Backstory
“Getting caught” has a negative connotation. You think of getting caught doing something wrong. But what if you caught people doing something right? What if you caught children?
When Kids Do Right
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 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 a joy – for generations to pass along – the urge to leave something good in our wake.
P.S.
You can also post kudos of recognition on Facebook or the social media used by kids. Produce a TikTok to show you noticed. It all counts.
[Show #316]