Recently, someone asked me if my daughter’s got me wrapped around her little finger. In pretense, I smiled and replied: “I don’t know what you mean.” In response, they clarified with “does your daughter get everything she wants?” I smiled again and said, “Nope! But she sure knows how to ask for what she wants.” And that’s my emphasis! This how she usually goes about her requests: “Dad, I know we don’t have to, but please can we or can I…?”…
Agbenu: “Dad, the game room toilet is clogged, it won’t flush.” Oche: “Ew!!!” Me: “Oche, don’t say that. Mama, it’s not clogged, I turned off the water because something is messed up and the water won’t stop running when the tank fills up. I’m sorry, it’s my fault I should have told everyone. Agbenu: “It’s ok.” Me: “I’ve already called the plumber and he’ll be here to fix it in the afternoon.” Agbenu: “So, what are we going to do?”…
Ok, so earlier today I was at home with the kids. They were at their best behavior and cooperated excellently with me. The story of my failed attempt at successfully multitasking the coordination of scheduled activities goes thus: I was doing the laundry, troubleshooting a failed service over the phone, and trying to reach an agreement with a handyman who’d come to carry out some repairs for me, when “suddenly” it was lunchtime. Having established what my trio wanted for…
Late Spring in Houston can be hotter than the peak of Summer elsewhere with low humidity. So, it was on this hot Spring day, and we decided to make the most of it because it doesn’t take us much to have fun. We set up our inflatable swimming pool under the shade of the oak tree in our front yard. I sat back and watched with satisfaction as our children played and cooled off. After a while, Agbenu ran to…
Every time I drive with my children, I anticipate an engaging discussion. This afternoon we were driving to my brother’s house for a crawfish boil party when Ofu broke the ice with the question: “Dad, is God an angel?” Me: “No, God’s not an angel. He made the angels. God is too big to be described.” Where did that come from? How do I begin to tackle this one? What is the most age-appropriate answer to his question? I wondered…
I made a routine call home to check up my family. After catching up with everyone, Sweetheart told me that Oche returned from school and told her about his encounter with a girl who is crushing on him, and she didn’t know how to really advise him. Instantly, I became very excited at the juicy opportunity to be involved in helping him out. As inviting as it was, I didn’t just jump in straight away. I told Sweetheart that he…
It’s Saturday, a day we sleep until we wake up, except if there’s an early morning activity. Sweetheart and I were still snoozing when Agbenu woke up and came to greet us. After exchanging greetings and hugs, she said: “Ofu’s right foot is hurting and he can’t stand on it, so I came down to get him an icepack.” Me: “What happened?” (Still sleepy) Agbenu: “Oh! He hurt his foot on the trampoline yesterday. He wasn’t flipping like the last…
While preparing for school this morning, Ofu said, “I want to dress up fancy and wear my bow tie, so Ms. Miller can say ‘Ofu, you look handsome and nice.’” Sweetheart: “Really?” Ofu: “Yeah.” Me: “That will be so cool.” Ofu: “Yeah.” After he left for school, I relayed Ofu’s message to Mrs. Miller to which she replied: “Thank you!!! I did tell him how handsome he looks today!” So why would Ofu dress up to impress his teacher? My…
During the summer vacation Sweetheart and I encouraged our children’s writing skills by engaging them in essay writing about their fun experiences such as places visited, parties, vacation bible schools, etc. Each of them got a colorful jotter to help stimulate the appeal. Of course, they didn’t jump at the idea, like they were expecting a great opportunity to shine. No! It took a little bit of convincing. We told them that when school resumes after summer vacation or any…
Have you ever yelled at your child to stop yelling? Yes, I have. The first time I did, it was one of those nights after a very exciting day. It was a really fun filled day with lots to eat and drink, and the children still definitely had high sugar levels at bedtime. Bedtime routines had bed completed and night prayers had been said, and off they went to “bed.” All three cramped into the boys’ room, Agbenu sleeps with…