This week is all about Griffin (son #2)

What do I tell you about Griffin? If you know him, you love him. Although, (subject to change any day) he has definitely been the most difficult child for us to parent. I’m pretty sure he’s a genius. He’s that kid who’ll grow up and be a rocket scientist, or the main character in Breaking Bad. Griffin was three when we moved to the farm. On our family farm, we distinguish between work and chores. Work is something you get paid for and chores are a part of your life that have no monetary compensation. Somedays, for Griffin, the farm work is conscription labor. While other times, he’s glad to share in the experience. Courtney and I try to teach them to get what they’re worth, and that having a skill demands more $$ than being a general laborer. Though, I think the boys need to see what both are like to help “guide” their career paths.

Back to Griffin. The boy has fed dogs, chickens (broilers and layers), rabbits, sheep and soon enough we’ll add hogs to that list. He’s planted and weeded gardens. Griffin has helped entertain baby brothers and hugged them when they’re sick or sad. Somedays he’s all about alone time and gaming on the X-box or Nintendo Switch. Others, you’ll find him with Barrett in the playroom or simply holding Gideon on the couch. Griffin will cry over Nick picking on him or can be “armor-plated” in an argument. To say the least, he’s complex. We started testing him for “Gifted” because he needs the challenge that’s afforded in those classes. That came to an abrupt halt with the outbreak of COVID-19 and the State of Emergency declaration.

Griffin is emotionally driven and will cry if he sees you cry. The kid can hammer you with a fist that would move a tank, but only his older brother can get that side out of him. We started playing chess at age three. When I was in law enforcement, I’d clean my handgun on the back porch. Griffin would watch me and recite all of the parts names as I cleaned. At age 3, Griffin corrected me when I referred to one of his plastic toys as a dinosaur. He correctly said it was a Dimetrodon (the one with the big fin on its back). Now (at age 7), he can recall the color shirt he had on during events from age two. Griffin just finished about 8 months of electric guitar lessons. We decided to take a break with school returning.

What’re your thoughts so far? Did I mention the boy can be very unmotivated and a challenge to discipline? One thing I learned early on is they are all different and we have to parent them as individuals to get the desired responses. We definitely don’t always get that last part right. My instinct when the square peg won’t go into the round hole is to get a bigger hammer until it does. Kids make you work past that “reaction” and put yourself in a place that improves them and you. Example: I asked the boys several days ago where I messed up as a dad. Immediately, both of the big two said I “cuss” too much. The fix? We made a deal that whenever I swear in front of them (minus songs on the radio), whichever son is present get a dollar. In turn, each night before bed, if they don’t brush their teeth, they pony up fifty cents. I’ve paid two bucks out thus far. It’s never overnight, but I believe you get there about the time they leave the nest. And you never cease to be the example they look to.

What else can I tell you about our son? Griffin has recently gotten his first pocket knife. Naturally, he wants to cut veggies, fruit and open every single package that comes in the mail with it. Also, he’s becoming a pro at making eggs and pancakes in the morning. As I type, he actually walked in and offered to fix his brother’s dinner plates. Once you know him, Griffin will steal your heart and you’ll never get it back. I’ll bring him to the market with me before the season ends and maybe some of you can catch a glimpse. If you know Griffin, please comment with a memory. Help me show the world what a great son/kid he is.

Thanks again for coming along on our adventure where it’s Farming. Done Right.

Nick