Big Sister Training

The kids and I went to a picnic event with our homeschool co-op today. It was a beautiful, sunny day to picnic and play at the park.

There were organized games, including a relay race for the older kids. Divided into 2 teams, the kids had to race across the field, pushing a sock doll in a stroller, all while carrying an umbrella. They were suppose to "keep baby out of the rain" by holding the umbrella over the baby, and pushing the stroller at the same time. They turned the corner around an orange cone, and then raced back to their next teammate in line. If the stroller tipped, or the baby fell out, they had to stop and re-adjust everything before they could begin again.

I laughed hysterically. It was a fun game. The kids had a blast. But, I laughed so much just at my own daughters, and how they approached the game. Their personalities certainly came through when it was their time to race.

Jersey #1 was stunning. She has some mad stroller skills, that is for sure. Being the big sister to 4 younger siblings, certainly gave her an advantage. She pushed that sock baby in the stroller with one hand, and held the umbrella with her other hand. She raced ahead of the other team, and nearly gained a half-lap. She maneuvered that stroller with one hand as if it only needed one hand. She even turned the corner without so much as a tip or stumble.

Meanwhile, the other team had serious trouble keeping that stroller upright, keeping the umbrella in their hands, and even keeping the baby in the stroller. Either sock baby or umbrella were toppling to the ground every few steps. It was highly entertaining to watch the children attempt to maneuver all of these items together. Watching the other children struggle, made me realize just how skilled Jersey #1 is at "stroller driving."

For her turn, Jersey #2 took hold of the stroller and umbrella and steadily pushed it along the field. She did not run. She walked. She was slow. I think the other team lapped her even. As I was taking pictures, I called out to her with some encouragement....

"run, Jersey #2!"

"Go, Jersey #2, Go!"

"Honey, this is a race!"

She continued to walk and push her stroller, steady as can be. She did not drop the umbrella, or tip the stroller, or topple the baby. She kept a slow-n-steady path to the finish line.

Later, when the game was complete and we were moving on to other activities, I asked Jersey #2 if she realized the stroller game was a race. She said she knew that. I suggested that she was suppose to run in the race, so that her team could go faster than the other team.

Her very serious, matter-of-fact answer caused another parent to bust out laughing uncontrollably, while my jaw dropped open...



"Mom, I was keeping the baby SAFE and out of the rain!"