“To be a parent is to be a perpetual amateur. In the original sense of the French word—’one who loves’—all you can do is show up and love the kid.” – Austin Kleon
Reading Austin Kleon’s new book Don’t Call It Art this summer, I was reminded of the positive origins of the word “amateur.” Far from being dismissive, amateur was originally a word of praise for someone motivated by sheer love rather than by money or status.
In a culture that prizes the expertise of the professional, it can be hard to recover that early meaning. But Kleon invites us to see the value of the amateur’s role. It can help us reclaim a beginner’s mind, a curiosity and willingness to learn, and a passion for justice…
Continue reading our September newsletter here.
BONUS: 3 ways to show up this fall
Can’t make one of our upcoming events? Here are three ideas for for how to show up for and alongside our kids this fall, no expertise required:
- Get outside. Check out the Families in Nature fall calendar, then bookmark one of their events.
- Browse our recent Back to School guide, then choose one sustainable habit to commit to as a family this school year.
- Inspired by the Zilker Elementary garden? Assemble your crew of 1-3 interested parents or staff, then apply for a Bright Green Future school grant. The application takes about an hour to complete and is open now through September 20th.