February 13, 2021

Quote of the Week

"We are constantly invited to be who we are." Henry David Thoreau

Teach Your Kids That Perfection Is Out And Authenticity Is In

Countering the media's obsession with perfection, there is beginning to be a groundswell of messages about how important it is to be yourself and to live a life that is true to who you are. Social media is giving people the chance to find and use their voices, expressing their hopes and dreams and fears and failures, building confidence and resilience along the way. Marketers are facing more intense pressure to be responsible in the way they position and reach young people with product messages, inviting a dialogue versus preaching a gospel. Even at work, leaders all the way to the top are talking about the value of bringing your full, authentic self to work everyday -- the truth that bringing our full selves everywhere we go makes our lives better, our companies better, and our world better.

Perfection is out, authenticity is in.

If we can reinforce it in schools and at home, our kids may be lucky enough to grow up wanting to be no one other than their beautiful selves. We can help them by encouraging them to fail, and hugging and kissing them after they do. We can teach them curiosity about the world and show them that difference is the one thing that makes us all the same." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship

By: Nadja Springer

Ages: 4-8

"A heart-warming story of a small tree with an overwhelming dream - Tree, the little hazelnut tree down by the shore has all that he needs - a beautiful home and a loving family. Still, Tree yearns to wander – and to explore the world.

One little tree and one big adventure - No tree has ever tried before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done! One idea changes everything – and with the help of his friends, Tree sets off and finds more than just an adventure beyond the paths close to home.

One hidden tiny little friend - When Tree leaves the shore, he’s not on his own – can your young reader locate Tree’s friend, the baby sea turtle on every page?

Learn about the power of friendship and love, the importance of inclusion and the unique chances and opportunities you’re presented with when you simply think “I can do this”. Changing your mindset can change your life. Curiosity, kindness and an open heart make all the difference." - Publishers

Be the Change

Based on the article, do take the time to reflect on how your parenting journey has been borrowed from your childhood experiences of wanting to being unique in your own way. This week do take some time to observe those micro minute moments of authenticity that arise for you or for your child and reflect on what expression (eg. strength, truthfulness, courage, grounding etc) that brought up for you?