"Son!" My dad's voice rang out from across the yard. I knew he was calling for me to come. As I trotted toward where he was a few thoughts ran through my mind. The first was, "oh no, what did I do?". The second was, "will I get in trouble?". Finally, I thought maybe he needs help with something. As I rounded the corner of the house I immediately knew what he wanted.
"Unexpected"! That was my wife's response when I asked her how the day had gone. And what was the cause of the unexpected, unaccomplished, interrupt riddled, stress-filled day?
Research has estimated the average person makes more than 35,000 decisions every day. I'm pretty sure my wife makes way more than that, seeing that she is asked between 300-1000 questions each day. No wonder she never knows where she wants to go for dinner when we go on our dates. Maybe you can relate.
Having had differing educational experiences, my wife and I had many conversations over the years concerning the educational journey of our kids. But in making these decisions we recognize there is another major influence we want in our kids' lives.
Recognizing the voices in heated debate as two of my children, I quickly realized I had just walked into the middle of another sibling's argument over some injustice that had taken place. The problem was they immediately wanted me to be the judge, jury, and executioner.
This transition from activity to identity is so subtle and often subconscious. With kids, they often are unaware of the distinction between what I do and who I am.