What Learning Looks Like – Messy and Dirty

I feel impressed to share an example of what learning looks like. Learning can come from observing others learn. It is a process. This happens a lot as a parent and it is important to acknowledge that my learning comes from my children sometimes. The truth is that learning and teaching as a parent is messy and dirty. There is no way around it.

Today, this is what my garage looks like. This is learning at its finest. Sometimes learning is messy and filled with chaos.

Thursday, on his way home from work, Lance called me to tell me he was having problems with his car – again. Lance calls his car “Diva” and she is living up to her name this week. More repairs. Again.

Repairs cost money. Repeated repairs get frustrating. I have to remind myself about several things…

1. It is a 2010 year model Honda Accord making it 14 years old
2. We bought it used with no true maintenance records to speak of
3. It has over 200,000 miles on it now
4. It is driven by a male teenager (19-year old)
5. This is for my convenience, not for the convenience of the youngest child driving it
6. Cars driven a lot require maintenance repairs more frequently
7. As they drove the vehicles we (the parents) own, we cover the cost of repairs

This list is not all-inclusive, just the highlights. As we are now on our third child-driver, it is important to reflect on the lessons learned as a parent. Parenting is hard! Sometimes we learn from the hardness.

Lessons in the Dirt, Grease, and Grime

Learning is messy…

Learning is dirty…

The lessons learned in this messy scene with tools and parts strewn out everywhere and puddles of fluids and sweat pooling on the garage floor are invaluable. Automotive repair is a skill that will help them in the future. They know how to do minor repairs and fix their vehicles and they can choose to do it themselves to save a little money in the process if they need to.

For myself and Ben, the lessons are in relaxing and allowing them to discover and learn. Sometimes, it means the garage floor has tools and parts spread across it for an unknown amount of time. It could be a couple of hours or it could be a couple of days. There may be automotive fluids leaking, dripping, or even spilled on the floor of the garage.

I have reminded Ben over the years that these lessons are priceless – there is nothing that could replace these moments and the long-term impacts on their lives – bonding with each other on the garage floor, helping each other with repairs, and building confidence.

Priceless learning opportunities

Learning is priceless. Sometimes it comes with costs, but the result is priceless.

What is the worst that can happen? The truth is the vehicle needed repairs. The option was to do it themselves or we have it taken to a shop for the repair. Sometimes we do pick to have a professional do it depending on the repairs needed. When they have to creatively solve a part removal problem, we have to remember that the car already needed repairs. If they cannot fix it or something goes “horribly wrong,” the worst thing is that the vehicle STILL needs repairs. We can step in at any time and insist that it goes to the shop to finish the job.

For me, learning to enjoy the process rather than fuss over the mess is a lesson that has helped me adapt to other things. Tonight, I did have to remind them to clean up a puddle left behind more than once. And sometimes I do have to remind them to clear enough space for a walkway through the garage.

Progress and Success!

Today, Lance changed both front rotors, replaced the brake pads on all 4 wheels, replaced a caliper, drained and bled his brake lines, and replaced a tie rod end. He did this! Yes, his brother was there to supervise some and his grandfather was standing over watching as well, but he did this.

How was he able to do this confidently? He was able to do this reasonably quickly today because he has spent time helping his older brothers learn to do this. He has also learned from some mistakes made in past adventures in car repairs made by himself and his brothers.

I am pleased to announce that today’s shenanigans did not involve a blow torch, sledgehammers, reciprocating saws, or angle grinders. This is progress!

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Interested in why so many learning posts have started on this blog? See: REL 333 Capstone Practicum Project