When Kids Do Right
BY ANNETE PETRICK
Kids and grandkids are such a source of humor and wonder and pride. I love to discover them doing something right. You know, when they think no one is watching. They have no audience, and yet there they are, going out of their way to be fair, or nice or complimentary.
That’s the glorious moment – when you realize that all those things you’ve been teaching really have sunk in. Underneath, where it counts, they are learning to be sincere, caring human beings.
As adults and children live together each day, scolding is automatic. Adults are obliged to point out when they have done something wrong. Let’s also go out of our way to point out when they do it right.
Not just a great big A+ on a report card – but also a chore is done without reminding: a date remembered and celebrated; a suggestion of something the family could do or the child could do – to be a good neighbor.
Let’s show that we notice when they do right. Point out how good it makes the child feel when they do right. Let them know how proud of them we are – or what WE learned from watching what they did.
Help them to connect what they did with the principles they’ve learned. Let them know they can help set the family pace for doing what’s right. It’s an obligation – and joy – for generations to pass along – the urge to leave something good in our wake.
Back story
Grandparents are adept at catching grandkids who are up to mischief. Let’s turn the tables and catch them doing something right. What loving support we give by noticing their kindness, their courage or when they conquer fear or prejudice. Even better, “turn them in” to their parents for what they did right.
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P.S. Grandparents can also post kudos on Facebook or other social media to show you noticed. Tell the story to other grandparents by sending it to GRAND magazine. It all counts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – ANNETTE PETRICK – Consider This Radio Show
Annette and her husband Bill share a home in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They often winter on Anastasia Island, off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida.