YOU are an engineer

en-gi-neer  [en-juh-neer]

noun;  A person trained and skilled in the design, construction and use of complicated products, systems or structures.

Engineering is a difficult field and requires a strong understanding of math and science, but in the real world, there are everyday engineers that do not have formal training, yet "engineer" complex systems on a daily basis.  I call those engineers Moms (or Dads).

Don't get me wrong.  I do not mean to denigrate the intense technical training and experience that I have as an engineer.  The work I and other formally trained Mechanical engineers do may be on a bigger scale, but parents use similar skills and tools to improve their household. 

Just because you do not have a degree in Mechanical engineering or studied a bunch of Physics classes, does not mean you are not Engineering solutions using science and systems every day.  

Think about it...

Have you ever helped your children build a better fort by supporting the walls with extra pillows?

Then you have used physics to spread out the force to balance a structure.

Even creating and managing a meal that your family will eat is a complex process that I have yet to master, let alone replicate on a daily basis.

Have you ever combined ground beef with a liquid to make a burger stick together better?

Then you have used chemistry to break down the collagen to gelatins.

Have you ever made an awesome treat like jello or popsicles?

Then you have used chemistry to change the phase of a liquid to a solid.

Call them Mom Hacks; call them survival tactics;  call them whatever you want, but you are solving problems every day.  Take a moment to be proud of yourself and recognize the engineer in you.

Now how do you get your kids to recognize the engineer in themselves?  Challenge them to ask questions and look for their own solutions to problems.  One of the best ways to do that is for them to follow the Scientific Method:

1.  Observe (Recognize the situation and define the problem)

2.  Make a hypothesis (Identify an idea of how to solve the problem)

3.  Test (Create an experiment or method to try the solution)

4.  Review results (Whether the results are what you expected or not, you can learn from them)

5.  Start again with a refined observation and problem statement (do not give up, this is a continuous cycle.  A failed experiment is not the end; it means it's time for another experiment.)

Remember, you are an engineer too, so share your experiences of how you have tested and learned from your trial and error.  You may not know the official science behind everything, but you know what works and does not in the world around you.  It is practical experience.

I am proud to be an Engineer by training, but I am even prouder of my "engineering" feats in the house.  My goal is someday we will all state with pride, Mom is an Engineer!