Photo by Lumase
The Boy wanted to go with me this morning when I walked The Girl to school. Because he was so cute, I let him. The way to the school is pretty easy…it’s all downhill. Which, of course, means that the way home is all uphill. As we started climbing the hill, The Boy (who, let me remind you, is only 3 years old) says to me, “It is so difficult to get up this hill!” I agreed with him, and asked if he wanted to take a rest, which he declined.
About halfway up the hill, he spotted a snail, who happened to be travelling in our direction…uphill. The Boy squatted down next to the “nice and friendly” snail, gave him a thumbs up, and said, “Thumbs up, Snail! Great job!”
This small action reminded me that, no matter how small you are, a little bit of encouragement can get you a long way. Even to the top of the hill.
Two Working Parents 
And my favorite encouragement from the boy is when, in public restrooms, we are sharing a stall. When it is my turn, I have him stand at the door behind me as far away as possible, and every time, without fail when I start he says, “I’m so proud of you dad! Great job.”
Always good to know someone is proud of any accomplishment. Especially a boy who has peed in his own face.
-Brian