Every Child Needs a Champion
In 2013, Rita Pierson, an educator, delivered an extremely powerful TED Talk entitled “Every Child Needs a Champion.” This will forever be one of my favorite TED Talks due to its overall message as well as her enthusiasm and energy that is easily transmitted… even through a computer screen!
I want to begin with one of the last messages that Rita states. She says, “Every child deserves a champion. An adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”
Cue the goosebumps, all the positive vibes, and let that truly sink in.
We are all affected by adults whether that be past, present, or future. Interactions with adults, at any age, are unavoidable. As children, we are working to figure out ourselves and the world around us. We look to and observe the adults around us so we learn how to navigate the complexities of being human! These complexities can be anything from eating to managing emotions to engaging in a conversation with another human.
Think back to when you were a child.
Did you have a teacher you really loved? Did you have a teacher that you really disliked? Did you have a basketball coach that was supportive? Did a random adult try to discipline you? Whatever the scenario may be, the bottom line is that we are impacted by our interactions with adults. Those interactions also assist us in developing the templates and messages we begin to believe in regards to the perception we have of ourselves and the perception we have of the world.
Some interactions with adults may build our confidence and others may cause us to feel like we can never get it right. Some interactions help us feel safe and connected while others cause us to question our judgment and ability to trust anyone.
Rita’s overall message is the “value and importance of human connection.” She places emphasis on connection and belonging, a human basic need, throughout her entire TED Talk. It is an important reminder that children are little humans who still have thoughts, feelings, and a basic need to belong and connect. We can be their champions to help instill a message and template of safety, connection, belonging, comfort, positivity, and acceptance.
Shaping the minds of little humans sometimes feels like a lot of pressure! However, there is reassurance that children aren’t looking for us to be “perfect.” Rita’s TED Talk emphasizes the importance of apologizing. We aren’t always going to get it right… adults are human too. However, we always get to go back to the foundation of connection. We can do our best to model the complexities of being human and remember that every relationship is based on rupture and repair.
As a child therapist, I can’t wait to work with you, your family, and be the champion with you for your child. As a therapist who loves relational neuroscience, my ultimate goal is connection. I also want to help your child feel safe and comfortable in relationship with themselves and with others. Your child gets to be themselves and discover the authentic person that they truly are while we cheer them on the whole way!
