More Than One Path

Recently, while on vacation, I visited a playground with my three children (ages 9, 6, and 3). While I watched my three kids play I was struck by something that related not only to the varying developmental abilities of my three kids, but also to my work.The playground was filled with a variety of obstacles, challenges, if you will. While the playground offered many different things to play on, many of these structures led children to the top, where they would then slide down the various slides.

I recall last year when we were at the same park, my then two-year old, could use one method (path) to get to the top. Even though he would watch his siblings climb to the top by multiple means and he would try to follow, he would soon become frustrated and would need our help. The paths his brother and sister took were far too complicated for him at that age.

This year, it was different! Again, he would watch his siblings and try to follow them on their various paths to the top of the play structure. This year, though, he could do it! Some of the paths were easy for him to navigate and some were much more challenging. Some paths he could climb quickly and others took him time and more concentration. But, he was able to make it to the top! It was not always easy, but he persevered and made it to his destination. Another important thing to remember is that the path down, to the final destination, may be different for each of us as well! And that’s okay!