Growing Kids

I am fearful! I'm also excited. I am currently a mix of the many emotions that every parent will go through as their kids grow up. And, as every parent navigates these times of child development, there are times where you chuckle, shake your head and ask, "Did that just happen?" Or, you stand up tall, stick the chest out and say, "That's my kid!" Well, I have experienced both of these in the last month, and that is just with Rachel.

Last month, out of the blue, Rachel announces to Janda that she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Knowing that she already wants to go to a hotel with some friends, swim and stay the night, Janda could only begin to imagine what she wanted to do. Well, the words spoken both surprised Janda and made her proud. Of all the things a soon to be 10 year old girl would want to do, she wants to be unselfish. She wants to give on her birthday. I won't go into details yet, just know that for a 10 year old to be to want to give for her birthday is indeed a miracle AND the moment I wanted to stick my chest out and say, "That's my kid!" And yes, the details of what she wants to do for her birthday will be posted sometime around January 1st, give or take a couple days.

Now, the moment in which caused fear, and the shaking of the head and asking, "Did that just happen" was in the early part of this passed week. Now, I know that my little darling girl will break many a hearts. And like any dad of a little girl, I also have a deep desire to lock her in her room until she is 30 (35 if I could get away with it). However, this moment had nothing to do with a boy...and I'm glad Janda is the one that she talked to about this...ummm...."problem". (Here is where you need to remember Rachel is turning 10 in FEBRUARY.) It seems Rachel is upset about development. After hearing a wonderful explanation from Janda, Rachel was less concerned about her rate of "maturity." For that, I am thankful. As for me...well....my thoughts are as follows:

Now that Janda has convinced her she is NOT ready for boobs, am I? WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! I'm in no way ready for my little one to have boobs!!! Dear, God!!! HELP!!! Amen!

Give me a couple more days, and I MIGHT be ready to share about Ethan's moments.

American Idol and Celebrity Apprentice

I'm not one to consider myself a reality junkie. As a matter of fact, the best reality shows I can think of are the ones that come in sport form. March Madness is quickly approaching. Spring ball is going strong and th NBA and NHL are nearing its completion in a couple months. However, for as much as I love those "reality" moments, there are two shows that I somehow always find myself entranced by - American Idol and Celebrity Apprenctice.

The two shows are a display in contrasting formats. One pits a bunch of unknowns together competing to make it big. The other pits those who have made it big competing for serious bucks for their charity. One, the contestants seek the adoration of America, the other seeking the Donald's good graces. Both shows eliminate contestants, one through fan voting, the other through a firing. Yet, despite these differences, I am noticing one similarity...a very LARGE similarity - EGO.

In the tryout portion of American Idol, people of all walks ar continually rejected despite their "talent" that is the best of all those trying out. It is their right to be on the show and the judges have just taken that right away from them. Who cares if the judges think they can't sing, they know they can and they will do everything to keep their dream of becoming rock stars alive.

Watch five minutes of Celebrity Apprentice and you'll soon see how big the ego's are on the show. Sure, these are individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their professions. Somewhere along the line they were able to take their talent and made money off of it. Put them in a situation where they have to work with others with as big an ego as theirs and spontaneous combustion will soon follow.

I love both shows. I don't agree with the ego's. Actually, I'm amused at the ego's. Real life application for the shows...be humble. In all you do, consider others first. Think highly of yourself, but think even more highly of others. When you are told you aren't the best, live with it. Sure, you may be good, but not every one is the best. And if you are good, keep doing good. You will be rewarded. What you sew you will reap. Realize that those criticizing you may actually know what they are talking about, be it Simon, The Donald or your boss.

One more thing, parents, be honest with your kids. If they can't sing, tell 'em and help them find another dream. If they can't play baseball, encourage them to try soccer, tennis or something else (chess if anything). As a parent, I want my kids to succeed. I want to see them trhive in something. Ethan is a good ball player but I realize he has a long way to go to be a great ball player. Rachel is becoming a good swimmer, but she needs more work to be a great swimmer. I'm not afraid to tell them as such either. And because of this, I'd like to think they respect me just a little for being honest with them.

For those with ego's, please leave them at the door when you come over to my place. I'm brazen enough to tell you the truth, you aren't the greatest thing walking the earth. That, and I hope to see you on TV one day making a complete fool of yourself (Bikini Girl and Andre Dice Clay) providing me with a few laughs.