I observed an interaction between my two sons the other evening which highlighted why together is better. My older son had a dilemma. He had an assessment that needed typing up before the next morning. He also had an important sporting event the next day and he was keen to stick with his pre-competition routine of taking a mineral salts bath the night before. ‘If only there was a way I could use my laptop while I’m in the bath’, he mused aloud. Along came his younger brother with a quick response, “there must be a way”.
I listened in from afar as they went to and fro with “What about…” says younger brother. “Nah, that won’t work…” says the older (and thinks he’s wiser) one. “Well, what about…” tries younger brother. “Nah, that won’t work…” comes the reply. Undeterred, younger brother exclaims, “I know what will work” and off he ran to the garage. He returns with a large block of polystyrene that was awaiting recycling day. “Nah, that won’t work…” I hear his older brother say. Again, undeterred, younger brother explains, “I could do this… and then I could put that there… and then you could put that there… and then this would sit there. It will work.” “That could work,” older brother replies.
Minutes later, with a makeshift desk installed in the bathroom, my older son was taking a bath and finishing his homework. Win-win. His problem had been solved.
