Enthusiasm is what Matters to your Child

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I credit my parents with teaching me one of life’s greatest lessons: that it’s the quality of time spent together, the interaction and enthusiasm for whatever you’re doing, that makes for magical memories. My parents, by keeping things simple, made ordinary things special and extraordinary activities just that-more extraordinary. They didn’t lavish us with the latest in fashion, toys and stuff, although we had sufficient. Instead, they lavished us with family time.

One of my cherished memories from childhood is that of a trip to the Jersey shore. I was initially awestruck by the idea of driving our car onto a ferry that swam us across the river from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. My parents pointed out the sights, sounds, and smells of the ferry crossing— the clanking of chains, the banging and scraping of heavy metal, the thunderous sound of the twin horns, the roar of the engine and churning of water, the damp earthy smells of river water, the cool breeze and the secure hands of my parents—as we churned across the vast waters of the Delaware, which added to my wonderment.

Once across the river, the miles of roadside Jersey tomato stands gave more evidence that the ocean was not too far. With each small bridge, the sight of boats, the smell of brackish bay water, the smell of saltwater, the sound of seagulls, stirred in me visions of the glorious day ahead of us. My imagination churned with dreams of fearless frolicking, castle creating, wondrous waves, beach balling, sand sensations and shell-seeking with my family. My senses were not dulled by worries of UVA or UVB rays, sand in my sandwich or beach umbrellas being blown away….life was simply splendid.

I’ve learned with my own children that enthusiasm is half of the fun of an activity and should be cherished and nurtured. The excited whispers, the plans that are created, then recreated in a child’s mind of what new adventure, what new discoveries, what new excitement will be had with each dawning day. The packing of a special lunch or treat….what will that be and when will we have it. Every day is a day of celebration and delight, and is potentially magical.

When Pam is not busy being a super-mom to her nine children (yes - you read that right), she is a super-woman at CMoR! Teaching Starter Camp, and now Stay and Learn at CMoR Short Pump.