Go Fish!

Each week, after scouts, the boys disappear into one of the classrooms at the church to play Go Fish! This only lasts about 10 minutes before all the parents inevitably break up the fun because it is time to go home. After weeks of hearing, "Mom, we need longer to just play and be kids!" I decided it was time to grant this request. We chose Saturday, November 12th, because all the older brothers would be going camping with the Boy Scout Troop and be out of the way. It was perfect. We bought Goldfish crackers and Swedish Fish. We set up a table just for the girls and one just for the boys, put some card out and let them have fun. Ironically, they played Go Fish for about 20 minutes and then headed outside to play football. That lasted about a half an hour before they came in and asked if they could challenge each other to a Mario Kart battle on the Wii. It was interesting to watch this normally unruly group of boys who like to argue and fight during cub scouts, work out a system of making sure that everyone got a turn to race. I sat back and watched the whole time and didn't have to say anything to anyone. They played so well together and it was all because I just let them be themselves. I was there to make sure that no one got hurt, I didn't direct what or how they did anything. When given the chance to show responsibility and maturity kids will not disappoint you. I am learning that a little bit of leeway in decision making pays big dividends. By the time everyone went home they were all fast friends. It was awesome to see them learn to work as a group.

I think there is a theme developing in the last two posts - Parents, back off on the schedule thing and let the kids have a say. They might just amaze and surprise you!

The Awesome Girls - Serena, Naomi and Rachel. I hardly saw them the whole time. They were buried in Naomi's room making creative crafts and playing girly things.

The Rowdy Boys - Isaac, Hunter, Nicholas, Joshua, Grover and Scott.