Greetings from Winfield City Schools,
As I have aged, the more I’ve enjoyed reading. The words from a good book can paint a picture in your mind that no special effects movie will ever do justice. Some books are for occupational growth, others for leisure, and yet some can teach life lessons. This excerpt will be to share about a life lesson book called, “The Book of Shame”. This is a popular book with a specific age group and gender. More often than not, it is for older males with a storyline that gives a reflection on life. Of course, I am making up a book that exists in our thoughts as we age. You see, I’ve read the “Book of Shame” and often thought how I wish I could have been more attentive to my spouse when we were younger. I should have washed more dishes, been more understanding of her need for personal time after a day of work at her job, taking care of children, making supper, cleaning house, and getting everything ready for the next day of work and school. It seems that in the formative years of our lives that we (especially males-sorry guys but I’ve got to call them like I see them) are more selfish instead of being selfless.
The “Book of Shame” can also be a reflective read that celebrates success on a life well lived. Really? Of course, the opportunity to impact the lives of your family (male or female) starts with the investment that you make during the formative years. Those youngsters are so curious and full of trust in the elementary school years. Invest in their curiosity and hold them accountable while doing so even when you are so tired you don’t think you can. Ask them about their day and allow them to skin their knees a little bit even when you want to step in and prevent that from happening. Sometimes, those little moments teach life lessons that become positive habits.
The chapters of the book that attend to the middle school years can be most frustrating. Those trusting souls develop extra portions of estrogen and testosterone. The curiosity at this age might not be as innocent as the elementary years. However, still let them skin those knees (with attentive guidance along the way) and continue to invest in their lives. Ask them about their day (I’m so tired. I know. Do it anyways.), and uplift your spouse (two way street) every chance you can. You’re in this together. Hey this book read is getting better. Get ready. Here comes high school.
One of the most memorable events in my life was when a group of older gentleman sat me down and told me about all of the things that was going to happen to me when I got older (Their words were so true). Most were health related, and I listened with some attentiveness as they mentored me. Then, they gave me a directive. I was commissioned to take my wife on a date (I found this a bit curious, but ok, I’ll play along). Two rules were emphatic in this arrangement. You can’t talk about children, and you can’t talk about work. My children were high school age when I received these words of wisdom. We went on our date and stared at each other. To say the dialogue was awkward would be an understatement. But I digress, to the high school years. Continue to ask your children about their days. Make time for them no matter how tired you are. Give your spouse help. About to say this with caution, but have kind words for each other even if you are divorced (I was a child from a divorced family). And yes, still let them skin those knees with firmness and fairness. In doing this, the book will continue to be a better read (Heck, you might even change the name-“The Book of a little bit of Shame”).