Opening New Doors

I love watching my kids try new things and take on new challenges. Our oldest daughter has really enjoyed  learning how to kayak on this vacation. She is only 7 but has great balance and strength for her small size. She loves the independence of paddling her own boat and of being in charge of her own little expedition.

Our oldest son hasn't taken so keenly to kayaking. He often struggles with sensory issues and anxiety about new things. He joined his dad for a short paddle but made it quite clear that he didn't like getting wet from the cold water. It is always a balancing act of encouraging your children to try new things yet not pushing them to do what they don't like. This can be especially hard with kids that are wired in a unique way- such as our oldest! He is a wonderful child with many hidden doors. You just have to find the right key sometimes to access those talents and ideas. My goal for tomorrow is to see if I can find another key and help him enjoy a new discovery.