I feel like I am the activities coordinator and facilitator and sure I drive the action around the house, but I don't force anyone.
This summer I made almost daily trips to the library by myself, or with one or both of my sons. My sons like to read because we make them? More because we value it. And (after I read aloud) at bedtime they must be in their rooms on their bed reading (or playing without noise for the little one if he doesn't feel like reading). If they do that they get extra time to stay up. Later I turn the light out.
My older son was interested in a subject this summer. I found a free online class and facilitated getting him enrolled. He had 28 days to decide if the class was for him and he could have dropped it if he didn't like it or if I was the pushy one. I totally would have been okay with him dropping it and he knew that. He is still enjoying the class in addition to handling the beginning of a new school year and a sport he is involved in. I think he will be done by January.
Some people don't understand that some kids thrive with the challenge and stimulation and it isn't the parent forcing the issue but meeting the need. It is a need as much as food, clothing, shelter and exercise for my boys to keep challenged and learn new stuff.
