Gradual Release

Gradual Release

It seems like yesterday that my son’s tiny hand held my finger as we walked along.   Within a few years,  I was walking with my hand on top of a toddler’s head as he scurried along looking at zoo animals.   It feels like it was only a few hours ago that my hand left the back of the bicycle seat as he sped away on a two-wheeler for the first time.  Time moves much to fast.

As my son’s teacher, I know that my job is to prepare him for the gradual release of responsibility.   We have repeated the gradual release cycle many times over the past 17 years.  Through demonstration, guided practice, independent practice, and finally application,  he become a licensed driver last fall.  I must admit releasing him to drive was tremendously more stressful then releasing him to ride a bike.

Recently, my wife, son and I visited colleges.   He is at the age to choose a profession and place to learn for the next stage of his life.   Senior pictures are completed and he is planning a course to start his life’s path.

The teacher in me knows it is time take the next step of gradually releasing responsibility.  College is the opportunity to independently practice and apply life’s lessons.  My wife and I provided modeling and guided practice and now it is time coach, affirm and teach as needed.

I smile knowing that he is ready for this next step.   However, the parent in me will miss him.  The most important teachers in a child’s life are parents.  The most important part of teaching is letting go so the student can apply what they have learned.  

If we have done our job, our kids will return as independent confidant adults and take us out to dinner.  We pray that God will keep our children in his grace as they apply the lessons once taught by their parents. 

Comments

  1. Vanessa PetroskyJuly 26, 2010 at 7:43 AM

    I enjoyed the article Rick--so very true! Sounds like you have done one terrific job and your son is very lucky to have two caring, devoted parents!

    ReplyDelete

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