So, yeah, it's been forevahhhh since I have written. I have been in what I like to describe as my "mommy cocoon". My family has needed me and between that and all the prime time shows on DVR that REQUIRE me to watch them...well, my agenda is just full. Seriously people, SOMEBODY has to watch Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition, The New Girl, Glee, Apartment 23, Grey's Anatomy, etc..... I mean, how else are they going to get RENEWED, people?? I am just trying to save jobs.
But, I digress....
Today I decided it is time to give credit where credit is due. I live in a small community. But my community has some amazing things happening. I really feel like I am surrounded by amazing people at every turn.
My husband and I are trying our best to raise sane, smart, independent, well-rounded children (2 girls and one boy to be specific). Our wild man is only 4 years old and thinks the world revolves around him -- he will outgrow this right? But, my girls are already on high alert. They are always looking...watching...listening as girls always do...to those around them. They are sneaky peeky spying on us parents, their babysitters, the teens they encounter every day, and the peers they encounter everyday. They are at ages 7 and 10 very mallable and are indeed forming into the women they will become. They may not WANT to admit they are listening and taking notes -- but they are.
It is with great happiness that I can say my community is PACKED with positive female role models. You know most of the time parents are busy berating the likes of Disney personalities and celebrities like Taylor Swift, nit-picking what they do well/do not do well on their pedestal of fame. But, I truly think that my girls are more affected by the people they see on a daily basis...have personal contact with at school, church, home, dance class, piano class, playdates, and while mom and dad are away and they get to chat up a babysitter.
Here is a note to ALL TEENS that come in contact with kids (so, basically all of you!):
THANK YOU! Whether you know it or not, you ARE a role model. There is not a moment that goes by where there is not some little girl or boy in the corner listening to your every word, learning how to behave, waiting for you to recognize and call them by name, treat them special in some way. I know that sounds like you live in a fishbowl. But, we all kinda do! Sure....people like famous singers and actors get paid a lot more and get a lot more flack to be role models, but all teens have the chance to make a difference in the life of a child or young adult. And here's another secret...we parents notice when you make a difference to our children. When you call them by name, make a sweet comment about something they have done well, compliment them in anyway...we notice, and we are IMPRESSED. I can only speak through the eyes of a mom of two dancers (we all know their interests can change in the drop of a hat...but for now, dance it is)....my 10 and 7 year olds have printed pics of ALL of their "idols" from the local dance company and have wallpapered their bedroom walls. They keep pictures of treasured and loved babysitters framed in their rooms, on their bathroom mirror, and in the hallway. If you dance or teach dance in our community, you know I am talking to you. Just know that your smiles and kind words to EVERY little boy or girl that you pass backstage really DOES mean the world to them. It makes them feel unique.
I am not naive enough to think my little city is a dance bubble. We have amazing girl role models EVERYWHERE. Ever heard of Becca Greenwell? No? Google her. Amazing. Every little basketball playin girl loves and adores her...they look for her at church, in the community, they want to BE her. Swimmers? We have AMAZING teen role models that make my jaw drop at every summer swim meet. It's the same with every single sport, hobby, talent....teens, you ARE someone's idol whether you want to be or not. Just work to encourage the little people around you. Take time to learn their names...talk to them...smile at them. You have NO IDEA what an impact you are making.
In every sport, hobby, interest, you will find kids who have uniquenesses...maybe they are on the autism spectrum? Have a learning disability? Have anxiety and depression? Are being abused at home? Have a parent with a terminal disease? Maybe they are introverted? Maybe they are being bullied? Maybe they are the bullies? Bottomline: you may NEVER enven KNOW that makes them unique! Whatever the "unique situation"...your simple smile, acknowledgement to these kids could be THE thing they are needing at that moment.
I was a teenager once. I get it. You do not WANT the pressure of being a role model AND a person who is trying to figure out what kind of adult they want to be at the same time. But, I am here to be your cheering section....I am here to tell the teens in MY community that you guys are ROCKING it. You are rocking it in church, in the symphony, the choir, the band, on the stage, behind the scenes, in the grades you made, in the dedication you show to your endeavors...whatever those may be! YOU are succeeding....and I hope my girls will one day remember what has been bestowed upon them and pay it forward. If that is the case, this little community of mine will be one HECK of a place full of positive, loving, dedicated kids. Will they the the BEST at everything they do? Nope. Will they be proud of the time and effort they put forward to BE the best person they can be? I think so!
It's not just Taylor Swift who has this "magical power" over young adults....every teen can change a life. And, hey....adults you can too ;-) But, I am assuming you already know that (even though some of you like to curse like sailors in the presence of any aged child). I'll tell you all about adults influencing other adults in a positive way when I finally find time to blog about the amazing church Arise experience I had over the past few months.
Much love to you all!
Keep up the good work, teens! I think you are not given enough credit for being good role models. You may now take your bow :-)
xoxo Jennifer
