equipo

we can go further as a team.

 

cheerleader

conflicting opinions surround the level of praise we are adviced to give children. criticism often goes along the lines of: “everyone gets a trophy in little league these days but in life there are winners and there are losers.” or “bosses don’t care about hurt feelings and teachers shouldn’t either.” there are small truths to most perspectives and while they are expressed in different ways, they often aren’t as far apart as it first appears. i tend more toward lavishing praise on my child than others but i also value the ability to take criticism as well as possession of a clear sense of reality.

that being said, he is also an active participant in reality both as he experiences it and as those around him do. this morning as i was driving he told me the cushion on the arm rest of the car seat had come off. i tried the reach back while your eyes stay on the road approach and was not able to get it. soon after we came to a stop light and i could reach the cushion and fixed it for him.

“Yay!!!” he clapped. placing the cushion on the seat was not a challenging task for me, yet it was something he couldn’t do and something that he appreciated me for doing. his delight and praise made me feel good even though i knew it was the simplest of tasks. by praising him for accomplishments it not only instills an inner voice that is encouraging, but it reflects back to those around him as he encourages others.

there is a balance we all walk between knowing what reality exists and actively working to create the reality we want. i would prefer a reality in which we are all more encouraging of one another, in which our definitions of success and accomplishment are not so narrowly defined. celebrating small accomplishments is one way i will continue doing this.

“you must be the change you wish to see in the world.” mahatma ghandi