I’ve been looking out my back windows a lot lately. We now have five bird feeders in our yard. There is often a feeding frenzy… but it’s not what you think. I’ve counted as many as ten squirrels at a time out there, and they are persistent little critters. As a matter of fact, they are now the best-fed squirrels in the neighborhood.
My husband has taken it as a personal challenge to keep them from eating the bird seed before the birds can get to it. He put up baffles — dome-shaped plastic barriers that can go above or below the feeder — sometimes two or three on one feeder. But alas, my incredibly bright husband cannot outwit those darned, determined squirrels.
Obviously the learning curve for these squirrels is remarkably short, one or two days at most until they have figured out how to balance, latch on, hang on to the feeder. And when all else fails, they take a flying leap which shakes loose a lot of seed.
You can see where this is going, can’t you? For you and your kids, right?
Our learning curve is longer. Call it behavior modification, or an attitude adjustment, if you wish. We have to stick with it longer to make more lasting change. But change, we can.
Unlike the squirrels, the human goal-setting, or problem-solving, process is usually more complex. We define the problem/goal, maybe plow through some negative thoughts or emotions, and then consider how to take action.
Whether your challenge is accomplishing a task, learning a skill, or improving a relationship, there are many tools available to you: books, classes, coaching, counseling, S.M.A.R.T. Goals, brainstorming and more. Determination is not enough. And if you ask for it, help is always on the way.
You, too, can be the ‘best-fed squirrel’ on the block.
To your parenting success, and to fearlessly preparing your teen for life!