Toot to the Moon!

“Hey Papa, wouldn’t it be so funny if someone wrote a story about a boy who tooted so big he went to the moon!?!”

My son burst out laughing at his idea.  So much so it was contagious and my wife and I joined into his joyous giggling.  I began asking him some questions:

“What would the boys name be?”

“What is the name of this book?”

“What things would he see on the moon?”

After responding with some wonderful answers, my son had created a wonderful silly story all his own.  Toot to the Moon!  By joining into the magic of his creativity and asking questions, his silly story idea was beginning to take form into his first book at the age of 6. I turned to my son and said, “Looks like you have already written this story.”  A concerned look crossed his face.  “Papa, I don’t know how to write.”

It hit me at this moment- I’ve used the same excuses myself.  When I began Remarkable Fathers I had great ideas, but I did not know how to make a website, write a blog… and who am I to create a dialogue around parenting?  But I had support and I knew that I would need help.

I sat beside him.  “What if I helped you write it?  You could tell me what to write and I can show you how to do it.”  His face lit up.  “Oh yeah, for sure I can do that!”

Our children are full of creative energy and ideas!  Co-Creating with them will increase their confidence, build a strong bond, and help them to realize their potential as important beings.  Allow your child to initiate and take the lead.  It is important to allow them the space to be the leader sometimes.  Allow their creativity to flow, and facilitate a space for them shine.

Please share how you are co-creating with your children or what you’ve done in the past.   When you share, we all learn and become better parents!

Photo by: Francisco Alvarez Bao