A child's drawing of the "Dad Olympics"

The image above is called "Dad's Olympic Gymnastics" by the young artist who created it on a paper placemat.

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Is It Really Work?

Tim Graves, M.S.Ed.

 

At the end of a day I am often reminded of a definition of work from a freshman physics class. If my aging brain recalls correctly, no matter how much energy is expended, work does not occur unless a result is achieved.

I could push on a huge boulder for eight hours every day but if it doesn't move, I have not been working. I can run back and forth between home and work all day long but if the children don't get their needs met, I have not been working. I can spend hours on end day in and day out telling my child to pick up his/her room or wear socks or not to bite but if the behavior doesn't change, I have not been working.

As a working parent I'm not sure I always like that definition of work. I want to believe that even when I don't see immediate changes in my children, work is occurring. Growth is happening.

Sometimes to believe that work is occurring with my children, I have to look for small signs: a positive comment from sibling to sibling, a smile and "I love you" when I get home at night, or a well-ordered desk amid a disorderly room.

And sometimes I have to expend additional energy with my children. I have to read about, talk about, and attempt a variety of techniques. I have to relax and enjoy their company.

And sometimes I simply have to have faith in myself and my children that "work" is happening.

©Copyright, 1993 Timothy R. Graves.  All Rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce for use with parents and families of young children is granted provided no financial gain is involved and this copyright notice is included. Mr. Graves would appreciate any feedback and knowing how and when you use this document. Please let him know by writing Training Wheels for Early Childhood Education at 1981 Decatur Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 or sending an e-mail to timgraves@trainingwheels4ece.com. Additional articles and handouts can be found at www.trainingwheels4ece.com