Hibatchi Grill

Last week my wife and I went to dinner at the Hibachi Grill.  One of our favorite places.  This is the Japanese steak house where they cook it all up in front of you.  It includes fun antics by the chef, among which are oil fire flare ups.

We were sitting around the grill with a three year old boy and his parents.  The first time the chef lit a flare up fire, the boy was terrified and shrunk back.  His parents both told him it was ok and not to worry.  There were several more flare ups and the child would look at his parents and since they laughed, he laughed.

Children take clues from their parents regarding appropriate behavior.  What a parent models for a child is exactly what a child will pick up.

If there is a death in the family and the parents sob and cry  in front of the children, the children will do the same.  If the parent keeps their composure and explain calmly to the children what has happened, the children will read the parents to see if they are ok.  If the parents are ok, the kids will go back to playing.

Kids want to play.  They don't want to be drug into adult grieving.  There is plenty of time in the future for them to learn about grief and loss.  Don't try to get them to participate in your grief.  Have your grief privately or with another adult.  Let the kids be kids.

What clues do we give to our children and grandchildren?  Is everything a hot mess, a disaster, or is everything ok?

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs