When my son was about seven years old, our small family decided to take a trip to the English countryside. The weather was gloriousa warm summers dayand we were in high spirits, enjoying ice creams and a good chat as we drove along winding country lanes. Everything was just right, until my son rolled down his window and, quite carelessly, tossed his ice cream wrapper out onto the side of the road. The moment I saw it, I gently pulled the car over to the verge. I knew I absolutely had to deal with this right away.
Calmly, I got out of the car, rummaged in the boot for some bin bagssomething I always keep on handand asked my son to join me outside. I told him not only did he need to find and pick up his own wrapper, but he should also help clear away any other rubbish we found nearby. Though my wife, Emily, tried to say a word on his behalf, I kindly asked her to remain in the car, perhaps to put on the radio, while I handled matters. I made it clear to my son that we wouldnt be going anywhere until the job was done, and that any talk of future outings or special treats would have to wait. Unsurprisingly, he was upset and began to cry, but I stood firm.
With a determined look in his eye, my son began to pick up litter from the roadside. I grabbed another sack and worked with him, both of us tidying up whatever we could find for the best part of half an hour. At last, satisfied that the spot looked far better than when wed arrived, we got back into the car. That gave me a chance to sit with him and talk about why its so important to look after our environment. I used simple examples hed understand, hoping the lesson would really stick.
Later, he asked why Id joined him in cleaning up with another bag. I admitted Id made a mistake as his father: if he thought it was all right to chuck rubbish out the window, then clearly I hadnt done a good enough job teaching him better. I told him I needed to share in the work and the consequences, so wed both learn.
The years have rolled on. Now my son is thirteen, and our familys grown, with younger sisters added to the mix. Im pleased to see that he now encourages his sisters to tidy up after themselves and to make sure they respect our world. I owe a huge debt to my own father for the wisdom he taught me, guiding me in raising my own children. His influence has truly been invaluable, reminding me each day of the lessons and values I want to pass on.
Todays lesson is simple but dear to my heart: as a father, every moment is an opportunity to teach by exampleand sometimes, the best teaching is done side by side, picking up not just our own mistakes, but helping our children put the world right, one small action at a time.
