A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting

What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you?

For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file.  You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing.  The file that attempts to explain the reason they entered foster care, the length of time in the system, the changes in schools, the number of foster placements, health concerns, and any mental health screenings and diagnoses. The file containing this documentation is extremely important right? Essential even?!

I’m not speaking of the file that documents the thoughts and judgments of countless social workers, lawyers, doctors, and educators and barely contains the views of the youth in foster care. The accomplishments, aspirations, and support systems in a teen’s life are worth documenting.  Every teen is unique and full of promise and potential.  My teens document their lives in a professional portfolio — a visual tool that gives employers, recruiters, scouts, and mentors a complete picture of who you are.  I believe that a professional portfolio can be an integral element not only in building skills and confidence in youth but also in helping them develop and maintain crucial personal and professional connections.

Am I Really A Jack Of All Trades?

Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas.  Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does).  Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions.  I have helped clients with housing, food, medical assistance, and clothing.  I have played the role of “work mom”, chauffer, parenting coach, stylist, and teacher.  Some days I have worn the hat of scholarship consultant, academic advisor, counselor, tour guide, and career coach.  I am truly a “do what needs to be done” kind of lady.  In fact, two of my most used phrases are “get it done” and “keep it moving”.  That’s good right?  Well, usually it is.

A few years ago I had begun to run on “auto pilot” for a couple months.   At times I would do a presentation or workshop simply because I had the knowledge or because I was asked.   I was forced to be honest with myself and take a look at how I was spending my time.  I realized that busy doesn’t always equate to productive.  I needed to make some changes.

Let’s Start A New Year’s Day Tradition!

Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included).  After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year.  A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change our lives for the better.  People around the world make their lists of New Year’s resolutions.  New Year’s resolutions are goals, projects, or kicking of habits that a person commits to in anticipation of a new year.  Most people plan to stay committed to their New Year’s resolutions for at least the entire year but roughly 4 out of 5 people break their New Year’s resolutions, however.

Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits

The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success Program builds winner habits.  Success is within our reach.

A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition.  Winner and losers do things differently.  They not only think differently but they also act differently.  Winners have habits that are valuable and move them forward.

Winner Habits:

1. Get Clear– You cannot achieve success or reach your goals without a clear vision.  You will not know if you are making progress is you do not know what you are working toward.  Clarity allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish.

2. Strategize and Plan – Winners create strategies and plans before they take action.  They do not waste time and energy by taking action without careful consideration.

3. Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm – Winners are proactive.  Winners do not wait for someone to tell them what to do.  Winners are go-getters who are enthusiastic about their goals.  When you are not passionate about something the work is like drudgery.  The excitement and enthusiasm that winners exhibit about their purpose and goals is often contagious.

What About That Opportunity?

Successful people take action.  They get up and get moving in the direction of their dreams.  In order to achieve success, one must be able to seek out and take advantage of opportunities.  But how do you effectively evaluate job, academic, business, housing, and even relationship opportunities?

A prerequisite for making wise choices or taking calculated risks is clarity.  Once you are clear about what you want it is time to look for the best opportunity with which your efforts will soar.  Once you are clear about your wants it is critical to get a clear picture of the opportunity. Ultimately, you are trying to determine if this opportunity will help you accomplish the personal goals you have for yourself. Here are six areas that you must evaluate:

1. Background/experience – Ask yourself what this opportunity is all about and why it exists.  You want to learn what the motivating factors are.

Show and Tell Parenting

Every parent I know has helped their preschool or Kindergarten child get ready for “Show and Tell”.  Remember how it was such a big deal for the child who wanted to bring their favorite or special “thing” to share with their classmates?  Not any old thing would do.   Thought and care went into the selection process.  On the day of “Show and Tell” the children all bring their items to the front of the room and they show them off then tell you what makes it great.  I think we as parents need to adopt this same concept when it comes to parenting.  Let me say it another way.  Children and teenagers need to see big things happening in order to dream big dreams.

I believe that parenting should be purposeful…even strategic (Worth mentioning here that being strategic is very different from being forceful).  Every child is born with unique talents, skills, and interests.  The job of a parent is to recognize, protect, and nurture these special gifts. The job of a parent also includes building self-confidence, providing opportunities for children to thrive, and allowing children to learn the value of hard work.