I Need a Fork

I’m trying to get better at doing nothing.

Like two days ago, when my kids were arguing over who got to use the computer first. And one of them suggested a compromise that didn’t seem at all fair. And my knee-jerk response was to get involved and make things right. But everyone agreed. And everyone was happy. So I didn’t do anything. 

Or yesterday, when my son didn’t want to do his schoolwork. I left him alone for a few minutes, and went into the kitchen. He disappeared briefly, and when he returned, I heard the clicking of computer keys as he worked on his language arts assignment.

I accidentally discovered that sometimes not doing anything at all is a good thing, because it gives someone else a chance to do something. And giving someone else a chance to do something is a very good thing, because I want my kids to be problem solvers.

I want them to have real experience solving real-life problems:

• “I need a fork, but the silverware drawer is empty.”
• “My clothes are finished washing, but the dryer is full.”

Sounds odd to say that I’ll practice doing nothing, but that’s exactly what I’ll do. And maybe being slow to respond is a good start. Which sounds a lot like procrastinating…

I should be very, very good at this. 🙂