Be The Voice: Mentors Inspire Us To Dream Big. #BarbieICANBe

Since I am gearing up for the end of a college semester and preparing for vacation, I'm pulling some of my favourite posts out of the Blogger archive.  This one happens to be from a blog I laid to rest in the Spring...Last Fall I began participating in the #BarbieICanBe conversation on their new facebook community.  July's theme is "Raising Boys To Be Supportive Men."  I love to read about other parent's perspectives on the parenting issues that matter most to me as well.  There are some great discussions happening right now.

Join the great conversations happening now at www.bethevoice.ca 

"The mentors in my life were women. Yes, a few men have helped along the way. The saying-"It takes a village to raise a child"...applies to me. I was surrounded by a STRONG group of women who taught me that the sky is the limit. My paternal Grandmother stands out most, and of course my MOM, as being the strongest Mentors. They are both women I had always hoped to emulate for their strength and unwavering grace in the toughest of times".

This was my response to a recent discussion on Mentors.  Mentors inspire you to dream and then encourage you to go after those dreams.  Though a very shy and introverted child, I had BIG dreams.  When asked what I wanted to BE when I grew up, the answer could change from week to week, but the Top 3 picks were Nurse, Teacher, and Chef.  My Grandmothers, Mom, and many Aunts helped shape who I am today, and of course kept me in line when I strayed too far.  Teaching a child to dream big, doesn't mean they get to live a boundary free life.  That's a lesson I learned the hard way. After becoming attached to my Grade 3 Teacher, Ms. Hoddinott, I decided I wanted to be a teacher too.  I became a Preschool Teacher because I believe that the earliest years of a child's life can shape the person they will grow up to be.  Fostering positive self-esteem, respect for others, and care for their environment were high on my list of goals.  A child that loves themselves, respects friends (and even enemies), and shows pride in their surroundings will be inspired to dream.  Just how important it is to encourage young children to dream big?  It can mean the difference between living a life with unfulfilled dreams, and living the life you always dreamed of.

National “I Can Be Day” was celebrated on October 27, 2011.  

Did You Know: 

• Barbie has had more than 125 careers?   
• There is an online community filled with discussions about inspiring our children to BE.  For parents, teachers, and adults who want to find ways to help children dream big and achieve their dreams.

Established as a podium for girl empowerment, I Can Be The Voice™aspires to expand this legacy by providing today’s parents with the tools they need to encourage their daughters to be their own best advocates; to help them realize the scope of their inner potential. Here, you’ll find relevant, constructive dialogue around some of the most pertinent issues faced by girls today. Search. Share. Speak your mind. Because every time you find your voice, you help a girl find hers. "ABOUT, I Can Be...the Voice." 

*original archived post from October 2011 **I can be...image from their campaign facebook page.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Barbie I Can Be campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Mattel Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.