Waving the Flag of New Experience

I KNOW THE power of modeling and introduction of new experiences in the development and growth in our boys' lives because I have had a front row perspective in watching it happen as the Olympic flame continues to burn strong in our home - and especially brightly in our 4-year old son.

The Olympic activities and events are creating quite an impression on his young life! Our mornings now start in the blocks as we race down the stairs to start the day. “Daddy you are Turkey and I am Jamaica.” I have yet to win gold but I have been assured that silver is a good finish too.

Runners take your marks...

I wanted to harness this excitement for different countries so I purchased flags of the countries we has been to as a family. They arrived in Olympic-speed for getting to Alaska so I was surprised to see them in our home just a couple of short days after I clicked purchase. Our son couldn't open the package fast enough as soon as he realized what the mailman had delivered. He was pumped and jumping with excitement!

“China! Mexico! Canada! USA!” 

USA! USA! USA!

Since these flags arrived in our home four short days ago much of our conversation is revolving around what flags he would like to see the mailman deliver the next time. “Daddy, we should visit France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and Porto Corsa, Italy. Then I could get those flags too!” This wish to visit other countries quickly led to a conversation about how much Mom and Dad love to travel but the reality is that traveling costs money. Additionally, through these multiple conversations, his mother realized that we've been to Jamaica, too, but forget to get one of those flags. Obviously this will be next flag that arrives unless I want to continue hearing about how he needs it.

La bandera de Mexico!

This modeling and exposure to the world through the Olympics is quickly returning learning and new knowledge dividends. Two days after these flags arrived in our home our son took one to his class for Sharing Day. When I picked him up from the day his teacher said: "Meade's enthusiasm about geography made me pull down the globe and talk about different countries with the kids today." This positive feedback from someone within our child’s circle of life is empowering. It is also a reward to the consistent efforts we take to being positive models constantly working to expose him to something new while harnessing his excitement.