In just a few hours I will be sitting on the bleachers watching one of our granddaughters play softball. I am looking forward to doing so, to say the least. As my husband and I were talking about what time we would need to leave in order to arrive at the game on time, though, my mind traveled back a few years to a few soccer games we attended for one of our other grandchildren.
I remember calling Reuben to tell him we'd be at the game that week and that we were excited to cheer him on. His response was that he was excited we would be there, but as for the cheering, he asked that we not get too loud and rowdy, and that to please not yell out his name Why? Because it broke his concentration, he said.
I promised we would be on our best behavior. Quite honestly, that wasn't a difficult promise to make. You can ask anyone, I cheer for my kids, along with their entire team. But I'm not one to get overly excited or to be among the loudest in the crowd. But out of respect for my boy, I would be extra-careful. I promised.
As parents and grandparents, it is our privilege and our duty to cheer our kids on. To support them in their endeavors. To encourage them to work hard, play hard, and to go after their passions and interest with gusto. But we must also make sure that our encouragement, support, and cheerleading is done in a manner that THEY feel supported and encouraged. Not embarrassed, self-conscious, or awkward. If our actions are throwing them off, we need to change it up. If they don't like to hear their name being shouted from the bleachers or sidelines, we need to stop. If they prefer a hearty, "Go, team!" or "Way to play!" or a generic whoop whoop, so be it. Or if they just want a thumbs up when you catch each other's eye, that's okay. This is about THEM. Not us.
So, before the next time you find yourself sitting in the audience, the bleachers, on the sidelines, or wherever, let your kids know how proud you are of them, and that you want your support for their efforts to take the form of what makes them comfortable and confident in what they are doing.
Love,
Darla, aka, Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author,
Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for
being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The
stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life
lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom,
nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the
dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast
beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian
devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and
nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of
being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family
memoirs.
Character Education &
Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character,
scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in
journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and
presentation based on “All My Love,
George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of
brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for
participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including
George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The
Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as
inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative,
and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos,
stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future
generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense
of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the
perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry
events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable
to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs
offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6
Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting
to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE:
I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna
Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips
Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you,
with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular
basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate
you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You
Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals,
community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner
Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of
being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover)
the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people
you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few
illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education
program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows
with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a
little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s
possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational
thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The
Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and
out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for
classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots
more.
Fees for events vary. For more
information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com,
on Linkedin (Darla
Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available
worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me
at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com.
You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.