We are often in awe, wondering where this trait came from. Hubby and I feel it can't have been genetic, being relative wimps ourselves. ;-)
Please bear with me through this, as there is a point... Not just bragging about my kids. As I said, just explaining our awe as the backstory:
Besides the trip to Boston I mentioned the other day, Princess Bossy has been to New Orleans for work on Habitat for Humanity's post-Katrina projects, went to Haiti to help rebuild after the earthquake, missed her college graduation ceremony to volunteer as a counselor at a camp in Alaska, and traveled to Aruba to nanny over Christmas breaks. She's done skydiving and ventured to Oklahoma on her own for an internship in college ministry, where she's stayed after meeting and marrying Prince Helium.
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| A beloved leader among her siblings |
He was also one who found no need to try something new... If he hadn't done it before and KNEW that he liked it, he found no reason to take the risk.
We were a little afraid that he'd always be shy and cautious... but he liked baseball. Just before he was 9, he decided to play Little League. We made sure he was aware that he'd be with a group of kids and coaches he didn't know. He was so interested in playing, and although he was a quiet presence, vocally, on his team, his shyness didn't stop him, as he let his playing skills speak for him.
(With this group, he lost his 'quiet' reputation and is so at home, he's as lively as the rest.)
Nothing really shy or at all hesitant about the way he lives his life now!
Princess Sassy was born talking. Sociability was never a problem for her, and she was known by everyone as the little girl who was always smiling. She wasn't afraid of anyone, and was a particular hit with the easy way she had talking to older folks. Reading and other academic pursuits didn't come as easily for her as her siblings, though, so her confidence took a big hit and the smile faded. We looked for other ways for her to experience success. 
Whatever insecurities she may be experiencing in other areas of her life fade away as soon as she is "Coach." At track, she exudes confidence, knowledge, and leadership, and holds the respect of her athletes, fellow coaches, and meet administrators.
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| She went off to Malibu on a spur-of- the-moment opportunity with a group of people she didn't know. She grew, and helped others understand the way she lives her life in faith. |
Prince Inventive is a good builder, and also like Stoic, was a quiet, but powerful baseball player. After playing only a few tennis games with his older brother (both self-taught), he joined the school tennis team and became a strong team leader. He challenged himself by taking Chemistry at the high school, after never having had a formal class in math or science before. He also excelled and became a leader in wood and metal shop classes, and in drafting.
A much younger Princess Artiste told us, "I think I'm just not an outdoor person," and she was as quiet as Prince Stoic. But now she has a wicked wit, and is lively and vocal among her friends and peers. She's played soccer and is on the record books for running hurdles at the high school (after being taught by Coach Sassy). 
She also taught herself to swim in our yard pool, and joined the high school swim team, contributing in varsity events. She's pushing herself academically this year, taking biology and joining the athletic medicine program, which will also make her a student athletic trainer, like Princess Bossy was, too.None of our older children are hesitant to question or challenge what others try to tell them... which sometimes isn't welcome by certain adults who think they are above such things. There is a fine line between respect for authority/elders, and blanketly accepting what others tell them. I think they do a good job at riding that line, even though their approaches may sometimes be more direct than I'd choose.
Prince Go-for-It is set on challenging himself with academics, even though, like Sassy, he had a slower start. He has become a good long distance runner through his own discipline and effort. His social skills make him immediately popular and he's learning discernment in his choices of friends.
Princess Eager is ...well... eager to set an individual path for herself, and after little training will try out for the junior high volleyball team this year. She has already been a dedicated assistant at Sunday school and a leader for Vacation Bible School. She's gotten herself a job in child care during a Women's Ministry class at church for the coming year.
Prince CuddleBunny is still sticking close to me, but adventuring out with his siblings also. I know that with these role models and heroes, he'll bloom in much the same way...
Meaning, in whatever direction the passions God gave him will lead.Finally... The whole point of this discussion, as promised:
I was pondering the kids' abilities to jump, head-first, into things that would have me doubting and double-thinking. I came to the conclusion that it's due, largely, to homeschooling, and Hubby agrees.
Not that it's anything I taught them, or for which I can take credit... But that being home, secure with me and with who they were, gave them the time and opportunities to grow into their confidence. They weren't busy treading the waters of peer pressure and keeping up, which would've been especially hard for those who were shy or had academic delays. They avoided age and gender segregation, and possible labels. Instead, they were able to grow through and past the difficulties in a safe environment, and develop individual strengths. They were able to discover and investigate their passions and decide which things would be a priority. They had time to discuss issues, then find information and answers to questions that led to the formation of their personal beliefs.
I could only hope to be like them when I grow up!
“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I will tell you, I came to live out loud.”
~Émile Zola
