge and of course, they were quiet and stayed in one place. We also pretended each kitchen with an island was McDonald’s and we ordered and served the items on the menu.  So many skills are needed when helping all types of families...but I LOVE HELPING PEOPLE. So thankful Eli and Evie helped me review and learn new skills. 

When I know I will have children with me when touring areas and homes, I prepare for a road trip for my special guests. Drinks, snacks, books, legos, and washable crayons and paper are packed in the car. Most of my clients are so surprised. Parents must give permission for snacks before they come out of the bag and bring car seats for all.

My Surprise bag

This is a bag I keep handy when I know there are going to be children on board.