Everyone loves a parade. The excitement, the precision, the rows of marchers—heads held high—strutting their stuff. Not only are they fun, but parades are prime opportunities to stand up, stand out, and show off. From clowns to convertibles to sequins and batons, a parade is a convergence of bombastic pride and exhibitionism. What a great way to give your kids a lesson in confidence and self-esteem.

Keep your eye out for a local celebration and then call to be sure all comers are invited to partake in the festivities. Walkathons and other fund-raisers are also a good place to make a positive contribution while having a great time. If all else fails, declare a Neighborhood Parade Day and enlist the ranks of every young marcher you can find.

Make preparation a family affair, giving suggestions for what each person will wear. Come up with a special parade chant or song, and you might even want to practice your Queen Elizabeth parade wave: palm out, fingers together, it’s all in the wrist!

Maybe your event will merit a picture in the newspaper, but that shouldn’t be the goal. The point is to forget about “what people will say” and simply get out there and have fun being yourself. Some teens may balk at first, but deep down they long to be in the limelight. You may be surprised at their enthusiasm for making a statement in the street.

Being front and center with all eyes watching can help your kids overcome stage fright, excessive shyness, and a fear of standing out in the crowd. And isn’t it really the goal of all parents to teach their kids to march to the drumbeat God’s placed in their hearts and heads? You’ve just got to love a parade!