Encourage a Child

As the daughter of an elementary school principal I’m always in tune with the beginning of a new school year. Even without my own children – when fall arrives -my heart turns to our nation’s little ones AND the teachers and administrators who make school happen…

For parents, each day can bring an “event”…carpool lines, field trips, class pictures, parent/teacher conferences, football practice, science projects and homecoming dances. Fatigue sets in just thinking about it all, and all the thinking can make most parents a nervous wreck! It is quite easy to let worry and fear take over by contemplating the potential roadblocks your kids will inevitably face.

Instead of focusing on the dangers and set-backs your son or daughter might experience, why not envision the hundreds of positive experiences, defining moments and life-changing achievements that may be in store for your child?

Follow that visioning exercise by asking yourself, “How can I help a child make the most out of the next nine months?”

Whether you have children or not, you can encourage a child – any child – You can be a friend to them and encourage a parent.

School offers children innumerable opportunities for growth and likewise school offers the adults the same opportunities to be there, rooting them on. Consider the possibilities:

• Falling in love with a subject they study for the first time
• Meeting new friends that may lead to lifelong bonds
• Being mentored by someone whose influence changes the course of his or her life forever
• Growing their confidence via sports and extracurricular activities
• Learning about giving back and making a difference in someone else’s life (perhaps the most important lesson of all!)

We, as adults, are to be influencers for good. One of the most important components of our childrens’ education is us. School can be challenging and fun, but it can’t compare to the nurture, love and learning that takes place at home. When home provides that safe haven, our kids will be much better equipped to tackle everything the world throws at them.

What child are you going to encourage this next week?

P.S. If you are feeling short on words of encouragement for a child – or even his or her mom – the sage wisdom of Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh will probably work…

“Promise me you’ll always remember you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”