I’m Not a Prince, I'm a Kid...

And then my 4 year old went on to clarify even further when I started talking about Prince William and Duchess Kate’s new arrival  – I am not a prince, I am Landen Wicker, he continued!  Yes that’s my little man - confident, clear, and totally self absorbed (in a good way of course!).  His quick and confident response jolted me and made me realize that we all sometimes get caught up in celebrity and what others are doing or what they have.  Our babies are not impressed – that is until we start putting our insecurities on them.

I thought it was cute to tell him that he was my little prince but he wasn't having it – he has his own identity and that was end of discussion.  Titles be damned – he is self-assured and ready to take on the world as Landen Wicker.  Well, I am not naïve enough to think that he will always have this energy and independence every day, but it is my and my husband’s job, along with our family and friends, to support him and the other children in our family.  We have to encourage and uplift them every day.  That does not mean that we coddle or make them selfish and inconsiderate – it just means that, even when we admonish or discipline them, we are modeling effective communication and promoting high self-esteem.

WORDS MATTER – even to our youngest children, so we must always be real, clear, positive, stern, and patient.

Now, Landen is still my little prince, and as he gets older and understands what a monarchy is, he might be a bit impressed by royalty.  I am sure that he will also continue to love popular music and other entertainment, keeping up with the latest/hippest trends, and be influenced by technology.  But, I will always remember this day when he pushed aside my notion to compare him to a royal baby and will do my best to help him to avoid obsessive concern with celebrity and fame.

by Kim Wicker, Outreach and Development Specialist, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy