We are in summer theater season in Krinkeland, which, now that I think about it, maybe makes us not so different from hockey families... Anyway, my two older girls have now auditioned for two community theater summer musicals. Both have been cast in one, and are awaiting news on the second. I will not even get into the explanation of how it is that they tried out for two shows. It is a stupid story, should never have happened, and is all my fault. Hopefully, in short order, they will commit to one (it is quite possible they will not even get cast in the other) and begin rehearsals.
What I am thinking about tonight is the power adults have to encourage children. Grown-ups, do you know this? Do you really recognize it? Kids want to learn, do, succeed, excel. They want you to notice. They need you to say so.
One of my friends, a fellow school mom, recently posted on Facebook a congratulatory message to all the graduating eighth graders of our middle school. She honored them as a group, for being fine human beings, and wished them well as they head to high school. Her message was so heartfelt, another person commented that my friend must be a great teacher. She's not a teacher! And her oldest kid at the school is a first grader! She just shares in the pride of knowing these children and sharing in their growth. Like we all do.
It really does take a village, and we really all do influence young people. It makes such a difference if that influence is a positive one. Whether Amanda or Elisabeth gets cast in this most recent musical production is secondary to the fact that the director took the time at call-backs to tell all of the young actors how talented they are, and how decisions on casting are not based on their value and skills, and should not affect their worth. Bravo!
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