We Choose Respect ParentCast Starring Holli Kenley
Another Way Wednesday # 2
Not too long ago I was scheduled to perform at a small music festival. I was excited. I love performing in schools, but I also enjoy having the chance to perform at fairs and festivals, it is a great change of pace.I especially love getting to the festival early so I have a chance to see some of the acts do their thing.
As often happens I was not the only magic act on the bill. As my wife and I sat on the mountainside watching this performer we were horrified. Just like me this performer brought volunteers up on stage, but unlike me this performer proceeded to scare the crap out of his volunteer, who looked to be about 9 years old. “I am going to take this sword and push it through your neck, do you feel that? Is it sharp?” The poor kid started to cry and demanded to leave the stage.
I do everything I can to make anyone who comes on my stage to feel like they are the star of my show. To feel empowered, to feel like they matter. I didn’t have a chance to speak to this performer after the show, but I did make sure I shared this with the group of young magicians who meet in our church every month in hopes that they choose another way to deal with the volunteers they bring on stage.
I think as parents we want our kids to feel like they are a star every time we speak to them. It’s not easy. Our kids can be challenging, frustrating, they can be infuriating. But they are our kids, and it is our job to help them grow to be responsible, strong, healthy adults.
To do our job as parents means that we have to speak to our kids about things that can, well, make us feel uncomfortable. But that doesn’t mean we have to have one of “those talks.”
Holli Kenley’s novel “Another Way” offers teens and parents a great tool to build those strong relationships, to have those important, ongoing, conversations about potentially life changing choices. This week Holli continues her Another Way Wednesday Series, helping learn how to have a dialogue with our kids without being judgmental.
At the end of each podcast, an autographed copy of “Another Way” will be given away when one lucky listener is the first person to answer our podcast question through my email – holli@hollikenley.com or contact me through the Holli Kenley website.
