Imagine if you were playing a pick-up basketball game after work, and Lebron James just happened to be passing by, he saw a drive you took to the basket to score, and then made it a point to stop and tell you that it was a nice move. You would be beside yourself thrilled (if you like basketball) … to your kids, a compliment from you is like that! (better than that!) Even if the sports analogy means nothing to you, you can understand how it would be a huge deal for someone who is at the top of the industry or activity that you are passionately involved in, to take the time to compliment you.
Your kids automatically think you are the best at everything. So, make sure you take the time to build them up, even when the only praiseworthy thing you find is progress. “You are getting better at that!”, “That’s so much better than last time, great job!” That may sound too simplified, corny, juvenile… but hey, aren’t we you dealing with juveniles here?! (and when your kids are grown only the vocabulary changes – they still crave the validation)
“WE ARE MEN OF ACTION…”
So, Dad… I challenge you make it a point to go out of your way to encourage your child(ren), today. Sincerely, tell them that you love them because they are yours. If you see something that they’ve done, that they’ve been working on, or you’ve been asking but haven’t seen yet, make the encouragement even bigger and let them know that you see them and love them – not just because of what they’ve done, but because of who they are… they are yours!
You can do it! Make a concerted effort to encourage your kid(s) today!