Here is how it all started. I was, sitting on the floor with Duplos and my daughter, watching imagination come to life as she was trying to build out a modern version of Cinderella’s castle or something of that nature. The structure came up fast as it could for a child with no hesitations about their abilities. I applauded her for her confidence; however, it came down crashing as quickly as it went up. She let out a wail, and Duplos went flying all over the place in frustration and anger. Alas, the structure had a weak foundation for the magnitude of the imagination.
We got the structure back up again, and this time with a stronger foundation.
Whew! I sure was relieved.
We may not get everything right the first time. I marveled at the lessons learned. Subtly, we had laid the foundation of the value of teamwork, leadership skills, and perseverance. I knew it was the foundation of security, self-esteem, and confidence. Most of all, my daughter appreciated my involvement, which I knew translated to say that I thought she was important enough.
I couldn’t go wrong on this. As we were driving back home a few days later, my daughter was on the phone with her aunt overseas. They were planning a game of Minecraft online. My daughter reassured her aunt that she would teach her if it were a new game for her. But, if it was something new for both of them, they could learn together.
I did a silent happy dance. It was a win-win for me, a planted seed of confidence and the value of working as a team. That’s all I needed for now until the next game of Duplo.