Scott Olson shares the story below to show parents that certain life lessons can be found where we least expect them!

Throughout his career in consulting, education, and family life, Scott Olson has uncovered different techniques and strategies to help kids, students, and athletes take on and overcome their own challenges without simply being handed what they need to succeed (even if that means things might get a bit messy).

I was in a very familiar position, prone, on the couch, with the TV in front of me and the remote close by.

In other words, extremely comfortable and just on the edge of drifting off. It was at this time that my

four-year- old daughter, Kamryn, came into the room and asked “Dad…can you make me a sammich?”

Times like this are where sheer genius is born. “Make your own sammich, I responded, “You’ve watched mommy when she’s made them for you”. Obviously I wasn’t in the running for “Father of the Year”.

She went out as I went back to that state that exists just between consciousness and drool. About 15 minutes later (I guessed) Kamryn appeared with what looked like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (with a bite missing) in her hand. “Daddy, I made my own sammich,” she trumpeted, with jelly dripping down her shirt. “Way to go, Kam!” I high-fived her. She beamed, basking in the glow of accomplishment.  [Read more…]