My PASSION is teaching parents to accept their children for who they are–it is my life’s work!   But my unbridled JOY comes from being with kids.  Hanging out. All ages, all stages, doesn’t matter.  Kids are just so fascinating.

So, naturally, I was thrilled when my friend Jenny invited me to speak to three classes of “at-risk” ninth graders at Napa High, where she teaches English (and is affectionately known as “Ms. V”).  I accepted before she even had a chance to explain what I’d be speaking about.  It didn’t matter.

As part of a unit on self-identity, they were reading The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver.  Among other things, Jenny asked me to speak to how to be a part of a group and still maintain your own identity. That’s such an important and charged topic for teenagers, don’t you think?  And a great fit for  my message:  that when we feel seen and accepted for who we are  we are willing to show who we are to the world.

What an interesting day, bouncing ideas off 14 and 15 year olds who have been identified “at-risk.” Do you remember being that betwixt and between age?  Hmmm, at 15, it’s hard enough to stand up and say, “This is who I am.” How much more challenging is it to find positive expression of yourself (and your unique gifts) when you’re labeled “at-risk,” or feel like nothing you do is ever good enough?

Thanks kids, I loved hanging out.  And thank you, Ms. V, and teachers everywhere.  You rock!

This is why, as The Acceptance Advocate,  I help parents accept their children for who they are.