March 7, 2012 —
I was sitting in a physician’s waiting room last week when a young father came in with a boy about four years old.
The little boy started to wander around but quickly climbed onto a chair when his father said in a threatening tone:
“Get back up on this chair or I’ll have that nurse give you a shot.”
The dumb dad said it three or four more times with the same terrifying effect on the little boy.
I wanted to tell him how wrong it was to create fear in a child of something intended to protect him from disease.
I imagined that same family not having their children immunized against childhood diseases because the kids starting screaming when someone mentioned getting a shot.
That statement ranks up on top of the dumb chart with those parents who threaten their kids with being arrested whenever they see a police officer in uniform.
Police officers have rescued untold numbers of lost kids, even kidnap victims, because some children learn at an early age that the police are our friends and here to protect us.
It seems that some folks never realize that being a parent is much more than the biological act of human reproduction.
Rather than dwell on the negatives of those adults who either are too ignorant or too arrogant to be good parents, I want to focus on 10 simple statements parents and grandparents should use freely with their kids and grandkids.
I found this list on the web site of a minister in Texas by the name of Trey Morgan. I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing his phrases with my readers. The comments are mine.
I love you. Three simple words that always provide security and a sense of belonging.
I’m proud of you. This will be remembered long after the pizza at the postgame party.
I’m glad you asked. The perfect way to start answering a tough question.
Thanks for checking in. Parents always breathe easier after saying that into a phone.
I forgive you. Three words that show our love is unconditional.
Thank you. The best two-word phrase in any language.
Good job. Better than cash after an errand or household chore.
You can do it. We all need an occasional confidence boost.
Don’t give up. Always trying to do your best never goes out of style.
No matter what, I’m here for you. That promise brings reassurance whether you’re 13 or 32.
Wednesday's Post
Kids learn from right and wrong words
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