Popcorn Joy

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Heather Meades, author and missionary, parent to 3 and grandparent to 5. She is passionate about joy and practicing relational skills to stay healthy and relational.

Recently I noticed my 7-year-old granddaughter giving up before tasks or chores were complete. The next time I noticed this, instead of lecturing her, I invited her to ride her bike while I strolled her baby brother. I announced that we were going on a JOY adventure. 

“Do you think you can pedal to the sea and back?” I asked.

She thought briefly and replied,” I think I can do it!”  

As we headed out, I quietly asked Immanuel for help to know how to tenderly guide her. I sensed that she was underdeveloped in patience and persistence which led to her giving up. I believed that she could do age-appropriate hard things. 

“Let’s play Popcorn Joy!” I exclaimed. 

Surprised by the words that came out of my mouth, this had to be Immanuel’s creative idea. 

“POPCORN JOY?!?” she questioned.

“Yes,” I replied. “It’s easy to learn. All you have to do is notice something that makes you smile. Then say it aloud with the other person, so they can enjoy it too. It goes on and on, like popcorn popping.” 

She began with the first POP of JOY, “A beautiful, pink flower.” 

I shouted, “A tall, palm tree!” 

Then she squealed, “A fluffy, grey cat!” 

Our popcorn joy and smiles went on and on for the rest of our walk. Focusing on JOY rather than the difficulty of pedaling, increased stamina to keep going.

She asked for a moment to explore the tide pools when we arrived. Baby brother and I sat patiently and watched birds and boats while she scanned the edge of the sea. After about 20 minutes, I called her in. 

I shared, “Your brother and I have waited patiently while you were having fun. Even though we felt ready to leave, we were happy for you to explore. Patience is learning to wait and to be kind to yourself and others when things are challenging. It is an excellent quality to have, and it takes practice.”

She smiled and nodded as she hopped on her bike. I told her that the way back might be more difficult with the steep hill that we needed to climb. Her eyes grew wide with doubt.

“I will be right behind you,” I reassured her. “If you persist in pedaling, you will do well.” I encouraged her to stop and to ask for help if needed. It was tough, yet she persisted and eventually made it to the top. 

I struggled pushing the stroller up the hill but continued to cheer her on from behind. I, too, needed to persevere while she had a turn to wait patiently. We finally made it. I told her how difficult pushing the stroller was and that I needed to persist too.

“REALLY?” She was intrigued that I also had to persist on the hill. 

I praised her saying, “I noticed how patient you were as you waited for us.” She smiled proudly.

We continued our walk. This time SHE suggested POPCORN JOY to help us get home. I laughed in agreement; “we do need some joy-strength!”

She started, “The cows in the pasture!”

I popped up with,” The beautiful sea behind us.” 

We continued with POPS of JOY until she felt she had to stop. 

She pleaded, “Lovey, pedaling is too hard. Can you help me?” 

I replied, “Sure, what should we do?”

I wanted her to help me come up with a solution. She suggested that I ride her bike, and she push the stroller. So, we swapped, and we giggled as I rode her tiny two-wheel bike until we reached home. 

Our walk to the sea gave us lots to reference when she wanted to give up. Her skills are not perfect, but we have set the practice into motion. Popcorn Joy helped build strength to grow and capacity to work on challenging skills needed as she is maturing.

Growing up, Let’s Celebrate, is a book I wrote about growing up and learning new skills. In this book there are teachable skills that can be practiced with your child. Before practicing skills, remember to try Popcorn Joy! It can help build strength to do the hard things.

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