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

I grew up on welfare in government subsidized housing in an abusive and violent home environment by a parent who had a mental illness. As a result, I struggled with my self-esteem. I was told I was worthless, and I believed that lie, but once I attended university and did very well in my classes, and loved learning, I realized that I did have something to offer the world.

Our young people are looking outside themselves for direction and validation, the last place they should be looking. They are dressing to fit in, doing the same things as the other kids, looking at their friends, classmates, celebrities, and social media influencers to find out who they are and who they think they want to be.