We have three cats.
The responsibility to care for them has increased over the past several
years. It’s time to outsource Project
Cats.
A few years ago the vet told me that wet food was better
than dry food. Wet food takes more time
to serve and clean up. We have one cat
that sheds like crazy. We have learned
by experience that cats with claws shred furniture. Yet they need their claws for protection and
maneuverability when they go outside.
And since we have already cut off the commandment to multiply and
replenish the earth in them, going outside to explore and hunt are some of the
only activities left to obtain excitement and satisfaction in their kitty-cat
lives.
Furthermore we recently moved into the city of Aurora that
has an ordinance that states, “CAT AT LARGE: Cats must remain on the owner’s
property or be physically restrained when off the premises.”
All of these “laws” increase the workload to own a cat. I’m okay with seeking alternative homes for
at least two of the cats. They would be
much happier living on a farm. But my
kids also have a law: “You can’t get rid
of the cats Mom!” (tears rolling down cheeks)
My resolution process is to teach my kids Project
Management. Up until now, I have been
the manager of Project Cats. The kids
help when I ask them. I have to tell
them to feed the cats, to clean their litter boxes, to vacuum up the cat hair,
to take them outside and watch them, to sweep out the garage, clean their
enclosure, etc.
But a Project Manager (PM) takes the name of the project and
runs it. Maybe we have an initial
meeting where the main tasks are discussed but the ability to Evaluate with
Accuracy the needs of the cats is the highly prized skill I’m looking for in a
good PM. Does she recognize when the
cats are hungry? Does she know the
schedule? Cats can come in sometimes but
not all the time, they need to be put in the garage at night, their water
fountain needs to be monitored so it doesn’t run out of water, they need to be
pet and brushed. All of these expanded
details are learned through experience.
It is difficult to teach every little thing.
I believe that teaching my kids to be Project Managers is
one of the most important responsibilities of my job as a mother. I don’t want them to grow up, go to their
first job, and basically time out after every specific instruction his/her boss
gives. I don’t want them to have to be
micromanaged. I want them to be able to
take an entire project as their own and run with it.
About a year ago I ran into a professional study on this
concept entitled, “Professional Development” by Christopher W. Blackwell,Ph.D., ARNP-C who bases his thoughts on Patricia Benner’s book “From Novice to Expert.”
