Wow! I thought getting a puppy a few weeks ago would encourage teamwork and responsibility.
Did it work?Yes…and no.
Was that expected?
Yes…and no.
See, getting a puppy has, in fact, brought our family closer, but my teen sons have not yet been consistently responsible.
So, why not?
Change takes time; it takes effort.
Were my expectations unrealistic?
Perhaps
This isn’t the teach a man to fish story; this is a story about empowering my teens to juggle a bit better.
To say they were juggling well before would be an understatement. The were juggling about as well as a three year old on the soccer field…tripping along the way.
So, how do I help them build these skills–to ultimately become more responsible and “free?”
I work with my wife to model these skills. I reinforce the positive things they’re doing. I steer clear of constantly monitoring them. I stay “in my lane.” I have to know my lane before I stay there.
How does that happen?
Conversations…open and honest ones. The four of us MUST know what our responsible for in order to stay in our lanes.