Parents rarely get credit for what doesn’t happen.

For the pressure they don’t apply.
For the fear they don’t project.
For the control they choose not to take.

You could see all of this in the quiet way Nikos's dad watched from the back of the room during the workshop. Not hovering. Not correcting. Just present.

When asked what Nikos has learned from him, Nikos didn’t list skills or lessons.

He hugged him and said, “Everything.”

A Full-Circle Moment

For this father, watching his ten-year-old teach wasn’t just a proud moment.

It was evidence that patience, presence, and belief compound too.

He turns to his son, and says, "I think it is a full circle moment where you not only understand something and you're passionate about it, but you teaching other kids is a different level of understanding. And the fact that you could inspire other kids your age about what you can do, it's amazing." Nikos stands and beams at his father with pride.

This is the moment every parent dreams of, watching your child step into their confidence, share their gifts, and inspire others.

"So I'm really excited that Nikos can teach others. I mean, what a great experience and community here at Ember for Nikos to be able to share his skills and his knowledge."

The Mindset That Changes Everything

When asked what has surprised him most about Nikos's talents, his father doesn't talk about technical prowess or business acumen, though both are so impressive at any age. 

Instead, he focuses on something more fundamental, something that transcends any single skill:

"I think it is his ability to solve a problem in a number of ways." Nikos reaches out for a high-five, and his dad meets his hand with a grin.

"I think also his ability to not be discouraged and to always think he could do something. He came home yesterday and said, 'oh I got to build this for a project.' I go, 'I have no idea how you're going to do it.' But he's like, 'Yeah, we just have to build it.'"

Yeah, we just have to build it.

💡 What This Means for Other Parents

Through Nikos and his dad's journey, we see a blueprint for nurturing young creators:

Give them tools, not limits. That 3D printer came with one simple guideline: make useful things. The definition of "useful" was left to Nikos.

Celebrate the mindset, not just the outcome. Yes, the keychain business is impressive. But what's more impressive is Nikos's approach to problems, his resilience, his belief that solutions exist if he just keeps looking.

Create opportunities to share. Teaching deepens understanding. When Nikos explains 3D printing to his peers, he's building confidence and leadership.

Be present. That presence becomes a child's courage. When Nikos says he learned "everything" from his dad, he's talking about much more than technical skills.