Kids always seem to have fond memories of the experiences you thought were a disaster
It may not always be easy to get your kids involved with things you know will be good for them (and you). Trust your instincts, though. Even if it may not be easy, it’s often worthwhile.
Case in point: My family was running some errands in the car, and the kids were singing to the latest favourite, “It’s Raining Tacos.” I was trying hard not to cringe visibly.
When we’re in the car together we’ve got this thing where everyone gets a turn choosing a song to listen to. It’s a way for the kids to listen to things they want and for my wife and I to introduce them to new artists and genres of music.
We were on our second or third round of picks when, out of nowhere, Owen said, “Do you remember when we used to dance every morning?”
My jaw dropped.
He was talking about a two-week period back in February 2015 when I tried to get our family to adopt the daily routine of Wake Up and Dance.
The idea is simple and great. Every morning, start your day by dancing to a favourite song.
Family starting something new today: #wakeupanddance. http://t.co/Wkxz9hbHy4 @activeforlife #aflkids pic.twitter.com/nPSTGVRUqC
— Blaine Kyllo (@solocorps) February 16, 2015
I’d love to tell you that three years later, we still wake up and dance. I think our daily practice lasted a week before I gave up. Our “Wake Up and Dance” had become “Dad screaming at everybody to settle down so he can play the damn song.”
That’s no way to start a day.
I was stunned that Owen, who was only 4 at the time, even remembered my attempt at parenting.
It turns out both he and Sadie remember it differently. They remember it with fondness, maybe a little nostalgia.
“Can we start doing that again?” Sadie asked. She was 7 back then. She’s 11 now.
So this September, as we frame up our new routine for back to school, we’re going to wake up and dance.
I’ll let you know how it goes this time.
