How To Keep An 11 Year Old Busy

First you sign them up for swimming lessons twice a week. A good 40 minute workout does wonders for kids energy levels. It also helps to have them be the only one in the class, so the coach works them extra hard.

Have them make a video to present at their class hero night. Be impressed when they choose their older brother as their hero. Love looking at pictures of them together over the years, and try not to cry when you feel blessed with sons who truly love each other.

Have them dress up occasionally, and then escort their little sister in the princess pageant. Be grateful they are willing to sit for three hours on hard chairs to watch little girls dance, sing, play the piano and parade around in fancy dresses without complaining once.

Have them practicing for their own piano recital so they can play their piece from memory.

Cheer and clap when they win awards for attendance, math, language arts, presidential award, and the All American. Tell them it's alright to miss the science award by 1% since there isn't enough room on their walls for all the awards they've already received. Think it's cool when their classmates vote them "Most Likely To Succeed" and pray they are right!

Encourage them in their training for a mile race, making them run with you on Saturdays for extra practice. Don't yell too loud when they forget their jacket and are freezing on race day. Stand in the rain and yell encouragements no matter what time a freezing boy can run a mile in.

Make a costume for the re-enactment of the civil war and tease them they are a traitor as they march by with the confederate flag.

Be happy that he's growing his hair out since you don't have time to schedule a haircut anyway!

Congrats on your great year Hayden! Love you more!