What’s Your Affirmation?
The other day while taking a walk with my family, I spotted a mother having a conversation with her son. With little time to spare, the boy was strapping on his helmet in an effort to ride bikes with his friends who were waiting patiently at the end of the drive way. As he ran off she said, “Eddie stop!”. Immediately he froze and looked at his mom right in the eye. She went on, “Eddie, do the right thing.” He kissed her and went on his way. Because my intrigue got the best of me, I introduced myself to her after her son left. “Can I ask you a question? Do you always say that to him? Do you always tell him to do the right thing?”, I asked. She smiled and said, “Always. In fact, I’m convinced that because his attention span is so limited at this age it’s the only thing he’ll remember.” I was impressed. Her desire to find simplicity in a quick affirmation to her son was not done because she knows he will “do the right thing” every time at 6 years old, but more so in the hopes that he will do the right thing when he is faced with tougher challenges at 16 or 26. This mom knew that the road to character for her son begins at an early age. What’s your affirmation to your children and students? If you were allowed to say just 5 or 6 words a day to your kids, what would they be?
I have written postcards to my children since they started summer camp at age 8 (they are now 25, 20 and 19) and I continue to write to them all the time when I travel. I end each card with
Be good
Behave
Be nice
Have Fun
On very rare occasions this has been left off due to space or forgetfulness. Let me tell you, I hear from them. Even their friends ask about it. It was an easy way to give my message and stay in touch.
That’s what I do.
I also write at least one postcard to every student every year. One year that was over 1000 postcards. I end each postcard by saying either “I believe in you” or ” You can do it”. Then the closing is always
Love,
Mrs. Appel
Parents have told me how much it means to the child and the family that I use that word, love. They also appreciate the fact that I hand write each card.
I get the affirmation from the parents that this is a good project. This goes both ways, looking for the affirmation.
Be TRUE TO YOURSELF and make GOOD CHOICES! (son says the all cap part…I just have to say be and make…he knows the rest.
The message my wife and I always tell our boys as they head out to school is,
“Return With Honor.” This is also on a metal plaque above our front door.
Another of my favorites is “Remember who you are.”
If only I had a quarter for every time I came here.. Amazing article.
Every time I left me house as a child, my mother always said “Remember who you are , and what you are.” I am in my 50’s now and mom passed 20 years ago, but I can still hear her saying that. It has been my guide.
With my class I tell them “You are a Witczak now, make me proud!”
Great little story. I ran it off, had it translated into Spanish and passed it out at the 2nd quarter awards assemblies for parents to have. It gave me a talking point to parents at the beginning of the assemblies. Thanks so much Damen.……Ed