How do we encourage our children to be who they truly are? Childhood We are told growing up that our marks count, the teams we are in count, the friends we have count, the clubs we join count, the memberships we are in count, the schools we go to count. At home, we are told what to do by our parents. At school, we are told what to do by our teachers. In clubs, teams, or memberships, we are told what to do by the leaders or organizers. What is missing? Us!!! When did WE get

Children and teenagers, at times, seem to be very different than us. Is your child or teenager from another world? Maybe an alien? (I have nothing against aliens, in case you were wondering). Maybe or maybe not, but they respond differently and think differently than we do in certain situations. To help children learn, grow, and heal, making a connection with them is of upmost importance. How do we do that if we don't understand them at times?