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Today, I want to take you on a trip down memory lane to the H2O Run, where my entire family volunteered to squirt participants with water as they ran this fun and energetic race. This event was more than just a day of fun—it was a day filled with valuable lessons, especially for my stepdaughter. Let’s dive in!

The H2O Run: A Day of Fun and Volunteering

The H2O Run was a blast! Imagine runners dashing past, laughing and cheering, while we stood at the sidelines, armed with water squirters, ready to drench them in cool relief. It was a perfect way to let our hair down and enjoy some family bonding time. But beyond the fun, this day turned into an unexpected opportunity for teaching and learning.

A Lesson in Boundaries

When we first arrived at the event, my stepdaughter, who is 12 years old and the first child of her mom, but not my husband, immediately took charge. “You stand right there,” she instructed me. I responded calmly, “No. I will stand right here because this is where I want to stand.” This took her aback. This moment was critical—it was about teaching her that she doesn’t control other people’s actions, and that’s perfectly okay. It was a gentle lesson in respecting others’ boundaries.

A Problem-Solving Moment

Later, we faced a small challenge. The water cooler’s cover kept getting pushed down by the wind, which meant we had to constantly open it to refill our water squirters, losing precious time. My stepdaughter pointed out the problem. “You are completely right. That is a problem,” I agreed. “What do you think we should do?” She suggested turning it around. When she told me to turn it around, I encouraged her to do it herself. She struggled at first, as the cooler was heavy and she had her hands full. But she passed me her water squirter, turned the cooler around, and I handed her squirter back to her. I admired her handy work and told her, “That is amazing. You solved this problem. How does it feel to have thought of something and actioned it?” She gave me that frowny smile, and I asked, “Empowered? Independent?” She rolled her eyes, but I hope she understood the value of solving problems independently.

A Lesson in Humility and Leadership

This event was a great reminder of the importance of humility and leadership. My stepdaughter learned that leadership is not about telling others what to do but about being willing to do things yourself. As someone in a leadership position, I never ask my subordinates to do something I wouldn’t do myself. A leader is nothing without their people, and treating people poorly is a sure way to get nothing done.

Reflecting on the Day

Reflecting on the H2O Run, I’m grateful for the fun we had and the lessons we learned. My stepdaughter is a good kid with a good heart. While she has had the freedom to do as she pleases with little repercussions, this day was a step towards teaching her responsibility and respect. It was about showing her that she could solve problems and take charge in a constructive way.

This H2O Fun Run was more than just a water-filled day; it was a day of growth and learning. I’m glad I could share these moments with my family and impart valuable lessons to my stepdaughter. Sometimes, the most fun events can also be the most meaningful.

If you’ve ever navigated the unique challenges of being a stepmom or are curious about the dynamics of blended families, my new category, “Stepmami Diaries,” is for you. In this space, I’ll be sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and the highs and lows of stepmotherhood. These experiences also inspired my middle-grade novel, Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, where I channel the emotions and complexities of being a stepmom into a heartfelt and relatable story. Dive into the Stepmami Diaries and discover how real-life challenges shape the fictional world in ways that resonate with everyone who’s ever been part of a blended family. Let’s connect, share, and grow together on this journey!

#ThrowbackThursday #FamilyTime #LeadershipLessons #H2ORun