My husband and I visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—not knowing that Labor Day was free or that there was a LEGO® exhibition.* Both led to crowded sidewalks. Both gave me the opportunity to observe diverse family interactions.
What did I learn and wish I had known? The best family excursions do not impart knowledge.
Moments after we entered, the first LEGO® Bricks creation appeared. I heard children hollering “Butterfly, Butterfly.”
Squealing children also ran through water sprinklers or gingerly avoided them. They laughingly rolled down the steep, grassy hill by the conservatory.
The most peaceful parents were those experiencing the day through their children’s eyes, rather than forcing the reverse.
Those parents did not audibly marvel at the creativity of the designs. They resisted the temptation to point out the hard work involved. Unlike me, they did not read the signs, which meant they did not repeat that information to their children—especially the pounds or number of LEGO® Bricks used in each figure.
Silent parents led to happy children, who determined what was amazing.
Any upcoming excursions?
* Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks created by Sean Kenney (2016)
If you have something you would like to share with Mollie, please use the form below.