Through the years, as a mom, I learned when a task begins to feel mind-numbingly unbearable, there was good reason. Sure, we all have to do things we don’t like in regards to maintaining a home and a life, but when I feel an overwhelming loathing towards an activity, it’s time to examine it. Usually it’s because this activity should not solely be my responsibility and it’s time to share the love. For example, I got to the point of hating to tie my boys’ shoes. Thanks to velcro, this took them what seemed like forever to successfully master (to be honest, the jury’s still out on T.Puzzle). When my discomfort over tying their shoes outweighed the time and patience it would take to help them master it, the cloud lifted. I had to let go of perfectly tied knots and then I was free, well, at least from tying shoes.
There are many tasks like this and when I get super-annoyed by shouldering the brunt of them, I reach out for help. Again, I have to let go of perfection and savor the relief I feel at the help I am offered. Thankfully, all my boys are willing to pitch in and keep their grumbling to themselves (again, jury’s still out on T.Puzzle). So, I didn’t think twice when I asked Mad Dog to help me straighten up our main floor. He quickly agreed and then shouted, “Boys! Come straighten up down here!”
I stopped dead in my tracks.
“Oh no, you are not going to delegate! Don’t you dare! I want it to look nice!”
Soon, the boys were in the living room folding blankets and picking up dog toys.
Mad Dog lounged in his chair ‘supervising’.
The boys were on to him.
“How come we have to do what Mom asks you to do?” Full Speed said.
“It’s called leadership. By delegating tasks, all get accomplished. It gives you the opportunity for growth and the joy of achievement,” Mad Dog replied.
“So basically you give us all your chores, but you take credit for them?”
That’s called leadership, folks.
You’re welcome.
Writes for all Mommies 