Celebrating my 200th Article

This is my 200th article for parents of teens!

Two hundred? 

Whoa!

Really? (I counted again.)

Yes, really.

I'm amazed because, when I decided to start writing, I wondered if I'd have enough to say and enough ways to offer support. Turns out I do. And with each new parent I coach, I have more stories and ideas I want to share with you.

I'm also amazed because I started out with an audience of six people and now that number is inching toward 400. I know those six people are reading this today so Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for encouraging me and believing in the value of what I have to offer.

And thanks to all who have joined since. Whether you joined me three days ago or three years ago, I want you to know that I'm holding you and your kids in my heart as we figure out how to navigate this tender, tricky stage of being parents.

To commemorate this milestone, I thought I'd share part of my very first article. Because what felt most important for me to write that first day is still at the heart of my writing and coaching...

People often ask me why I coach parents.

On one level, it’s because I want to give everyone the opportunity to experience the benefits of exploring and developing oneself and enjoying a rich relationship with their kids.

My deeper answer, however, is about world peace.

When I was a child, I wanted everyone to get along. When I first understood what an election was, I asked why they couldn't all just work together.  

In my 20's and 30's, I was eager to correct injustices and immersed myself in work for the environment, women's safety and cross-cultural understanding. I was told again and again that I was too much silver lining and not enough reality, but I was undeterred.

After exhausting myself in the not-for-profit sector and becoming a mother, I decided that I could make the most difference in creating a peaceful world was by supporting the next generation. I was inspired by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "If we are to teach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with the children."

I believe that if children grow up feeling accepted and connected to the beat of their own heart, then they will be more content with who they are and, thus, more accepting of others. And if their kids grow up in that kind of environment, world peace is possible. It was clear to me that parents need support to find their own peace so they can pass it along to their children. It's not an easy job; it requires so much self-reflection and self-development of us, especially when we're raising teenagers and young adults. 

So, I guide parents to access their calm center and parent from there. To recognize and trust their instincts and connect genuinely with their young adult children. And as they find grounding in their steps and peace in their hearts, I see it rippling out, not only to their kids, but also to friends, teachers, relatives, neighbours, teammates, coworkers…

That’s my answer: I coach for world peace.

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Photo by Winston Chen on Unsplash