A Community of/for Parents

Parents, we need to give ourselves and each other a break.  Almost daily I talk with mothers, fathers, stepmothers and stepfathers who feel as though, if they are not providing for their children's every need 100% of the time, they are failing.  They feel judged by others if their child is not the star in every category: academics, sports, music, popularity with peers...  you name it.

I wonder how much of the pressure is perception versus reality.  Whatever the source, it's time to create a new culture for ourselves and the children we love.  Some observations:

* By accepting our own imperfections, we allow our children to be imperfect.  This will alleviate pressure and allow them to become fully who they are.

* By taking care of ourselves we help our children to value themselves and each other.

* By showing love and respect to our significant others, we model treating each other with respect and dignity.

* By saying no when appropriate and sticking to it, we teach our children resilience and boundaries.

Having to accept at times a less than starring role will not derail any child and typically, after the initial disappointment, will help them build the resourcefulness and strength of character that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Welcome to the far less than perfect club, everyone.  I've been a member for years!

Insights on Autism

The internet is a magical place.  It can help people connect across time and space, and help us all understand each other.

The following is a link to a video clip done by a young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In this and other clips he has posted, he tries to let everyone else know what it's like to have ASD and what he feels can and should be done about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV-eRathoA4

This is valuable insight not only for those of us who know people with ASD, but for all of us to make society a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

Amazing Children's Choir

I was privileged yesterday to hear the Voena Choir perform at the Rotary International District 5170 Conference in Napa.  The speakers were eloquent, the debate lively, and the information flowed.

Rita Moreno gave a wonderful presentation, she has lived quite a life.  Santa Cruz's own American Idol favorite James Durbin showed his amazing musical presence and had the whole room dancing.  Noted Rotarians Rick King and Jennifer Jones, as well as Dick Henning, founder of Celebrity Forum at DeAnza College in Cupertino, were among many speakers who kept the entire room engaged.

But the real stars were these children.  The group was founded by a mother who wanted a healthy outlet for her sons' creative energy.  She came up with the idea to have a choir which had no tryouts, no acceptance criteria other than to be between 5-18 years old, and which was open to all children who wanted to sing.  They have been to the White House, performed at the TEDxNapaValley conference, traveled to Africa, sang at halftime at the San Francisco 49ers game, performed at the London Olympic Games, the list goes on and on.

Please give yourself the pleasure of hearing them:  http://www.voena.org/Choir/Home.html

You will be moved.