A Whirlpool That Went Somewhere

“3, 2, 1!” yelled the lifeguard.  Slowly the whirlpool began to form.  I watched in amazement as the group of children, teenagers, and young adults walked, floated, kicked and swam around in a circle in the pool.  Their laughter was carried throughout the beautiful summer evening.  “OK, now switch directions!” chanted the young woman through the megaphone.  A few of the teenagers reached out and assisted younger children as the flow of the water changed.  Smiles, laughter, and screams of joy commenced.  In this simple exercise of creating a whirlpool those who were older reached down to the younger ones and showed them how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  In doing so everyone shared in real fun that did not involve technology, media, or electricity. 

It struck me, in that moment, that the key to the whirlpool was the older children “bringing along” and encouraging the younger ones.  This brought to mind a time in my own home when I had observed one of my own sons writing in his younger sister’s reading log.  I hurried over to correct him but stopped myself mid-sentence when I read, “Great job reading.  Keep working hard!”  He was encouraging her, which was something his teacher regularly did for him.  I was so pleased particularly when his sister later read this comment and gave him a big hug!

Our children crave natural mentoring relationships where they can observe positive behaviors and be “brought along” or given encouragement.  For those of you who are unsure of where to find this type of connection for your child; some places to begin your search are your church/synagogue/religious institution, Boy or Girl Scout Troop, neighborhood, or even your own home (e.g. older sibling).  I encourage you to seek out these relationships and opportunities for your children.  Sometimes they happen naturally and sometimes it will take more effort on our part as a parent.  Either way, they are worth it! 

Please feel free to send comments and questions to tackle in upcoming blogs.  You can comment on this blog or email questions to Laurenrand7@gmail.com.

Founded in 2010, Lauren M. Rand Consulting, LLC is unique in its approach of combining expertise in understanding the variety of ways that students can learn, knowledge of curriculum in area schools, experience within the education setting, and a willingness to support the individual as s/he grows the necessary skills of independent thinking and learning.  Lauren Rand provides educational consulting, parental training/support, comprehensive college planning and placement, and specialized learning instruction.  If you would like an individual consultation please feel free to contact her at www.laurenrandconsulting.com or 860-212-1325.