Happy Thursday,everyone! They weekend is almost here. Yay!

I just wanted to take a moment to  give a big shout out for  everyone who is some child’s favorite aunt, uncle, teacher, coach, or next door neighbor. You are helping to shape future generations in amazing ways. 

Parenting is a  tough job and not everyone is called to be a parent. That does not mean that life does not give use opportunities to be a parental figure on a regular basis. When I first started teaching at my present school I had a student ask me if I had any kids of my own. Spontaneously I blurted out ” Of course I do. I teach everyone in this school music. I have close to 300 children.” This caused some laughter and giggles but for the next several years the students in that particular class would say ” we are all your kids, everyone in this school” and give they would all give me a big smile and often a hug to go with it.

There are many ways to be involved with young people and help mentor and inspire them. You do not need to be a professional educator to be a role model for kids.  Here are some ideas on how to be a parental figure in young lives.

potential roles in the village

• Spend time with your nieces and nephews. Be a part of their lives as much as possible.
•  Help coach a city sports team.
• Enjoy talking to your friends/neighbors children. Include them in activities whenever it is appropriate.
• Look into Big Brother and Big Sister programs in your area.
• Teach a class geared towards children at a recreation center such as pottery, dance, or swimming.
• Volunteer to teach Sunday School .
• Be aware that everywhere you go and everything you do there are young eyes quietly watching you. They are noticing how you walk, how you talk, how you dress, and how you relate to the world around you. Whether you want to have a role in the village or not, you have one. Make it a role that shines! 🙂

I would love to hear any ideas or comments you have on this subject.

Until next time,

Laura