The struggle of the "ancient child"...

Hey everyone, I'm in Maryland again, St. Mary's County. The school district here brought me in last month to kick off their anti-bullying initiative this year, and also to address over three thousand of their faculty members on bullying awareness and prevention. This week I'm here presenting to students, and a new group--school bus drivers. I adore the administration here. They are so on their game, and are obviously deeply committed to students.

After my first middle school talk today, a seventh grader approached me, explaining how much she identified with my story, that she's always struggled to fit in. This girl was smart, articulate and beautiful, full of energy and enthusiasm. She was also what I call an "ancient child," the typical profile of most bullied students. I ought to know. I was one, too. The "ancient child," is a kid who, simply put, is an old soul. This is the child whose parents typically say of him, "he's thirteen going on thirty-three," or whose teachers say of her, "that girl has more in common with her parents' friends than she does her classmates." The "ancient child" is usually more verbally and socially sophisticated than his or her peers, and often experiences a sense of compassion and empathy far beyond their years. These are the kids who would rather write poetry and watch old movies than play sports, who are often first to defend the under-dog, and who rarely have the heart to bully others no matter how cruelly they are treated.

If you're a teen reading this and nodding your head knowingly, saying to yourself, "yes, that's me," a parent who suspects your child may fall into this category, an adult survivor who sees their own childhood in this description, or an educator dealing with a student who's an "ancient child," all of you need to keep one important thing in mind.

Though the "ancient child," may struggle to fit in at school, and is often misunderstood by many adults as well as peers. most of these kids have the potential to truly change the world. They have that rare combination of courage and conviction required to make a real difference in the lives of others. So hang in there, be strong! Your day is coming. In the interim, hold on to the fact that you are not alone. There are thousands of others just like you, who feel more comfortable around adults than other kids. It doesn't make you weird, which I suspect many of you have been told you are by your classmates. It makes you remarkable and it makes all of us who know what it's like to see the world through an adult's eyes long before we actually become adults, kindred spirits.

I know fitting in still means so much to you. And one day, you will. Until then, seek out other's like yourself. You can get to know one another on this blog. Or, if I'm speaking in a town near you, come out to one of my parent/family seminars in the evening, which are always open to the public. Remember, it's not only ok to be different, it's glorious. And I thank God for it every day. I just wish someone would have told me all this when I was a teen, which is why I've dedicated my life to sharing my story.

So, when I do I get to hear your stories?

Hope it's soon and in person at one of my tour events. We have so much in common...

Jodee