Confidence Building

Last Sunday, my 9-year-old received the wrong meal at a restaurant. She looked at me with wide eyes, clearly wanting to say something but too nervous. Instead of immediately speaking up for her, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I leaned in and whispered, “This is a perfect chance to practice. What would you like to say? I’m right here if you need me.” The look of anxiety mixed with growing determination on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice self-advocacy in a low-stakes environment. ...

Last Wednesday, I enrolled my 8-year-old in a new library reading program. As we walked in, she clutched my hand tightly, looking around at the group of children who had clearly been attending for weeks. “I don’t know anyone,” she whispered nervously. Instead of immediately stepping in to help her connect, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I encouraged her to introduce herself and find a seat. The look of anxiety mixed with determination on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice being the new kid in a low-stakes environment. ...