One summer afternoon, my 5-year old grand-niece Juliana looked up at me and said, "Aunt Carol, I will be what I see!"
Questioning her on this rather profound statement, I asked, "What do you mean Juli?"
With that same calm and matter-of-fact expression, she said "you have to follow your heart" and repeated "I will be what I see."
So deeply impressed by this little one's philosophical conversation, I asked "Do you mean, if you see kindness, you will be kind? If you see goodness, you will be good?"
A bit puzzled, she said, "No, I mean if I see a conductor, I will be a conductor.
If I see a teacher, I will be a teacher. And Aunt Carol, you must've seen a babysitter, because you're my babysitter!"
So although my little angel wasn't exactly the Dalai Lama, and her thoughts were literal rather than philosophical, she got me thinking.
The proverbial light bulb went on: She's right. Kids will be what they see, so we should re-inforce that message.
And what better way to do that than with tees that they can wear proudly, announcing what they want to be, who they are and what they like!
That's what we're doing with our line of "I will be what I see" products.
We're in a unique position to make what our children see matter by providing a positive message.
If you agree with our message, help spread the word via email, text, tweet and social media -- thanks!
Photo Gallery
Email us a picture of your child in a "I will be what I see!" shirt! Make sure it's good quality and state that we have your permission to post it here. Send to: paulette@iwillbewhatisee.com -- thanks!
Juli told us she would like to help kids that are very sick by donating a portion of every sale.
We couldn't think of a better partner than The Valerie Fund (TVF) that has been treating children at seven hospital centers close to home for over 35 years, for cancer and blood disorders.
They focus on treating kids in four areas: emotionally, socially, developmentally and medically.
A portion of every purchase is donated to The Valerie Fund. Over 80% of funds they receive goes directly to programs for the kids and their families.