Thomas Malthus, the British demographer (1778) was one of my gurus early in college. It should be noted that a timeframe of his population projections was ambiguous. None-the-less, many years later, I personally felt noble and pragmatic as we adopted two kids; and then biological son Ben came along. What Judy and I never imagined: Ten (10) grandkids later! As most of you know, world population now exceeds 6.8 billion people! (http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf) Might this eventually be a problem?

Perhaps there is a challenge and responsibility to help my offspring compete. I have discovered all kids have lots to learn (adults, too). As a parent, partly my job. Clearly, kids need more people skills plus techniques for thinking/ reasoning.

One of my most rewarding roles has been in teaching grandkids chess. A four or five-year-old can master the basic moves and become quite effective by age 8 or 9. Forget more “watch the screen” or who is lucky today. Chess is a deliberate passtime that teaches concentration, planning and execution. There is sportsmanship, specific rules and strategy (critical). But most important, all need to learn there are consequences for ones mistakes (Fool’s mate).

When you share time with a youngster, don’t watch a football game together; don’t take him/her to the circus; don’t push more junk food. Go for “One on One” and provide a learning situation that will pay dividends. The rewards can be profound.