11 minute read
Kids Say the Wisest Things
by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
In a world full of social media, camera phones, and YouTube it is tempting to be overly concerned with what everyone else is doing and how we compare. However, our constant need to “manage our image” can be detrimental to our children. The danger of this was captured in a heartbreaking statement whispered to me by a sweet 8-year-old boy, “My parents care too much about how I make them look.”
One of the greatest delights of parenting is watching our children grow into who God created them to be. Along that journey, we all experience highs and lows. There are moments we are overwhelmed with pride for them and moments we are embarrassed for them. What you cannot do is be embarrassed BY them. When you are embarrassed by them, you are taking on too much of their responsibility to learn from their own mistakes. In other words, when we are embarrassed by our children we care too much about how they make us look.
Here are some examples of this unhealthy cycle.
1. In the South, we love our sports! Have your ever expected your child to play a sport because you want to be a “baseball mom” or a “football dad”. It is fine to encourage a new sport, it is not okay to influence your child in a way that pushes them to live out your parenting dream. 2. Do you expect more from your children in front of others than you do at home so you look like a “good” parent? If you do not care about your child saying “Yes Ma’am” to you at home, it is wrong to expect him to say it to you around your friends. It is unfair to change your standards for their behavior because you are insecure. 3. Have you ever felt the need to cover up something your child has done so that you are not embarrassed? This sends a mixed message and prevents your child from learning hard lessons. I heard a story about a group of teenagers who were vandalizing different areas of a neighborhood. One of the houses had a security camera and caught an image of the teens. That image was posted on social media and one of the fathers turned his child in to the police. This is a great example of a parent not letting his own personal pride or fear prevent his son from an important teachable moment.
How can we avoid this unhealthy cycle?
1. Be excited about your children’s interests. Parents should be equally excited about a speech and debate tournament as they are about a football game. Our dedication needs to be to our children, not the perceptions of others. 2. Maintain a consistent standard for your children. You can relax some of your rules at home, but never relax the standard. 3. Never protect your child from learning an important life lesson. Natural consequences and the voices of other adults who care are two of the greatest teachers in the lives of our children.
Most important of all, however, we need to remember that children have unlimited imaginations and that their social grace has only the definitions we instill. With that in mind, just remember to laugh and encourage because kids are amazing, hysterical creatures.
Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www. worksofwondertherapy.com.
Family Events with the Montgomery Biscuits
For more info on any of these events, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
* Military Wednesdays Sept. 1 & 15:
All members of our Armed Forces are offered ticket, drink and food specials and discounts!
* Giveaway
Nights
Sept. 2 & 16:
We’re giving away different items to the first 1,000 fans through the gates!
*MAX Fireworks Nights Sept. 4 &
18: Stick around after the game for a MAX Fireworks Show!
* Bark in the Park Sept. 5 & 19
Bring your leashed 4-legged friend with you. Don’t forget to join the Lil’ Crumbs Kids
Club presented by Go Fish Alabama, offering complimentary Sunday game tickets along with a variety of other perks.
Labor Day Concert
Sunday, September 5 * 6-10:30 p.m. The AMP on Lake Martin, Eclectic. Featuring The Vegabonds, The Bank Walkers and Sam Burchfield. Tickets are $20. For more info, visit http://theamponlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019.
ACT Test Prep Classes at AUM
Sept. 27-Oct. 21 Prepare for the ACT exam and improve your test scores! Students can choose to attend class in person or online using the Zoom web application. Masks are required for attending in-class sessions. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Books will be provided at the first class meeting. Each course costs $119 or the complete review is $309. Math Review (September 27-30) Language Review (October 4-7) Science Review (October 18-21) Call (334) 244-3804 or visit https://learning.aum.edu/.
CASA Superhero 5K & Fun Run
Saturday, October 23, at 8 a.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St.
Every child needs a hero! Get your whole family together and dress up as your favorite Superhero or make up one of your own. All adults who register get a free dry-fit T-shirt and all children who register get a free cape and entry into the Finish Line Festival.
Fun Run Participants will ALSO get first entry into the Biscuits Trick or Treat concourse. The USATF-certified 5K course will take you through beautiful downtown Montgomery ending in the outfield of Riverwalk Stadium. The entire Fun Run will be held in the stadium.
All money raised will go toward advocating for children of abuse & neglect in Montgomery county. Registration link is http://casasuperherorunmgm.itsyourrace.com.
Cloverdale Playhouse Presents a
Staged Reading of The Guys
September 10-11 @ 7:30 p.m.
Written by Anne Nelson and directed by Greg Thornton to benefit the Capital City’s Fire and Rescue Department on the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. All firefighters and first responders are invited with free admission. Due to limited seating, please call (334) 262-1530 to reserve your comped ticket. Also visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ for more info.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Shoebox Picnic Road Side: Route One (World Premiere) September 16-26
Written by Deneen Reynolds-Knott. In 1955, a black family travels by caravan on Route One from Harlem to visit their matriarch in Littleton, North Carolina. Knowing they were unlikely to be served by eateries along the way, the family prepared a picnic feast placed in shoeboxes lined with tin foil. This is your invitation to join them, hear the stories of the food in their picnic, and enjoy some classic Southern cuisine. For more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.
Wetumpka Depot Players Present
Big Fish September 16-October 2
With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and a book by John August, Big Fish is based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.
Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre
Presents The Addams Family September 30-October 17
Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa; directed by Hunter Smith. Tickets are limited and must be purchased for $12 in advance. Call (334) 595-0850 or find us on Facebook.
37th Annual College + Career Night
September 13 * 5-8 p.m. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery
Sponsored by the Junior League of Montgomery for high school students and parents located in Autauga, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery and Pike counties. Students and parents are able to meet representatives from colleges and careers they might not otherwise be able to visit. In 2019, we had more than 5,000 students and parents in attendance, with more than 120 colleges and career representatives present. For more info, visit https://allevents.in/montgomery/.
Alabama National Fair
October 8-17
Each day is different at the Alabama National Fair! Check out our free app (download Alabama National Fair from your Apple or Android play store), where you will find a detailed schedule for each day. For more info, call (334) 272-6831 or visit https://alnationalfair.org/.
by the Montgomery Ballet October 1 * 6-9 p.m. Montgomery Zoo
Ballet and the Beasts is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. It is fun for all ages, boys and girls. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome. For more info, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/ or call (334) 625-4900.
Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Experience
October 1-3 * 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St., Montgomery.
100 lifelike dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for little explorers, face painting, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more. For more info, visit www.jurassicquest.com/.
Bark in the Park 2021
September 19 * 1-5 p.m. Ft. Toulouse Historical Park, Wetumpka
Blessing of the Pets followed by showing off your pet in our Pet Parade. From 1:30-3:30, you can get your dog microchipped for only $25 (including the registration) thanks to the Tuskegee Veterinarian School. There will be numerous arts & crafts vendors, vendors specializing in pet products, local businesses and more. Admission is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public AND they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination. For more info, call (334) 567-3377 or find us on Facebook.
Ali King has been an elementary school teacher for six years, one as a science lab coordinator and five as a kindergarten teacher. Her career journey has been fully devoted to Saint James School in Montgomery. Mrs. King shares why being a kindergarten teacher has been the best transition for her.
“I had always heard kindergarten is a magical year. Until you experience it, it’s hard to describe. It is such a big year for childhood growth and development, but there is still the play aspect that fills every day with joy. Saint James focuses on academic success, but it does this in the best way by incorporating play, character education, and allowing students the opportunity to explore.”
In the classroom, Mrs. King believes that every student has the potential to bring something new and unique to this world. She believes that it is her responsibility to help her students learn and believe they are capable individuals. Her vow as a teacher is to guide students as they search for knowledge and the answers to life’s questions. Ali candidly shares, “I think all teachers are lifelong learners naturally. And I hope and pray that every student who walks through my classroom door leaves as a lifelong learner.”
Undeniably, Ali King is setting the bar of high standards in her classroom as an educator. She
Ali King
Saint James School
