Character over compliance: Lessons from a summer ballgame

Hi everyone,

Last week, I found myself sitting in the bleachers at a local summer league baseball game, expecting a relaxing night of sports. Instead, I got a front-row seat to a masterclass in how not to build young leaders. A visiting dugout completely dissolved into heavy profanity, rule-breaking, and personal attacks, while the officials simply stood by with passive, soft warnings.

As I drove home that evening, I couldn't help but view that frustrating experience through the lens of our advocacy community.

So often as parents, we get completely consumed by school paperwork, tracking goals, and chasing basic compliance. But I want to remind you this morning: Your child's character isn't measured by a school scoreboard or an IEP compliance checklist; it's built by how they carry themselves out in the world.

Our ultimate focus must always be character over compliance.

Compliance simply keeps a child quiet in a classroom seat. Character is what transforms them into a solid, respected, independent adult. When we allow summer programs, community groups, or school teams to lower the bar for our kids out of pity or a lack of expectations, we shortchange them.

Let’s spend this season focusing heavily on character over compliance. I challenge you to step out into new public spaces with your family, volunteer your time to guide local youth groups, and show the world exactly what our extraordinary children are capable of achieving.

In Episode 156 of the Water Prairie Chronicles, I’m talking about this concept and sharing how we can intentionally foster true leadership and character in our kids this summer.

​👉 Listen to Episode 156 Now​

Looking Ahead: Cooking Capable with Ivy Prince!

I am also thrilled to give you a sneak peek into what’s coming to the podcast in two weeks. I’ll be sitting down with an incredible teenager, Ivy Prince, who is the founder of the non-profit organization Cooking Capable.

Ivy leads safe, accessible cooking classes designed specifically for kids and adults who have disabilities. I had the privilege of interviewing her right after her live demonstration at the Disability and the Church conference, and I can't wait to share the highlights of her presentation with you.

Cooking Capable is an organization I would love for our community to rally behind and support. Ivy is currently putting together an Amazon Associates list of her thoroughly researched, recommended safe cooking tools. Once that is ready, I will be sharing those links so the Water Prairie family can benefit from her excellent research and support her mission at the same time!

Keep an eye out for that episode in two weeks. In the meantime, I’d love to hear how you are pushing for "character over compliance" in your household this summer. Drop me a reply and let me know!

Warmly,

Tonya