I continue to assume that things are innate and my kids should come by them naturally. My mom taught us so subtly and consistently, I didn’t recognize them as teaching moments. Whether it was prayers, our faith, manners, or problem solving, these little lessons were seamlessly woven throughout our days. Moreover, growing up in a household of seven kids had us living in our own mini-world where everyone was held to the same standards, each one carrying their own load. That meant putting these little mini-lessons into practice, day in and day out, over and over again. Through it all, my mom was right there with us: elbow to elbow, working right alongside us, role modeling how it all should look. We absorbed all she was teaching us so gradually, it seemed as if we came by our faith and manners and problem solving skills more by nature than by nurture.

The same can be said about Jesus. He was constantly teaching and preaching and role modeling how life should look. He was then challenging His disciples to put it all into practice as He stood beside them, elbow to elbow, helping them work out the kinks.

Sure, I spend plenty of time teaching and preaching and hopefully role modeling. What I don’t do is let my kids take on the problem solving themselves. I haven’t let them learn through trial and error. Instead, I do the lazy-mom thing and solve the problems myself, because it’s faster. Then I toss my kids into a situation where they’ve had no practice, and I get frustrated because they’re all thumbs? Shame on me.

So begins the “Instant Challenge” portion of our summer. Instant Challenges are a Destination Imagination thing where teams are given a list of very specific supplies and a problem. In a certain time frame, the team members must agree on a way to solve the problem, and then execute the solution. Typically adults are not allowed to participate or “interfere” in any way.

But God paired me with my kids for a reason, to pass on to them what has been passed on to me. It’s time for me to get right in the trenches with them for our own Instant Challenges on the back deck. Rather than just coaching them, I need to be elbow to elbow with them as we practice solving problems together, as Team McGarry.

Questions For Reflection:

     * Are there certain skills/things I assumed my kids would innately possess?

     * How can I go about teaching those skills/things to my children?

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My mom was a guest participant in our “Build A Tower” Instant Challenge.

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