This week, the kindergarten class is trying to catch a leprechaun. They created wanted posters and put them up all over the school. Today, they started creating traps out of a variety of materials hoping to capture a trickster. They will set their traps before leaving school and hope that a mini-mythical figure will be caught in their creation overnight. This unit is a fun way to teach myths, STEM concepts, and drawing conclusions. As adults, we smile indulgently and wish the students “good luck” on their quest knowing that even if leprechauns were real, they are much too crafty to be caught in a cereal box trap.

As I watch the enthusiasm the kindergartners exude in their quest, I feel a little wistful - wishing again for the childlike innocence that believes in magical creatures and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I know that their innocent belief will soon be replaced by skepticism and disbelief. Eventually, they will become middle school students who push limits and seek independence. One of the challenges of parenting is appreciating the current stage your child is in. It can be very tempting to wish for the next stage – I can’t wait until they are potty trained; I can’t wait until they can dress themselves; I can’t wait until I don’t have to drive them all over creation. In a blink of an eye, that stage will be over, but how did you spend it with your child? Did you grow memories and strengthen relationships or were opportunities missed? My encouragement this week is to treasure each moment and each stage with your child. Create memories, routines, and traditions. Cherish the good and tackle the bad. As quick as a

leprechaun, their childhood will be over. On that day, you want to be holding a bag full of memories worth more than a pot of gold.

God’s Blessings,

Delaine Schiestel