The Engineering Design Process is fantastic for innovative problem solving. Identify the problem, brainstorm the solution, design, engineer, test your solution, troubleshoot and do it all over again. This is why we continue to see new and improved vehicles, blenders, and tennis shoes. This process, however, should not be how you live your life and most certainly not the way to shepherd your family.
Whether your 8-year old son just completed his math workbook or finished his first season on a FIRST LEGO League team, once the work is through, don’t reiterate, don’t jump right into the next project: STOP, DROP, and CELEBRATE!
When performance improvement and justifying mistakes to demonstrate one’s intention to improve performance become so important that you never hit the off switch you are well on your way to a major breakdown and one for your children. I am not suggesting celebrating mediocrity. I am suggesting that celebrating, rest, and reflection are important and that when the time presents itself don’t be tempted by pride to bypass it. This immediate reboot can also be tempting for parents in subjects or areas of learning they find most compelling. Resist the temptation. When those natural breaks and transitions occur . . . . . . . . “take a little time, do a little dance, . . . ”
