“Daddy, I need to go to the bathroom,” said Amelie.
“Me too.” replied Mandy.
So I get them in the cart and run across Whole Foods. After a good strong push I hop on the back of the cart and send the cart cruising down the main aisle. The kids have a smile ear to ear and so do I.
*Yes, now that I am the dad I can do that without being scolded, unless of course my wife is around. 😉
We find the bathroom door and go inside.
The kids go to the bathroom, wash their hands, and now they are staring at the hand dryer with fear in their eyes.
I am not talking about the hand dryers they use to have when I was a kid. The ones that you had to punch the button and it would blow with the same intensity as a hair dryer on the low setting. Your hands still were wet when you finished.
These new hand dryers feel like a wind turbine blasting every water molecule away from your hands. They are also really loud.
So I did what any good dad would do. I inserted my hands under it but I added a dance which invited them to join.
Then I felt awkward.
The kids had long finished drying their hands and were now staring at my display of choreography. I was knocked out of my flow when I noticed that a gentlemen had just come out of the stall and was waiting to use it.
I learned three lessons:
1) An invitation always feels better than a command.
I didn’t tell the kids they had to dry their hands in the scary turbine. I invited them to dance with me under the wind.
2) Being silly in public places puts a smile on your face and those around you.
I was beaming during and after my performance. The guy waiting for me also had a smile. The kids eyes were filled with joy and seem to be saying, “That’s my dad.” At least that is my interpretation and I am sticking to it.
3) Kids learn by example.
Like I said above, I didn’t tell them, I showed them what to do. Now when they see the super hand dryers they do a little jig as well.
Each experience in your life has something to teach you. The question is are you listening and embracing them?
Cheers,
Armando
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