Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Let Them Know


I'm in training this week; critical incident repsonse/hostage negotiation/dealing with mentally ill folks.... One of the facts stated in the training kinda intrigued me....

Adolescents report receiving ONE positive comment per week from their parents. Now, I'm thinking the number is so low because they are the ones reporting it! How many times have you said 'You look nice today' only to hear the retort of 'You're making fun of the way I look' or some version there of...

Still, I got to thinking and realized something. I constantly admire my son for the challenges he overcomes, the character he displays, and decency he shows towards himself and others. And, even though I think it, I don't always follow it up with anything verbal.

So, tonight, I told him I was very pleased with his report card, quite impressed with his art portfolio, and proud as to how he has been handling the last few weeks, what with my wife having to devote a lot of attention to her ailing mom right now. I swear he grew 3 inches taller and floated out of the room.

So, parents, give em' that good feedback, even more than you think you should. Sometimes it's hard to remember to do.

In honor of Kyle's artistic ability, here's a shot he did of the daschund. I told him to take some photo's, but make them interesting. Pretty good vision!

4 comments:

K Hutchinson said...

Wow that is a really scary number- One comment per week- I try to tell my boys good job on things they do every day but they are still little- so I will always keep this in the back of my mind.

Kyle's photo is awesome...very artistic! I can really tell it runs in this family!

Good luck with the rest of your training- I hope that you never have to use it!

Linda said...

Yes, and I wonder how many kids disregard their Mom's comments, ssuming that because it's mom "she just says that because I am her son." Honestly I feel like printing your entry and showing to my husband...when boys get to be say 10 and older I think praise from Dad's can really stand out! Generalizing of course...great job on praising you son, nice photo! Isn't it funny how a kid with a camera often zooms right in. My 7 yo daughter does that as well.

Tami Bayer said...

Aww, you know I love you, but I think my heart just grew 2 sizes today.

Lesa said...

Great words of advice. Funny photo. TFS.