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On flying…..

 
Over the summer, I have decided that we need to do one “special” thing a day.  Something that is not chores, or homework but just a way to build some memories.  We have done some science experiments (like baking soda volcanoes) and some art projects but other days our “special” time has been popping popcorn and eating it on a blanket in the loft while watching a movie. 
 
Recently, the kids and I had the opportunity to see the trailer for Disney’s Planes, coming to theaters August 9.  As a family we have loved our well-viewed copies of the Cars movies and so we are excited as a family to go see this next adventure.

 

 

And after seeing the trailer (you can see them too!  Click here) we decided that our own “flying” was in order.  So, we gathered our art supplies for paper airplanes and went to town creating our very own planes.  Aaron even remembered that we had some paper airplane making books so he went and grabbed those and we had fun following the directions to make some fancy-dancy airplanes.

 

 
We made some big ones, some small ones and yet others that were gigantic.  We colored some and left some plain and yet others had some super creative artwork.  Each and every one was unique to its owner. 

 

 
 
Then, it was time to go outside and fly.  And fly we did. Everyone climbed to the highest point of the yard….the top of the play set….and the races began. 

 

 

We had races for the longest flight, the fastest plane, the highest launch, the best twirl and everything else that our minds could think of.  And even some that a two-year-old mind could think of.

 

 

 
And while I judged and launched and laughed and watched my kids with their unique creations, I thought about their own “flying” that they are going to have to do in life.  Each of my kids, like Dusty in the movie, are going to need all the courage they can muster to face some of the challenges life is going to bring…..but I know they have got it in them. 
 
I know that I am a mom who sometimes loves to hover over and keep my kids safe.  It’s just my nature (a tried and true helicopter mom).  I think I just want to protect them from every hurt, or mean word or other catastrophe in their world. I find myself much like Dottie in the movie, Dusty’s trusted mechanic (a darling purple forklift) who wants to keep him grounded in reality and out of danger’s way.  But, like Dottie, I am starting to learn that I that I can’t hover so much…..

 

 
I have to let them fly.  

 

How you encourage your children to try new things and follow their dreams?

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Comments

  1. Bratling says

    I try to strike a balance of “no you’re NOT ALLOWED to do that” and letting them climb and fall out of trees. (Of which we don’t have any good climbing trees around here, anyway.) Like you, I hover. I’m a little overprotective. But on the other hand, I’m realistic. I know I can’t protect them from everything. But we’ve also made it through five years without an emergency trip to the hospital… which is more than my sister can say about hers! And at times, according to Gracie, I’m the “meanest auntie in the universe” which is a title I bear with pride!. (That’s usually after I tell her that no, she’s not allowed to do something that can easily lead to death, dismemberment, or other unspecified injury!)

  2. Sweetbug Studio says

    I am also a helicopter mom by many standards. I like to think of it as holding off against the worlds pressures and scares of today. I want to protect my girls from the worlds scares as long as possible (yet we do share what can happen). I also am known to do this–Please READ (all who see thhis!)this post. It pertains to letting our kids soar by not hovering. I think you will find this woman and her writing inspiring, thought-provoking, and beautiful. The blog is called “Hands Free Mama”. http://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/06/25/stepping-back-to-watch-children-soar/
    Also, there is the most amazing recent post called Stopping the Redlight Excuses. When I read it I wanted every parent to read it!!!!

  3. Mary Ann says

    My kids are in the early and mid-20s and I still have problems with trying not to hover. I can’t really tell them “no” anymore, but I do worry, probably more than I should. But I try not to show that I’m worrying, listen to them, and try to have a positive attitude in what they are attempting to do in life.

  5. SS says

    I am bad at trying to prevent them from getting hurt so I don’t let them try as many things. This summer I have been trying real hard to let them know they can get hurt but it might be worth it if they succeed. So far it’s been working great

  6. Katie says

    We read a lot of books and talk about our dreams to help them maintain their curiosity of the world as well as think that anything’s possible

  8. Mami2jcn says

    I encourage my children to follow their passions for art and music. My 8 year old is a budding artist, my 10 year old plays guitar and drums, and my 3 year old daughter takes ballet. I applaud their accomplishments and motivate them to keep doing their best.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

  10. momo says

    My four children are all grown & gone now. But when they were younger I always tole them to follow their dreams. Life is too short and you should always try to be happy. Have to say I am proud of all four of them.

  16. Momma J says

    I was tired of always being the “no” mom and for the most part allow what is going to happen happen. Most of the time they realize the mistake they made and learn from it which is the best lesson, work through the problem to find a reasonable solution!

  17. kellyr78 says

    I try to involve my kids in sports or activities that interest them. I also practice with them and encourage them to try their best to achieve their goals.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

  19. sallyavena says

    I always tell them “Anything is possible”, but I also go out of my way to show them examples of that as well. It’s the idea of “If he can do it, why can’t I?” attitude…in a positive way of course.
    sallyavena at gmail dot com

  24. Falafel and the Bee says

    My husband’s Mother always told him he could be anything he wants, but always try to be the very best you can at it.
    Give it your all.
    That has been our motto for our girls too.

  26. mayacoleman says

    I like the idea of one special thing each day. I’ve been thinking about all the things I want to make available to my daughter this summer but I’ve gotten too ambitious which defeats the purpose of a slower-paced, lower-stress time of year. It’s nice to just remember that one thing every day is a lot of great memories over the course of the summer.

  32. HilLesha says

    I take the time to listen to my son when he talks about his dreams and passions, even though he is just 7 years old. Even though some may not make sense, I encourage him, and remember that these are his dreams. 🙂

    HilLesha(at)twc(dot)com

  34. Nicole Larsen says

    I encourage my daughter to try new things–types of sports or activities and when I see she is really interested in something I push her to do the best she can at it and constantly be supportive of her in any decision she makes!

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

  38. Lori says

    My so is an airforce pilot and he and his son Isaac, will be in the first row of the theater! Love the planes And the great idea of sonething special every day. Summer isnt the same with my kids all grown up! So many fun times and Everyone out there-treasure them!!!

  39. Dee says

    I have two nieces and I don’t encourage them. However, I do try to inspire them and open them up to new interests by taking them on day trips to local museums, concerts, and storytelling events at the library. We participate in arts and crafts classes once a month and bake together. I spend every Saturday morning and afternoon with them while my brother and his wife work so we try to make it a fun experience each time!

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

  42. Anastasia Fall says

    I encourage them by giving them steps to follow in order to reach their goals They want to go to the anime convention, then first they have to do chores to earn the money to get there! It’s not just about giving them work to do though It’s also about supporting them and helping them find ways to get to where they want to go 🙂

  44. Stephanie Larison says

    I encourage my daughter to keep trying even when she thinks it’s too difficult to go on. I let her know anything that is truely important to her is worth fighting for to press on.

  45. Heather says

    I encourage my kiddos by doing lots of different activities with them to foster a love of trying new things! I also sign them up for classes to help them learn and grow and find undiscovered talents!

  48. Crafts For My Critter says

    My son knows (because I tell him like 40 times a day) that he is smart, kind, important, and loved. I have always been very honest with him about everything, including shots at the doctor. He knows that he can trust me 100% and has faith in my word. If I say he can do something or that he should try something, he believes me and he does. We work as a team!

  49. JC says

    I encourage and support them to experience all they like, enjoy the process of trial and error. It was not always pleasant and smooth, however I do believe you got to give them chances to grow.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  54. kolpin says

    i think the key is to have them try many things, whether it’s in the arts, sports, or intellectual pursuits, and see what they spark to or are good at–even if it’s not necessarily what you desire. it’s best that they find something that they’re passionate about, not what they feel pushed into doing!

    kolpin4680 at gmail dot com

  56. Terra H. says

    I challenge my children to follow their dreams by giving positive reinforcement, motivating them often, and enrolling them in classes or teams that help make those dreams become more a reality. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

  59. pauline15 says

    I help my kids by opening them up to new opportunities. For example, my son loves playing video games which would sometimes drive me crazy since I would have to yell to get him off of the PS3. So this summer, instead of yelling, I signed him up for a summer computer programming camp for kids at our local University and it’s been awesome! He’s programmed his own ninja video game and has found something that he truly loves and wants to continue learning about!
    pauline15_01(at)Hotmail(dot)com

  62. bunnyswagg says

    Encourage the kids to be different, try different things, and solve the same problem multiple ways. Challenge your kids to get outside their comfort zone and build them up.

  66. clynsg says

    My kids are older, so the encouragement frequently consists of being a sounding board as they think out pros and cons, ins and outs of different things. I sometimes point out things they don’t seem to have considered, but it is pretty self-directed by now.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail . com

  67. one frugal lady says

    I sit with my kids once a month to make a schedule, and I love when they have tons of feedback! IT’s something to look forward to every month, even if it is as small as a trip to the library or learning a new sport!
    I also show my kids that hard work pays off, my husband and I are in the process of opening our own business, so the kids really see how things can happen if you really try!

  83. Betty C says

    My children are adults now but I always tried to find ways to let them achieve small steps on the way to a big goal.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

  87. Buddy Garrett says

    From their earliest ages I have encouraged them to explore new avenues and to pursue their interests. We have participated as a family in their pursuits and offered positive reinforcement by praising their activities.

  90. Susan Smoaks says

    I encourage our kids to reach for their goals by asking them how they are doing, what they want to do and how they plan to do it!

    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

  99. MANDY83 says

    I always tell them to believe in themselves and that you wont know if you like something or not unless you try it!
    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

  103. ellie says

    We encourage our boys to try whatever they think they would like to do. Sometimes they realize it’s not for them. As in the case with karate. But sometimes it’s something that becomes a passion, like baseball. As long as they find something they really care about it and give it their all, we are happy.

  109. Melinda says

    I encourage him to try new things and expose him to many new things – granted he’s only 8 months, but new book, new toys, new textures, rain on his skin, puddles after the warm summer storms, sandy beaches etc
    You never know what you’ll want to be or do in life until you know what’s out there!