When I was a kid......

When I was a kid......

I went to a school fancy dress party as 'Adam Ant' in his Prince Charming days!! I still have the picture to prove it (see above!). I was a very young 5 years of age at the time. I can't help but smile, and even laugh a little every time I look at that photo. It brings back fond memories of my primary school days. As a parent, when attempting to understand the minds of my children, I often think back to when I was young.

When I was a kid......

I went to a school fancy dress party as 'Adam Ant' in his Prince Charming days!! I still have the picture to prove it (see above!). I was a very young 5 years of age at the time. I can't help but smile, and even laugh a little every time I look at that photo. It brings back fond memories of my primary school days. As a parent, when attempting to understand the minds of my children, I often think back to when I was young.

A few years ago whilst reminiscing about my childhood days I wrote these lyrics, I hope you can relate to them in some way....

Watch the children play, takes my mind back now to freer days

And simple times, when nothing was ever too hard to decide

Never knew what was to come, mind you I didn't care to think that far

Out in the sun, climbing trees and playing in the park, this is who we are    

(Copyright, Jon Kendall Music 2010)

I feel it is important when considering our work with young people that we ask ourselves what the rest of this sentence could be in years to come when they say......'When I was kid...........'

In one way or another they will remember their time with us, and we must hope that they will remember these times fondly and with a smile on their face. When I consider the adults who had a profound impact on me, although they were far from perfect, I still remember seemingly little things they taught me to this very day. I think of my Father who first introduced me to the guitar and encouraged me to play it - I wouldn't be working full-time in music if it wasn't for him. I think of my church youth leader who always encouraged me to know my own worth and do something meaningful with my life. I think of the supervisor from my first ever full-time job, everyday she would encourage me with her smile and general friendly presence - she believed in me. 

All in all, I remember these people because they had an impact on me that has made me the person I am today. I believe that how we relate to the people we work with, especially the children and young people, has a greater impact and influence than we sometimes realise.

Now before any of my readers feel a huge pressure, let's consider what a joy it is to be such a positive influence in people's lives through the beautiful art form we call music :)