Why a Boy Needs a Daddy

Yesterday Nathan had judo class. This was his third time, and he did not want to go. The first time, he had fun. He has a friend in the class and he just joined right in, running laps with the other kids.

The second class didn't go so well. We were running late, so we were stressed and got there amidst a crush of bigger kids. Then the teacher was new. Apparently the teacher from the first week is actually the tae kwon do teacher. Nathan refused to join in, so I had him sit on the side and watch and told him he could join at any time. He chose not to.

So this week the tears started as soon as I told him to put his gi (his uniform) on. We talked about it, about being scared, about getting used to something new. We talked about how cool it will be to wrestle Uncle Walt, because he's taking judo too! And the tears continued. He didn't want to go.

I explained my dilemna: the first week we asked him if he was sure he wanted to take this class and he enthusiastically said yes, so we bought the uniform. I think he'll have so much fun learning how to wrestle. It's important to follow through. But he really, really didn't want to go.

We prayed about it. I asked God for wisdom. He's only four. He's scared. I don't know what the right thing to do is.

Then Daddy came home. He was going to take Nathan to class. I pulled him aside and explained the situation, my doubts, Nathan's tears.

And in a way that always amazes me, Brian gently laid down the law. He told Nathan that he has to go four times, then he can decide. He didn't give him a choice. Then he promised ice cream for a good attitude. Then he made him laugh.

Nathan was still scared. He still cried a bit. But his friend in class came and took his hand, and they took off running together. After dinner, we made him a big sundae with a brownie. He dropped the ice cream on the floor then stuck his toe in it. Good Times. And when I asked, Nathan said he had a great time, he definitely wants to go back.

We'll see if Daddy needs to be there for next week too.