It was one of those great conversations — relaxed and rambly. Dad and I visited all sorts of topics: Free books. A little family news. The puppy’s progress. Dog breeders and trainers and veterinarians. Yoga. Domestic violence and addiction programs. And that it seems like a long time since we wrote a book together.
It is: What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement is fifteen years old — a teenager! And we want to celebrate. But, if you’ve read the book (or my blog), that probably doesn’t surprise you.
Humble Beginnings & Overcoming Adversity
In the early stages of our collaboration, Dad and I didn’t see our target audience in quite the same way. My father felt that the information in the book would be snapped up by young, upwardly mobile professionals with resources that allowed them to pamper — even spoil — their children. He hoped that the humble beginnings and adversities faced by the high-achieving adults in the book would encourage those parents to let their kids struggle a bit.
[bctt tweet=”We’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of What Kids Need to Succeed by giving away free books.” username=”AndreaPatten”]
I, on the other hand, was coming out of many years of providing support to families struggling with addiction, homelessness, and violence: people who were presently living many of the adversities we wrote about. I thought it would bring hope and to provide a new framework for the difficulties their families were facing.
Free Books for Single Moms
It turns out we were both right: we got some wonderful letters from people who felt their upbringing was validated — that despite what was going on with their circle of friends, they had permission to provide a bit more struggle and discipline than they were seeing in other families. And I had the opportunity to develop a parenting program for a large inpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility. The facility purchased copies of What Kids Need to Succeed and gave free books to all the women who enrolled in their parenting program. The women said it helped them feel like they were strong enough to break the chain of addiction and violence in their fmailies — that the time in treatment was well spent.
[bctt tweet=”Nominate a program that serves parents — maybe they’ll win some free books.” username=”AndreaPatten”]
Help Us Celebrate — Let’s Give Away Some Books!
With that in mind, we need your help with our celebration — and it’s not going to cost you a dime. We want you to help us give away free books. We are looking for fifteen excellent programs serving parents and their children. We’d like to gift them with books for their program participants.
[bctt tweet=”We’d like to gift some books to 15 excellent programs serving parents and their children.” username=”AndreaPatten”]
We need you to help us find those programs. Big or small, single parents or couples, biological or adoptive, free-standing or in a facility of some sort. Programs whose participants would benefit from learning more about the four foundations of adult achievement: hard work, discipline, overcoming adversity, and giving to others. Click on the “comment” link just below this post (look carefully — it’s small). Give me the name and location of the program (a link to their website would be great) and a few sentences about why you think we should give them books! (Why you think it’s a great program.)
Then, sit back and watch this space for results. (Or subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss any new posts.) We’re looking forward to learning about the programs that are near and dear to your hearts!
Let’s connect on social media.
20 Comments
Trace Trice
Hey there! 2nd Chance, Inc. in Anniston, Alabama is a domestic and sexual violence program supporting victim/survivors in six counties. We often have parents and children staying with us or using our counseling and advocacy services. Having these books would be such a benefit! Our Child Advocate would be thrilled and so would the rest of our team. Here’s where to find more information about us: http://www.2ndchanceinc.org and https://www.facebook.com/2ndChanceInc. Thanks and love!
Andrea
Sounds like a great program. I’ll certainly take a closer look.
Zeenat Merchant Syal
What a wonderful way to celebrate the anniversary of your book 🙂 There is so much resource and information in this article many can use. And need!
xoxo
Andrea
Feel free to nominate a program.
Heather
This really touched my heart. I don’t have a program in mind right now but I will definitely think about it!
Andrea
Thank you. That’s a very kind thing to say. And, yes, please — help us find some of those great programs. They’re both modest and busy.
Genevieve Kohn
What a wonderful idea! Nothing comes to mind right now other than UNICEF. I’ll give it some more thought. Thanks Andrea!
suzie Cheel
Such a brilliant idea I am putting some feelers out to see what might surface and shared on my page xxoo
Andrea
Thanks for being part of my writing community — the support can be humbling. I appreciate you.
Andrea
Thanks! I appreciate you.
Lisa Hutchison
Great post Andrea! Where I used to work, we did a lot with the United Way. Here is the link for you to consider https://www.uwgat.org/
Andrea
Good thought. Thanks, Lisa.
Barbara Parcells
What a wonderful gift. I will check with our outreach folks at the church where I work and see if they have a group or family that would benefit from the book. Thanks so much for your kindness.
Andrea
That’s wonderful, Barb. Is there a parenting program at the church?
CK Kochis
This is a wonderful way to honor the anniversary of “What Kids Need to Succeed”. May the book reach those who can benefit from the wisdom and insights shared on the pages.
Andrea
Thanks, Cindy. I have a lot of faith that they’ll end up in the right hands at the right time(s).
Kathleen
I love this! Such a generous offering! I have done a lot of work with Long Island Against Domestic Violence, Colleen Merlo, Exec Director. LIADV would definitely fit the parameters, they manage several shelters in our area. This is their website. https://liadv.org/
Andrea
Thanks Kathleen. I appreciate the nomination.
Kelley Grimes
I love reading about your and your dad’s collaboration and that you are looking to share your book with 15 organizations. I work for a non-profit called Leap to Success. Our mission is to educate and empower women rebuilding their lives from domestic violence, homelessness and other major life challenges to reach their greatest potential. Please check out our website: http://www.leaptosuccess.org.
Thank you so much!
Andrea
Kelley, thanks for the suggestion. It looks like a great program. I’m still working out a few bugs but will get back to you.