9 minute read
Kids Say the Wisest Things
by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
Appreciating the Differences
One of the reasons I am so passionate about my job is that I want to help other parents not make all the mistakes I made. Unfortunately, one of my greatest blunders is that I did not embrace and appreciate the differences between my oldest child and me.
I am an extreme extrovert. I love being around people, listening to people, and watching people. I enjoy humans so much that I built a career around them. I have been genuinely interested in others for as long as I can remember. I have never been afraid of strangers. My parents never had to pay for Girl Scout Camp because I always sold more than enough cookies to go for free.
My oldest child is an extreme introvert. People and social gatherings have always exhausted him. When he was a toddler, he played for hours on his own. He never wastes time on small talk. He is now 21 and has had the same best friend since he was 8 (even though we moved 15 hours away when he was 11).
Because I value people and relationships so much, I viewed his introversion and quietness as a problem. I feared he would never be successful because he would not be able to connect with others. I started to make expectations on the number of people he spoke with at church and school. I required him to schedule social outings with friends. I have no regrets about pushing him in areas that were uncomfortable for him, and he is very thankful that I did. What I do regret is not appreciating our differences and respecting him more.
As he matured into an adult, he recognized that he needed to learn to be comfortable around others. He became a barista, a tutor, and a leader in clubs at his college, and he forced himself into situations that helped him grow in areas that he began to recognize as shortcomings. My oldest was the first person to teach me that we grow and learn when we feel supported, not when we are forced to do so. He also taught me that we all develop in our own time. What do I know now that I wish I had known then?
1. Move at their pace. My husband
made our children shake hands with and thank every service member or police officer we saw in public. He modeled this for them, practiced this with them at home, and then always did it first to break the ice. It was very uncomfortable for our children, but they always followed his lead because he moved at their speed and skill level. Over their time in our home, they learned how to do this confidently, and by the time they were teenagers, they could shake hands with and talk to anyone.
2. Recognize the difference between a lack of skill and a personality
preference. We all need to know how to talk to people, but we do not all need to talk to everyone everywhere.
Your number one goal as a parent should be to meet your children where they are and encourage necessary growth. All of us have unique gifts, talents, and purposes. When you are blind to those in your own children because of your biases, you limit their potential and harm your relationship.
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.
Night to Shine
Friday, February 10 Wynlakes Golf and Country Club Thorington Road Baptist Church is thrilled to partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation for Night to Shine 2023. We will enjoy great music, dancing, karaoke, food, and lots of other fun things! Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Visit www.trbaptist.org.
MMFA Youth Studio Class: Expression Through Color
Saturday, January 21 * 1 PM - 4 PM
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts All 8-13 year-old artists are invited to join Tiiwon Siaway, a talented and energetic artist and educator, for a creative afternoon in the MMFA’s studios. You will be exploring color theory and colored pencil techniques to create vibrant color and expressive works. All experience levels are welcome. Fee of $10 includes art supplies and snacks. Visit www.mmfa.org to register, space is limited.
Wednesday, January 18 * 7:30 PM
Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Shen Yun presents the incredible art of classical Chinese dance with a blend of stunning costuming, hightech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away! Call (334) 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org.
The Black Jacket Symphony presents Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours”
Saturday, January 7 * 8 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Cente36104 Get your tickets now to relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album Rumours live in its entirety—plus a full set of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. (334) 481-5100 www.mpaconline.org
Cruising the Creek Walk 5K
Saturday, January 21 * 9 AM Doster Center, Prattville, AL Make plans to start 2023 off running! The Annual Cruising the Creekwalk 5K will take you through historical downtown Prattville.Cost is $30. Packet pickup and race day registration will be held at the Doster Memorial Community Center beginning at 7:30 am on January 8. Visit www.cruisingthecreekwalk. itsyourrace.com for more info.
ASF presents Jubilee
January 5 through January 29
Playwright and director Tazewell Thompson brings an innovative and heart-stirring score to life with this uplifting a cappella tribute inspired by real life. The bold, African American, world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings and queens for more than 150 years. Recommend ages 12 and up. Visit www.asf.net.
Healthy Start 5K
Saturday, January 7 * 8 AM Willis Bradford Branch YMCA, Prattville, AL The Prattville Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. will be hosting their 4th Annual Healthy Start 5K Run/Walk. Set your own pace. Cost is $35. Registration/packet pick-up will be from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. Runners/Walkers will hit the pavement at 8:00 AM. Visit www.healthystart.itsyourrace.com/ event.aspx?id=15419.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival February 23 through March 12 Shakespeare’s final play is a story of adventure, magic, music, and forgiveness. Prospero has been exiled on an island with his daughter for more than a decade when he conjures a storm that crashes his enemies on the island in a violent shipwreck. What follows is a story that asks, “How do we forgive and move on after we have been harmed?” Rick Dildine directs, and ASF alumnus Greta Lambert stars as Prospero. Recommended for 13 and up. Visit asf.net for tickets.
Swan Lake
Friday, January 13 * 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery Street Swan Lake, the classic ballet presented by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, will be presented at Troy’s historic Davis Theatre. Call (334) 241-9567 or visit www.troy.edu for tickets.
Bluey’s Big Play at BJCC
January 3 and January 4 * 6 PM BJCC Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL Don’t miss your chance to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli live in their first stage show—Bluey’s Big Play! Visit www.bjcc.org for tickets.
2023 Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival
Saturday, February 18 * 9 AM
Gold Star
Park in Wetumpka
The Order of Cimarron is hosting our 9th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade in downtown Wetumpka. Vendors open at 9 a.m. with the parade rolling at 1 p.m.
Mike McCluskie
Churchill Academy
For the love of sports, Mike McCluskie played every sport in high school and plays competitive sports to this day. His passion for the games led him to become a PE teacher at Churchill Academy, where he also teaches Algebra.
Coach McCluskie shares, “We didn’t have a sport at the school, so we decided to check interest in track and field, and more than 20 kids were interested. That was three years ago, and we’ve had a track team ever since (minus the Covid year).” He also says that becoming an Algebra teacher was by accident. “Being a special education teacher in a public school, I was doing a lot of inclusive teaching in a regular education classroom. I was fortunate enough to be in the classrooms of two of the best Algebra teachers I’ve ever known. So I relearned the subject, and when the opportunity arose here at Churchill to teach it, I took it. I’ve taught it for four years now and love it.”
Mike McCluskie graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in Special Education K-12. His degree allows him to wear many hats: parent, friend, counselor, and chauffeur, to name a few. Wearing all those hats has provided a chance to build great rapport with students, which enhances the learning process. He explains, “It’s not just a profession that stops in May when school is out. It’s a yearround job.” In his classroom, Coach McCluskie likes to challenge his students and get their best results. In addition, he adds, “I like to keep them updated on options after they graduate from Churchill. I want kids to leave the school prepared for that next chapter in life, whether going to a four-year school, a technical school, or straight into the workforce.”
Coach McCluskie feels he will never officially retire but will find different avenues to use his ability to teach, whether tutoring or helping a neighbor’s kid struggling with algebra homework.
