I never would have guessed that my daughter would be on TV! Eighteen months ago, Clarissa was TERRIFIED to make phone calls or talk in public… so TV was absolutely out of the question.
Today, she’s got a blog and a hot-selling cookbook, and if that’s not enough, the proceeds from the book go to charity.
It all started with an idea and the encouragement to host a charity bake sale and donate the money to a charity of her choice.
I wrote a script for her to use as she made calls to get bake sale donations. I even made the first few calls and then…she had to do it on her own! Those first couple of calls to people who she knew and loved, gave her the confidence to keep making the calls. Dozens of people donated baked goods and recipes.
The big day came and after lots of role playing, Clarissa and her friend Katelyn did a great job selling like crazy! They raised hundreds of dollars and they gained even more confidence talking to people in public.
Months of blogging, talking on the phone, and interviewing on radio and in person gave her the confidence to do her first two TV appearances just before Christmas!
The outcome of helping your kids face their fears is increased confidence and priceless life experiences!
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for sharing this–I’d love to read Clarissa’s blog & get a copy of her cookbook!
Hi Jenny! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment! Her blog address is http://creatingwithcc.com and you can purchase her book at http://creatingwithcc.com/2011/10/sweettreats/
That is wonderful. And very inspirational. This year we enrolled in our homeschool group, Classical Conversations, to just as you said – to help her over a fear. We found that she, an outgoing, friends making, never stops talking little girl, was afraid to be in front of a crowd. She had stage fright. Having grown up, myself, in civic theater and ballet recitals, I had no idea how to handle it. So, we were immediately attracted to Classical Conversations because of their weekly presentation requirements. Each week she has a topic and has to prepare a 2 minute presentation and present to her class. It has helped her tremendously and I’m so grateful. I think you are right, pushing but not being pushy is a great way to help kids confront their fears. Thanks. And congrats to your daughter, how exciting!
Tawnee – way to go on following your insight to enroll your daughter in Classical Conversations! That is so fabulous!!! We have not done that program, but she has started a Shakespeare and performing arts class and that really helped her this year to gain confidence! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment!
I recently had a client whose son had been active for many years in flag football and just decided to follow his coach into tackle. The day of his first game he got so scared he made himself sick. My client asked if she should let him quit. I pointed out that allowing him to quit now would not instill within him the courage to face is fears in the future.
Thanks for sharing this.
Such an important truth Nicole – our kids can either learn to face their fears or their fears will always get the best of them! It’s better to have them learn to face them now in the safe environment of the family! Thanks for sharing that story and thanks for stopping by to comment! I appreciate you!
Kudos to you and Clarissa. What a great commitment to succeeding and sowing a seed into the community. I am looking forward to reading/learning more about her cookbook.
When their is support and validation readily available our children can soar beyond any written expectation!
Thanks so much LaToniya! You are so right – when there is validation and support for children they can really do amazing things! Together we can make a difference in the lives of children!! You are fabulous in what you are doing in your area of the world! Keep up the great work!