Our Purpose Our Tees The Turtle Us  "It begins by simply changing the words we use to describe them and promising ourselves to drop the negative labels and replace them with words that identify the potential strength."  *Noted spirited child author Mary Sheedy Kurcinka Our purpose and mission is to help society break the vicious cycle of using negative labels and assuming the worst of our children and their behavior. Instead we want to encourage everyone to think about the often labeled "bad behaviors" from a different perspective and within that perspective find the usefulness and the value in it. Looking closer at common “unfavorable” traits children are often labeled with, we can see the strengths which we admire and respect in adults. So why can we not embrace and encourage these qualities in our children? A child who is determined and sure of what they want is often labeled as "unruly" or "difficult", yet an adult who is determined and sure of what they want is often said to be "driven" and "motivated". Why do we assume the worst of our children yet admire those same qualities in adults? Let's replace the negative labels with a new positive perspective. Instead of seeing a child as being demanding, consider that child to be persistent.  Or how about a child that has been labeled a “perfectionist”, why not appreciate that he/she holds high standards? For example, when your 2 year old decides to spread your favorite lotion all over her body lets resist saying that she is being mischievous or difficult. Chances are your child wasn't doing it to make your life difficult, instead she was curious and intrigued by what it felt like to rub lotion on. Curiosity and wonder are valuable qualities for both children and adults. It’s all about positive thinking and labeling. It sounds too simple to work, but it does.  Research has shown; that when you expect good things and expect that your children have the best intentions, your behavior and attitude changes. Your outlook and vision become increasingly positive and focused, the world will respond accordingly. Keep in mind that children and most adults as well, thrive when they sense unconditional approval and acceptance. Our mission is to help society embrace, encourage and enlighten others on this important issue. Our children deserve it.