Do It Badly Before You Do It Well

or Order the Veggie with Bacon

My daughter is six years old. She just started grade one, actually, and she’s loving it (so, shout out to all the teachers who help us through these important transitions in life). But a couple of weeks ago, she and her brother, who usually get along quite nicely, were having a bit of a dust-up.

They were on each other’s nerves. Tensions were high and emotions flared. And in the heat of frustration, my daughter kicked the multi-pane glass door that separates our living room from the front entry.

I was in the kitchen at the time, but I heard the smash. And even before I could turn to look, I heard the tears. Thankfully, my daughter did not hurt herself at all. She kicked straight through a pane of glass. It shattered and scared her tremendously, and she didn’t have a nick on her. So, feeling very grateful for that, I didn’t have any time to get upset about the broken window. I just rushed over, scooped her up, and tried to comfort her as she became aware of the magnitude of her actions.

Eventually the sobs subsided and her breathing slowed, and in my arms she turned to me and said, “Daddy, that was very scary.” Then she paused and added, “And a little bit exciting.”

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