Nonprofit aims to make kids confident, teach leadership
It is often said that those who believe in themselves are more likely to earn the respect of others.
Marty Ward of Viera said that her experience as a life coach and social worker has repeatedly proven the truth of the notion that confidence contributes to success and happiness, and that's why instilling confidence in others has been her life's work.
Ward is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Create Confident Kids to Eliminate Bullying, a group whose mission is to instill confidence in Central Florida children. Through classes she offers to local youths, Ward hopes to help these children develop the resilience necessary to cope with adversity, and sufficient faith in themselves that they feel no need to put down others.
Ward said the key to countering misbehavior in children is to teach them self-love, rather than repeatedly telling them to avoid bullying or acting out.
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"My goal is to have signs within the schools that say 'Discover your power within' rather than 'Stop Bullying,' because whatever behavior you focus on persists," Ward said. "We can't always stop the bully from bullying. What we can do is respond differently. We can teach kids confidence so the kids won't be hurt by what the bully says because they believe in themselves."
Ward said children need to learn to self-validate, rather than relying on others for approval.
On April 4, Ward will be giving a private lecture on confidence during an after-school leadership program at Mila Elementary, and she is eager to speak to children in schools and youth organizations throughout Brevard. Ward said those interested in having her speak to youths can contact her by calling 321-848-4997 or emailing marty@createconfidentkids.com.
Ward previously taught a six-week seminar on confidence during an after-school program at Seminole County Public Schools, and she is hoping to do the same in Brevard Public Schools. She has a master's degree in social work from Adelphi University, and an emotional intelligence certification from Case Western Reserve University, and last year she was a speaker at the fifth annual conference of the Society of Emotional Intelligence, a national professional association for social workers, psychologists, and others who help people cope with their emotions. Information on Ward's confidence education program for children is available online at www.createconfidentkids.com
Contact Kowarski at 321-242-3640 or ikowarski@floridatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @IlanaKowarski.