Lessons Can Be Learned, Even on Summer Break

As the kiddos and I started preparing last night for this morning...the first day of school...I suddenly realized I didn't see them read a single book or do a single math problem the entire summer break. Now, before you shake your finger at me, I also realized last night all that they did learn over the summer. Let's begin at the top, my oldest son, now a week into college and away from Mankato. In those final couple of weeks before we moved him out, I think he learned how important his family is to him. He made it home in time for dinner a little more often. He stopped playing video games to play board games with his sisters. And he spent more time sitting on the couch with his dad and me, just talking. My next oldest, my 15– year–old son, got his driver's permit this summer (okay, so that learning curve will take more than a few months and will probably be the topic of more than one future blog.) So, let's move on. He did learn the value of hard work. With his eye on the soon–to–be–released PS 4 gaming system, he got up early for a month of summer days in a row to pollinate corn at Pioneer. Not easy work, but worth it he knows, because he got enough cash to buy the PS4 and even a few games besides. There is a bonus lesson here, because he did all that work, already spent the money, and still has to wait for the goods! Patience! My daughter, at age 12, loves to bake. She does not, however, like to clean up afterward. So we've been working on that with constant reminders to pick up after yourself and do it right and thoroughly the first time. This has been a long row to hoe with her. So, I almost fainted Sunday afternoon, when she had just finished baking her brother his favorite snack (a rare showing of sibling compassion) and before I could even open my mouth to utter a reminder, she grabbed a rag and wiped off the counters. But wait, there's more! She then got the broom...which was ALL THE WAY over in the pantry closet...and swept up! Then, there is my youngest daughter, who last year needed me to help make her lunch and organize her clothes and such for school. Last night before I could even ask what she wanted, she had her lunch made (PBJ sandwich, apple, string cheese, carrots (but no dip, she wasn't sure if that would keep) and a granola bar with chocolate chips.) Not too shabby. And not only did she have her outfit placed neatly over the chair in her room, she already had her shoes found (another issue at times last year as she raced to catch the bus) and placed them by the front door. So lessons were learned this summer. Important ones. But perhaps I learned the greatest lesson of all. That my kids are becoming more self sufficient. They are figuring things out on their own. I learned that it is time for me to let go...just a bit...as we all learn to live The Good Life.