Orange-Power!

In the natural process of learning colors, Norah learned the color orange, which was then reinforced by learning the name of two of her favorite fruits- mandarin and navel oranges. Norah loudly asked for an orange while she was eating dinner one night, which reminded me of the "Orange Power" cheer at OSU sporting events. You can see the result in the video. There are some benefits to being left alone with the kids while Heather is at work.

Most people that know my passion for Oklahoma State athletics probably assume that I've really gone overboard coaching my kids to go wild for anything orange, but I'm really trying not to burden my kids with MY specific likes and dislikes, because our family's goal is not to create "Mini-me Ego Boosters" but rather to raise children that are un-jaded and open minded, that utilize their individual talents and opportunities, and gravitate naturally toward what appeals to their unique personalities.

For example, just because I do not have a strong interest in math, politics or economics, I don't want to be too negatively emphatic about hating them or not being good at them and slant their perception of things for which they might naturally have great aptitude. They may eventually adopt opinions or ideas very similar to my own, but they will grow up knowing more than "Mom and Dad always said so", because they actually had to learn and make a decision for themselves.

We are not naive enough to believe this is going to be an easy strategy, that we will never slip up, or to assume that there will not be enumerable times that we have to put our foot down, but it is a worthwhile and noble endeavor..... just so long as neither of them has any crazy ideas about wearing crimson and cream.

As parents you have to draw the line somewhere.