Celebrating your Child's Success

When I think about my own childhood and the memories of my own acheivement, my father had an approach to praise that used to baffle me. He would never outwardly demonstrate his pleasure about any of my acheivements, whether it be academic, vocational or as a sporting champion. So we never celebrated any of my results. In years to come, I never told my parents about my many achievements and the goals I'd reached.

The contrast between the relationship between my father and me and that between my children and myself is as stark as you can get. As a child, the communication between my father and I was on a 'need-to-know' basis. Therefore, he ended up knowing nothing of me and little about my life. That was not the kind of relationship I wanted with my children.

My children and I are the best of friends and we share so much joy together about all the little things as well as the bog ones. Yesterday, for example, my 8 year old and 6 year old sons ended a weeklong training at a local soccer school. Being the mad football fans that they are, this was pure bliss for them. Unfortunately, due to the distance they live from where they live and where I live, it wasn't possible for me to attend the training. Nonetheless, yesterday it was 'graduation day' from the school. Come hell or high water, I had to be there.

You should have seen the looks on their face when I turned up just before their graduation. It was priceless. Their sense of pride and accomplishment was so endearing...and they could show it all off to their dad. These are moments of inspiration that are irreplaceable. Your child will cherish this for life.

So think about how much you celebrate your child's success. Where and when do you give your attention? When they've done well or when they've done something that disappointed you? When your attention stays focused on the good stuff, they'll end up doing more of it. Today, make a list of 7 things you're going to celebrate with your child over the next 7 days. AND TAKE ACTION ON IT!

To your parenting success!

Harun Rabbani