Who Will You Be?

“For Halloween I want to be me!” (Andy, Age 9)

When we ask children, what do you want to be when you grow up? We are asking them to think about someone other than themselves. That’s why when Andy stated “me” – I leaned in to learn more.

Andy explained that no one else would have the same costume. We explored together a game called “I am.” We passed a movement phrase to one another while stating “I am…” and inputting any adjective/description/quality about ourselves. Andy clapped up in the air and said “I am brave, the mother stomped her feet two times and stated “I am kindhearted,” the father bounced his shoulders up and down and stated “I am funny.”

We tried one another’s movements in a routine, sequencing from one movement to the next. We built an entire phrase embodying our individual strengths, differences and similarities.

Within this session, I expanded my awareness for self-identity and learned that from Andy’s perspective “what we will be” isn’t a job that defines us nor is it a gender, nor a race, but rather, the qualities that make us each move everyday and connect with one another.

This Halloween, when our children pretend to be firemen, witches, or even the TV cartoon – let Andy’s message support the possibility of exploring the qualities that your child holds and those he/she/they are developing.

Have you acknowledged your child’s individual strengths, differences and current sense of self?  Everyday I work with children of all ages and their families to help make meaningful connections, acceptance and increased communication! Email me at therapy@drloribaudino.com or call me at (310) 966-0700 to schedule your time.

Please Note: These stories are based on real moments but all names, ages, and identifying information has been changed to ensure confidentiality and safety for all individuals involved. The events are a composite of related scenarios used to illustrate the work; bringing understanding to the benefits of supporting children through a mind/body connection.