Noah, Maddie and Jack-of-All-Trades

I've often found myself knowing a little about a lot of things, and being comfortable in vastly different situations. My parents were mindful about exposing me to many different activities, kinds of people, etc. For this I am thankful. I can change the oil in my car, appreciate an opera, sail a boat and create a website, among other things. This is something that I've always appreciated and dearly loved about John as well. He will go anywhere, and befriend anyone all with a smile on his face.

This became a topic of conversation for us. The night before we went to the cabin for a week with the kids we had the opportunity to take in a live classical music performance. About 1/2 way through the performance, I glanced down at Johns hands. Rough, scraped up, strong...just like him. But there he was enjoying this soft, tender beautiful musical performance. We talked about how we wish that type of balance for our kids as well. I wish for them to be able to love, appreciate and understand sports, music, people, social graces, art, tools, animals, games, trivia, humor, nature, and more. Everything the world has to offer. I want Madeline to be able to change the oil on her car and then turn around and put on a beautiful dress and head out on the town. I want Jack to understand how it feels to really dance and then head outside and fish the afternoon away. I want Noah to appreciate the adventure of a good storybook and then cook an ethnic meal for our family.

I want them to try. Try new things, new looks, new friends, new foods, new experiences. Its okay for Jack to have painted toenails and wear a ring. Its okay for Madeline to play in the dirt and sand, its okay to have Noah wear a pink leopard print fleece sweatshirt (side story: Noah had a very substantial diaper episode at ECFE one night and I had no extra clothes with me. Luckily they have extras at school for such incidents. However the only thing they had that would fit him was this super bright pink leopard print fleece...I did have to remind myself that it was okay). I want them to try and not be afraid. I feel once you have a new experience, not only will it help you when you do that same thing again, but what you've learned will make other new experiences more appealing, easier and familiar, and push you to try more. The question that then comes is, how do I as their parent find the mommy-balance that I need in keeping them close and letting them try?

The truth is that I believe all parents want this for their kids. I need this for myself. I need to be balanced and I am more comfortable being a "Jill-of-all-Trades" than a Master of One. I just hope that they enjoy this varied, multi-colored, roller coaster ride of a growing up experience.