What kind of parent are you? You get to question that from time to time as your children grow. What kind of parent are you, what kind of parent do you want to be.
Both my younger kids have had major projects due recently. As I watched the projects stream in, it became obvious that some of them were done by first and third graders and some *ahem*, weren't.
We're more the hand's off kind of parents. Happy to help, and I did have to help quite a bit with Julianna's first research project, but definitely child-led.
Our Cub Scout Pack's Pinewood Derby was last weekend. Jacob was very excited about the design he wanted to make for his car. He had a picture in his mind and Mark was happy to leave it in his hands. Jacob was pretty happy with how it turned out...and then...the car was slow. Very slow. Humiliatingly slow. It was all he could do not to cry. I felt so bad for him. Honestly, it never occurred to Mark and I to think about aerodynamics. His car was a NASA vehicle with a satellite on top. Cool looking, but it definitely slowed him down.
Next year we'll focus more on helping him build a fast car. He really, really wants to be in the race. It's not necessarily about winning or not, but he wants to know he has a chance.
Ironically, many years ago, Jason came in second in the pack. He doesn't even remember that. Life. :-)
You have to love the "before" picture--full of optimism and excitement.
Putting the car on the track--getting ready...
Not going well.
Everyone gets a trophy.
Anybody out there have any good tips? We could sure use them.
Hosted by Cecily and Robyn
8 comments:
It does look cool! Ours is coming up and it is always a challenge to make a fast car.
I think it's great that you let him do it himself... I always found it so frustrating to walk into these exhibits where you can see the parent's projects, not the kids.
Good for you! :)
Way to go mom! I helped my son out once in the second grace on a project that was due the next day at school. It was obvious that the work was more than just his. It bothered me and I never did it again!
I think you did great letting him figure it out himself. How else are they going to learn. And disappointment happens and it's a good learning experience. Of course I'm of the mind that the whole "everyone gets a trophy" mentality is sort of silly. I think his car looks great though. Very neat design.
I have zero tips (that's totally in the Dad category at our house), but that car DOES look pretty darn cool. And KUDOS to his parents for letting him use his own ideas!! It says a lot about you both!!
I have no idea on how to build a derby car! but he should be proud of himself for making a car, even if it wasn't the fastest - and he'll learn things to work on for next time :)
Ohhhhh!!! Poor baby. This is the first year that we didn't place in the top 3. Justin refused the "participant" trophy. I am raising such a good sport, eh?
Our tips:
1. aerodynamics! No funky stuff on top. Also, several coats of paint and/or slick stuff that dries (what is that? Shelack?)
2. Sand the wheels. Sand those babies SMOOOOTH. Also, sand the axles so that there isn't any friction when the wheels turn.
3. Graphite on the axles (our tournament allows us to use it one time before the races and that's it. Check to make sure you can do this so you aren't breaking any rules). It makes the axles SLICK!
4. Check the way it rolls at home. If it pulls to the side, then you need to adjust the wheels, because it will roll down the track and hit the sides of the track, thereby causing it to slow down.
I know WAY TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS. But, our cars have always placed highly and our kids STILL design them. They paint them all crazy and design the cuts, etc. Just no tall attachments!
You have to love heliocopter parents. Kudos to you for letting him do this on his own. I have no tips, but I'm sure he'll improve next year.
Post a Comment