Not Just The Best

Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. -- Henry Van Dyke

Every child should be encouraged to develop and express his or her talents. We must be careful that we don't over play those children with special or obvious gifts. All children have talents. With some children we must look more carefully to discover them, however. Everyone needs encouragement and support.

One Day at a Time

"Teaching our children to live one day at a time is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. It means teaching them to be patient and accepting, to have faith and perspective. It means encouraging them to take good care of themselves, to seek progress rather than perfection." - Alex Parker

Children are inpatient by nature. They will learn patience from our example as well as from our instruction. Our calm encouragement helps them to be more accepting of themselves and others. When we support their progress rather than demanding perfection, we help them to live one day at a time.

---

.

Approximation

"Catch people doing something approximately right." - Ken Blanchard

While Blanchard is here talking about managers in a business context, his wisdom applies to children as well. Children need encouragement in order to grow and perform well. We can encourage their effort as well as their cheerful attitude. It is unnecessary to wait until a child has done a task perfectly before we acknowledge them for their effort. Encouragement is not the same as false praise.

self-confidence

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right!" - Henry Ford.

The founder of the American automobile assembly line understood the importance of confidence and optimism. What we believe about our hopes and dreams has a profound impact on the likelihood of our success. It is important to help our children build their self-confidence through encouragement and affirmation.