“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,
“Didi 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 in the house next door
seemed happy and content.
The same thing 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 said,
“Each day I love you more.”

“I 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 grow confident from praise
for things they’re asked to do.
To help them lead a happy life
so much depends on you.

And by the way, a note for you
this works for grownups too.