Partners in Parenting

“Idiosyncrasies!”

I finally got a new coat for winter recently.  I’ve had the same one for almost 20 years, and I knew it was time.  Love the coat, but the frigid cold over the past few weeks revealed something very odd about this coat – it crinkles really loudly when it’s cold.  It is like the whole outer fabric is frozen solid, and I’m breaking it free with every move.  Talk about an odd thing for a winter coat.  Odd things are like idiosyncrasies.

Idiosyncrasies – we all have them.  Every person I know does certain things, in certain ways, at certain times, for certain reasons, to certain people, and usually without certain knowledge that it is even happening.  We all just have these things we do. 

For instance: 

Kids know what parents do when frustrated and about to “take action.”  Just ask them.  So what is it:  grunt, sigh, get quiet, flubber your lips, grit your teeth, roll your eyes, raise your eyebrows, stiffen your shoulders, and lots of other things unique to each person? 

Kids know when their parent is about to give them a hug.  They walk a certain way, extend arms, wipe hands off, or some other indicator that they are going to hug you.  Parents also know when their kids are coming to get a hug or give a hug.  Over time, you just learn these things.

It is good that we are all different and yet function well together.  Paul talked about that in the early church as a very valuable asset to the believers.  Idiosyncrasies are also very valuable to your family life.  “…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”  Romans 12:5

Family Discussion Points!

Talk about the cool, neat, or enjoyable idiosyncrasies of others in your family.

Play this game:  Who in your family is the most: organized, happy, relaxed, responsible, hard-working, joking, considerate, empathetic to the needs of others, helpful without being asked, likely to sleep in, determined to overcome, etc.

Now think about your pets, grandparents, or other people you generally love and see if you can identify some of their idiosyncrasies that make them, well…just them!!!