NOW I KNOW MY ABC'S

- Andrea Schroder, Contributing Writer

Children grow fast and I feel like in a few short years my life has changed from teaching my kids the ABC song, to teaching them the ABC’s of life.

A is for Accountable.  Accountable for the choices we make, for the people we are and for the future that is ours to create.  My son announced this morning that the reason he got a bad grade on his test was because his teacher hates him.  “Luke, so you studied and did your best, and the teacher just felt like giving you a bad grade?”  I doubt it.  With a little more investigation, the obvious became apparent to all….”Luke wasn’t being accountable for his grade?”  The more honest we are with ourselves, the more opportunity we have for personal growth.

B is for Brave.  On my fridge growing up was magnet that said, “Feel the fear and do it  anyway”.  This quote has served me well in life as I have grown and faced “scary” adult life.  My son was recently asked to audition for a movie where he had to play a deaf boy and speak with impairment.  Now at 14 being cool is everything and to rehearse this part in front of anyone was nerve racking.  “Be brave”, I said.  He learned the lines, felt the fear and did it anyway.  He didn’t get the part, but he did get a boost in his self-confidence.

C is for Caring.  Years ago I saw a plaque on the wall at a friend’s house that said,”We are a family that cares.”  I quickly adopted that saying and it has proved to be life changing.  When my kids say the ever popular “Who cares?”  I announce, “We care!”.  Caring makes all the difference in a life.  Care about our earth, care about our health and most important, care about each other