| Question: | Char, you frequently talk about the importance of encouraging our |
| children. Please tell me how to do that. | |
| Answer: | Parenting is like standing on railroad tracks. One track is being an |
| encourager in our children's lives - a personal cheerleader. The | |
| other track is being a disciplinarian - to guide and set limits. We | |
| know how difficult it is to balance these two things. Here are some | |
| helpful phrases that will prove encouraging to your children. | |
| Focus on a child's contributions and assets: | ||
| > | Thanks, that helped a lot. | |
| > | It was thoughtful of you to… | |
| > | Thanks. I really appreciate… | |
| > | I need your help with… | |
| > | Your have skill in… | |
| > | To a family group - I really enjoyed today. Thanks. | |
| To build a child's confidence: | ||
| > | Knowing you, I'm sure you'll do fine. | |
| > | You'll make it. | |
| > | I have confidence in you. | |
| > | That's a tough one, but I'm sure you'll work it out. | |
| To show acceptance of your child: | ||
| > | I like the way you handled that. | |
| > | I like the way you tackle a problem. | |
| > | I'm glad you enjoy learning. | |
| > | I'm glad you are pleased with it. | |
| > | Since you're not satisfied, what do you think you can do so | |
| you will be pleased with it? | ||
| > | How do you feel about it? | |
| To recognize effort and improvement: | ||
| > | I appreciate you effort. | |
| > | It looks as if you worked really hard on that. | |
| > | It looks as if you spent a lot of time thinking that through. | |
| > | Look at the progress you've made (be specific). | |
| > | Look how far you have come. | |
| These phrases mean a great deal to your children. (They also work | ||
| well with spouses and employers.) | ||
| Have fun with them! | ||
Dear Ms. Wenc,
Getting back to home and work may have delayed my getting to this note but did not diminish my gratitude...
I want to take a moment to thank you for your efforts at the recent CPE Capstone.
While your presentations in the general sessions and your dynamic style were incredible, I particularly appreciated your support of me regarding my presentation. The style was foreign to me and I felt terribly incompetent.
Again, thank you very much...
Paul Patane MD, MBA
