“Mom, what setting do I put this washing machine on?” I had just left Kyle in his new Boston apartment a couple of days prior to this early morning question. Since leaving, I am receiving daily calls with various life questions. He landed a high-tech software job, after graduating from UCF, which utilizes his strengths. While he was growing up we intentionally exposed him to opportunities that would position him for success in his field of interest. I did try to engender some interest in cooking, laundry and other life tasks, to no avail. Apparently those skills are developing now out of necessity instead.

According to child psychologist Michele Borba in our feature article Growing Up Empowered, “The positive parent looks at each child as an individual, listens to what really makes them light up, and then supports that.” After twenty years of raising my boys I completely agree with this advice. The only thing my boys have in common is height and the same two parents. I am fortunate that my kids knew their own minds and interests at an early age making it a pleasure to find activities that would support their interests.

In turn, I had a great role model to follow. My mother provided me and my siblings the same type of support. My younger sister Jennifer and I both loved to dance, but Laurie didn’t care for it and focused on art instead. My brother, Brad, excelled in basketball and went on to play college ball. My mother passed away in July after a year-long battle with ovarian cancer. In the process of honoring her we shared special memories that illustrated how fortunate we were to be raised by such an empowering woman. She left us an inspiring legacy of love to follow.

In this issue you can find tips for helping kids step into their best selves on page 28. Discover how creativity can save the world and how salt rooms sooth allergies and skin conditions. Then find inspiration for walking 22 minutes a day on page 20. I hope you find empowerment within these pages to nurture the things you enjoy.

Here’s to the ones we love!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher