My husband and I are musicians. And we’re parents. When we are onstage, we do our best to really be ON stage. But all our “backstage” experiences with our son (our little frog) deeply affect who we are as people, thus musicians. Recent insights:
5 weeks in Germany with working parents, a highly verbal toddler, and gracious colleagues sharing the same van = an intense, concentrated workshop for raising a compassionate, social, balanced child and maintaining a peaceful family dynamic.
Lessons we are wearing on our sleeves these days:
- No histrionics: just say what you need… politely, whenever possible.
- Bitte, Danke, Entschuldigen… all you really need.
- Bring toys along so you can make your own fun wherever you are.
- Clean up when it’s time to go.
- Aim to be 10 minutes early when meeting friends so you don’t make people wait.
- It’s okay to feel sad, mad, wild. When you can, just find a suitable place to stomp, holler, or sit alone for a while.
- There are many wonderful friends who are willing to play, read, or watch Thomas Videos. It is good to hang out with friends while Mom and Dad work. And then Mom and Dad will come back. Mom and Dad always come back.
- It’s okay to dislike foods. But it’s best to TRY before dismissing.
- Books, creative car/truck play, and music are great go-to pastimes. But sometimes it’s okay to just check out and watch a video.
Life is real, life is earnest. And in life, there are always 6 travel trains in the toy bag.
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