GET HIGH ON LIFE
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 9, 2000
Harold Keller / L’Observateur / August 9, 2000
It is hard to believe that summer vacation is almost over. Some will startschool next week. As school starts, I think it is important to challengeparents to encourage their children. Most parents, including myself,always look to blame others when our children fail in school, or in life.
The truth is that it is usually our fault.
Encouragement is awesome. It has the capacity to lift a child’s shoulders- to spark the flicker of a smile on the face of a discouraged child – to breathe fresh fire into the fading embers of a smouldering dream – to actually change the course of a child’s day, week, or life.
This simple poem illustrates very well the choice we have to respond positively or negatively to our children:
“I got two A’s,” the small boy said.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked, “Why didn’t you get three?”
“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said, “Did you sweep the floor?”
“I mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “And put the mower away.”His father asked him with a shrug, “Did you clean off the clay?”
The children of the house next door Seemed happy and content.
The same things happened over there But this is how it went:
“I got two A’s” the small boy said.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said, “That’s great! I’m glad you belong to me.”
“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said, “Each day I love you more.”
“I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “And put the mower away.”His father answered with much joy, “You’ve made my happy day.”
Children deserve a little praise For tasks they’re asked to do.
If they’re to live a happy life, So much depends on you.
Note: The above poem was taken from a book written by Dr. WilliamMitchell titled, “The Power of Positive Students.”
HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.
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