A Father’s Perspective

The View from My Section – A Father’s Perspective 9/11 Made Us See the World Differently

BY A. KEITH TILLEY

I heard often before we had our first child, “Once your child is born, you’ll never be the same.” After becoming a parent, I would soon learn just how true those words were, for so many reasons. September 11th, 2001, was an example.

Turning on the news in those days and seeing foreign countries bombed was not such a rare sight. We knew it wasn’t good, but if we’re truthful, we really couldn’t relate to what they were going through. It’s not our fault; it’s just if you have not experienced it, how could you truly understand? But on this particular Tuesday morning, that all changed.

I was working in my office preparing for what I anticipated to be a busy day, but not for the reasons it turned out to be. My co-worker across the aisle was a New Yorker who had recently relocated to this area. I was busy on my computer when he stepped into my doorway with a puzzled look on his face. I remember his first words vividly, “A plane just crashed into one of the Twin Towers.” He said his friend had called him from New York to give him the news. At the time, they thought it was a terrible accident. We decided to go over to the conference room next to the company president’s office and ask her if we could turn the television on. This was before cellphones with Internet access were widely available. We told her the news of the terrible accident, and she said, “Of course!”

When we turned on the NBC Today Show, they were just beginning to talk about it. The news was just starting to break across all the channels. As they reported, there was a camera focused on the tower as smoke billowed out several floors from the top. Suddenly, as we were watching, another plane flew into the second tower. Our jaws dropped in unison as we both looked at each other. This was no tragic accident; it was an act of war!

We immediately went over to the president’s office and told her this was something totally different. She hurried into the conference room to see what was happening. We, in turn, told a couple of people walking nearby to let others know. It wasn’t long before the conference room was crowded with co-workers watching the attack unfold. I remember feeling a sense of shock. I couldn’t believe it was real. I had been in Atlanta during the Olympic Bombing and that was the closest thing to how it felt. As the morning unfolded, it would be followed by the attack on the Pentagon and then by those brave souls—passengers who fought and brought down the plane in the field in Pennsylvania, rather than have it hit the Capitol or the White House.

As I watched a few people walk by and pop their heads in, seeing what was happening, and then quickly getting back to work and even asking questions about reports, etc., I couldn’t believe it. They seemed unfazed by it all, as if it was just a typical Tuesday, going about their business. Our company president understood the gravity; thankfully, she was a mother. Soon after, she announced that anyone wanting to leave for the rest of the day could do so. And yet, no one felt comfortable leaving because of how it might appear. The single people appeared okay, but those with children had a different response entirely, especially the mothers.

It was a strange time, and most of us were filled with a strong desire to be with the ones we loved. My pregnant wife called me, having already spoken to our babysitter. She said our son was having a good time playing with the other children in the backyard, not having any idea what had taken place. We both decided that was probably best for him to stay, since he was enjoying himself.

The different responses, though surprising, probably shouldn’t have been all that unexpected. For those without children, it was an event that took place in another state. The implications for the near future were still unclear. But for those of us with children, it felt much different. That’s what being a parent does to you. It’s one of the ways it changes you that you don’t anticipate before you have them. You see the world and what happens in it differently.

That day changed my wife and me in more ways than one. That evening when my son came in from the babysitter’s with a smile on his face, and later when he told me all about his day, I can only remember one thing. The joy I felt to hug him and be in his presence, knowing he was okay. It may sound weird if you don’t have children, but to the parents out there, I think you understand.

Intentional Teaching, Impromptu Moments

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

The unplanned happenstance occurs daily, if not hourly! Questions appear as a child comes across real-world learning situations. Why let a good lesson drift by? Instead, capitalize on solving problems and impart, in context, impressionable wisdom. Parents may offer impromptu lessons on life skills, the art of friendship, or delving into educational themes, such as reading, mathematics, history, or science. It doesn’t take props or money, just a willingness to stop, listen, and allow a lesson to occur naturally!

Redirect Impulsive Energy

It happens. Preschool-aged children will pick up an object in anger and toss it across the room. The intentional moment helps redirect frustration into a fun game. Cathy writes, “My teachable moment happened when my two-year-old kept throwing toys. I channeled that energy into a learning experience. I handed him bean bags with numbers and letters on them. I asked him to identify the symbols before tossing them into a bucket. They were learning their alphabets and numbers and having loads of fun in the processes.”

Reading Builds a Baseline

No need to worry about an Internet connection; books provide infinite lessons just by opening the cover. Parents don’t need to worry if they don’t always have the correct answer. In the pages of fiction and non-fiction books, children and adults can problem solve, meander through ideas, and open additional titles in the search.

Another viable option is to start listening to a child-theme audiobook together. The curious child is bound to ask about terms, vocabulary, and themes surrounding plans, escapes, and values, such as loyalty, trust, and the greater good! Consider adding a broad range of reading titles that can broaden your child’s worldview while helping them grow!

“It Doesn’t Work?”

“A three-year-old child using crayons to draw a picture didn’t understand she couldn’t apply white on white paper,” writes J. Williams. “That moment became teachable. First, I explained that the white crayon could not show up. The child asked a few moments later, ‘I don’t understand.’ I then shared that maybe we could try an experiment, which caught the attention of other peers. In displaying different [other] colors of construction paper, she then used the white crayon to write on each paper. In excitement, she said, ‘It does work.’ That one activity opened the door for new questions and learning.’”

Explore Outdoors

Talk About the Weather

rain, fog, or sun. Every slight change in the temperature or noticeable weather condition offers you the chance to provide some information. The drive to school is a fabulous time to engage in a learning conversation. Just by bringing attention to the outside, your child will be more aware of the exterior world!

Parents tell children to play outside every day. While there are distinct benefits from individual exploration in thinking through problems and finding solutions, parents, too, can take the initiative and join their child for a walk, hike, or naturebased activity. Talk about the leaves, types of trees, the benefit of insects, the impact of erosion, or why moss grows on rocks. Every step forward provides new insight into our world.

Field Trips

Leaving familiar roads and entering a new county or state offers a lesson in history about time, events, and people. Take the time to read plaques, enter parks, and walk down Main Street. Every town has a unique flair that may include a piece of history. Stop by museums and talk to the locals about their favorite historical sites!

“A teachable moment can be planned or unplanned,” writes Annette Johnson. It is taking advantage of an opportunity to teach a child something. As they look for guidance, an adult can make the moment count.” The intentional moment is not just for preschool-aged children; the elementary child still requires direction and lessons about their surroundings. Indirectly, by being together with parents, grandparents, or family friends, the curiosities of life will always open the door to new information!

St. Patrick’s Day Treats BY KRISTI JOHNSON MARION & EMILY DODSON Healthy Back-to-School Breakfasts

BY KRISTI JOHNSON MARION

If you find yourself running late on busy school mornings because your kids favor the snooze button like mine do, then you understand how difficult it can be to be sure they eat the “most important meal of the day” at all, let alone a healthy one! These easy, freezer-friendly, make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast options check all my boxes, saving time in the mornings and offering the ease of grabbing one on the way out the door, as well as peace of mind that there are healthier than your average granola bar or pop tart.

NO-BAKE SNICKERDOODLE PROTEIN BITES (GF, Vegan)

INGREDIENTS:

¾ cup GF Rolled Oats or GF Cereal of choice ¼ cup Vanilla protein powder ½ cup Almond flour 1 heaping Tbsp. Cinnamon (more for coating) One-third cup Nut Butter of choice 1 tsp. Vanilla extract ¼ cup Maple Syrup (or Honey if not vegan)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a food processor, grind the oats (or cereal), then place in mixing bowl. Note that grinding is optional—keep them whole if you adjust the maple syrup/ honey amount to make them hold together. 2.Stir in almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon and nut butter. (Alternatively, blend all ingredients except the honey in the food processor or blender until a mealy batter is formed. Scrape out and transfer to bowl.) 3. Add in maple syrup/honey and vanilla and mix with hands, adding in more syrup/honey and/or nut butter if mixture is too dry. 4. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Roll batter into 1.5” balls and roll in additional protein powder and cinnamon. Place on parchment. 5. Freeze 20-30 minutes, then transfer to freezer bags. Keep in fridge or freezer for up to 6 weeks.

APPLE ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS:

2¼ cups Whole Wheat flour ¾ cup dark brown Sugar ½ tsp. Baking Soda ½ tsp. Baking Powder ½ tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground Allspice 1 cup Buttermilk ¼ cup Applesauce, unsweetened 1 Tbsp. Coconut oil (or vegetable oil) 1 Egg 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced ½ cup Granny Smith apples, grated ½ cup Zucchini, grated with moisture squeezed out slightly

TOPPING:

2 Tbsp. Turbinado Sugar (sugar in the raw) ¼ tsp. Cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together, buttermilk, applesauce, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir the wet batter into the dry mixture until just combined. (Do not overmix.) Gently stir in the grated apple, chopped apple, and grated zucchini. 5. Fill the prepared muffin tin cups ¾ full. 6. In a small bowl, stir together the raw sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle onto the muffin batter in the muffin tin.

7. Bake 20 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature and serve. NOTE: These muffins freeze well in a freezer bag.

FREEZER BREAKFAST BURRITOS

INGREDIENTS:

14 Maple breakfast Sausage Links (or favorite Breakfast Sausage) 1 red Bell Pepper, seeded & diced 1 green Bell Pepper, seeded & diced 1 yellow Onion, medium, peeled and diced 2 Tbsp. Avocado or Olive il, divided 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded 12 large Eggs 10 burrito-size flour Tortillas Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook the sausage according to package directions.

Let cool. If links, slice into small pieces. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced peppers and onions with 1 Tbsp. oil 5-7 minutes, until soft, but not browned. Transfer to bowl and salt and pepper to taste. 3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 Tbsp. oil to the same skillet and cook the eggs until they are soft scrambled. Do not overcook. 4. To build the burrito: Divide the sausage, veggies, eggs and cheese into 10 portions. Add eggs to the center of the tortilla, top with sausage, veggies, and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up tortilla, tucking one end up and over the filling, folding in the sides, then roll up into a burrito. Repeat with remaining ingredients. 5. Freeze the burritos on a cookie sheet, then wrap in foil and place in freezer bags. 6. When ready to reheat and eat, unwrap a burrito from the foil. Loosely wrap it in a dampened paper towel and microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute before eating.just combined. (Do not overmix.) Gently stir in the grated apple, chopped

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