Engineers expect repeatable results - kids are a tough lesson in accepting randomness

Engineers are used to relying on straightforward principles that provide reliable results. As professionals, engineers understand that efforts should produce the expected output, with the same outcome each time. But when it comes to small children, engineers may be in for a surprise. Little kids can be a tough lesson in accepting randomness, as uncertainty, accidents, and surprises are part and parcel of their daily lives.

The Challenges of Accepting Randomness

Accepting randomness can be challenging for engineers, who are trained in an environment that is based on repeatable results. When working on a problem, engineers turn to the principles they have studied and those they have developed through experience. These principles form a reliable way of examining a situation and predicting the results that can be expected.

In the case of children, however, the situations they find themselves in vary widely and the principles of engineering are largely unsuitable for predicting how an outcome will unfold. Little ones rarely act in the way that is expected, throwing out assumptions and confounding expectations. Randomness is an integral part of their lives and interactions with adults.

This randomness can be difficult for adults to accept, as it is not something that can be easily controlled or predicted. It is important to remember, however, that randomness is a natural part of life and can be a source of joy and surprise. By embracing randomness, adults can learn to appreciate the unexpected and enjoy the moments of surprise that come with it.

Engineering Principles and Random Behavior

Engineering principles are based on structure, data analysis, and repeatability. As such, they can offer explanation and understanding, but not necessarily provide clarity in the face of randomness. When faced with unpredictable behavior, engineers are forced to accept that the result cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty — no matter the amount of experience or expertise.

When it comes to kids, randomness is often further compounded by the fact that their environment changes quickly and unpredictably. New situations, new rules, and new people present new challenges on a near-constant basis. As such, engineers must learn not only to accept randomness but also to become comfortable with it.

In order to do this, engineers must be willing to take risks and be open to new ideas. They must also be willing to experiment and explore different approaches to problem-solving. By embracing randomness, engineers can gain valuable insights into the behavior of their systems and develop creative solutions to complex problems.  This is what being a parent is all about.

Exploring Randomness with Children

Exploring randomness with children can be a valuable exercise for engineers who wish to become more comfortable with letting go of their expectation for repeatable results. When working with little ones, engineers must learn to react to new situations as they arise, without worrying about outcomes or conclusions.

Playing with children involves taking the necessary risks and accepting randomness without trying to over-manage the situation. It means acknowledging that there is no absolute right or wrong way of doing things and being open to surprises and unexpected results. In this way, engineers can expand their experience of randomness - both in terms of activities and in terms of ideas - in order to better understand and accept uncertainty.

By engaging in activities that involve randomness, engineers can learn to be more flexible and creative in their approach to problem-solving. They can also gain a better appreciation for the unpredictable nature of the world, and the importance of being able to adapt to changing circumstances. Ultimately, exploring randomness with children can help engineers become more comfortable with the unknown, and more confident in their ability to handle whatever comes their way.

Learning to Be Comfortable with Uncertainty

For engineers, working with children offers an opportunity to learn how to be comfortable with uncertainty – something that is not easy when one is used to relying on predictable results. Randomness is often seen as something to be controlled rather than accepted — engineers tend to see it as something that must be minimized or accounted for.  

But embracing randomness rather than trying to control it is essential if engineers want to become comfortable with uncertainty. Working with children, who often act unpredictably, provides engineers with an opportunity to recognize that randomness is not a hindrance — but can often provide insights into areas where they may have overlooked information or options.

By learning to be comfortable with uncertainty, engineers can become more creative and open-minded in their approach to problem-solving. They can also become more resilient in the face of unexpected outcomes, and better able to adapt to changing circumstances. Ultimately, this can lead to more innovative solutions and a greater capacity to think outside the box.

The Benefits of Understanding Randomness

By accepting and embracing randomness, engineers can open themselves up to new opportunities and ideas — allowing for greater problem-solving capabilities and more innovative thinking.

Understanding randomness can help engineers let go of any preconceived notions about how a situation should play out. By learning to accept that there is often more than one “right” answer, engineers can approach problems in a more creative manner and take less traditional approaches to problem-solving.  This is a critical skill for being a parent, as well.

Randomness can also help engineers recognize when it’s best to let go — when a problem or situation is not going as planned, or when parts of the project have been changed beyond recognition. By understanding randomness and accepting uncertainty, engineers can experiment with different approaches, challenge their own reasoning, and find new possibilities.

The realization that things are constantly changing and not predictable can be really difficult for any parent, especially ones in engineering.  Becoming comfortable with the idea that the outputs are only loosely related to the inputs is a hard skill to learn, but will pay off hugely in parenting.