Growing Up Right in Front of Me

This year seems like a big turning point for Jordan… and maybe for me as well. When we kicked the year off together asking American Girl to consider limb difference options with its dolls, I watched Jordan come into her own. She has a voice that is full of hope and understanding in a world where it isn’t always easy to be different. Jordan is an advocate and I believe you, our Born Just Right community, helped her earn that ability very naturally.

Earlier this week, I had a chance to speak at a TEDx event where I spoke about how Born Just Right changed my life. It changed how I raised my children. It changed how I conduct myself in my career. When I needed community to help me raise a strong (in body and mind) child, it eventually helped me become an advocate for parents around the world. Now Jordan is finding her strength and voice to advocate for her peers. It’s remarkable to watch. It’s so cool to see how everything evolved.

Ever since Jordan and I were able to launch her petition into a national audience… And again, when Project Unicorn caught a wave of viral interest, I’ve watched Jordan feed into the experience a stronger person. Not braggy. Just stronger and more confident. (I reminded her that a viral moment is fleeting. Enjoy it. But how she conducts herself on a daily basis makes a bigger impact in the world.)

I’ve said it time and again, there are no guide books on how to raise a child who grows up on the internet. I hope to guide Jordan toward using her strength and energy for good.  The tween world is sweet and strong. I hope we can carry it forward to the next stages in life. But we’re moving into a stage where it’s up to Jordan. I’m just the guide. She’s growing into her own person. Living in this moment, I’m a very, very proud mom.
(Thanks to Amy Enderle for these beautiful photos of Jordan.)