Mensch-in-the-Baking — by Robin

We had our parent teacher meeting this week, and I almost got choked up.

They had the nicest things to say about Seth in terms of his character and personality. We talked about how he always wants to help people, and has huge empathy and an unusual level of maturity when it comes to expressing concern for people’s well-being.

My husband and I have long known this. I’ve always been struck by his big-heartedness, coupled with his spunky personality. He’d be the first on the scene to come to someone’s aid, and he’s the life of the party. We’ve always joked that he’s going to be the “mayor’ of our town one day….though Seth aspires to be a fireman.

He is a “little love” in my book.

That said….we also work hard to reinforce in him the need to give back and be grateful.

In an effort to combine this lesson with something he loves, I got the idea from an article I read to take him to our local volunteer firehouse (for one of our many, many visits)…but this time…to bake brownies for the firemen and express our gratitude for all that they do for the community. Seth loved the idea! He couldn’t get in the door fast enough. And, he told his class all about our plans to visit the firehouse.

It made me feel good that he valued the experience. And, I gained from it as well.

One of the outings for MotherhoodLater.com that I planned for the NY chapter was a trip to Ronald McDonald House. There, we also baked brownies (notice the brownie theme?!)….this time for the families who are staying there. Ronald McDonald House is an amazing place that houses/feeds families in need whose children are ill and are receiving nearby medical care.

It was in some ways a harder lesson for Seth to take in, but I explained that we have to value our health and not take it for granted. That even children get sick, and we’re doing our part by baking for their families so they can enjoy despite all that they are dealing with.

I consider Seth a mensch (decent person)-in-the-making (or should I say baking?), and I’m proud to help mold him in that way. He’s already a natural in the caring department, and if I can help provide experiencesthat offer him further opportunity to grow and share what he is so capable of, I consider it a priority.

It’s a win-win situation, and touches me as well. It’s so easy to get caught up with all that we have to do in our lives. We live in a day ‘n age that is quite consuming….be it with technology or other pursuits we endeavor to keep up with.

But, at the end of the day, it’s the simple gestures that go far. And, if that means my becoming a brownie baking queen for the purpose of giving back, Julia Child I’m not, but I’ll gladly give it a go. And, Seth is always happy to lick the spoon.