It’s amazing how our words can effect children, even when we think we are complimenting, encouraging, and building them up. I often tell people when they see Raelee loving on babies or baby animals that I think she would one day be a great pediatrician or veterinarian, not that I am putting my own goals on her, just that I see that potential because of her love for babies and animals. Not long ago she came to me bawling and said her heart was broken. I pulled her into my lap and asked her why her heart was broken. “I don’t want to be a doctor or a veterinarian!” I told her that she doesn’t have to be either one and she explained that she thought that is what she has to be when she grows up because that is what I tell people. I explained to her that I only say that because I see how much she loves babies and animals but she can be anything she wants to be when she grows up. “I really can? All I really want to be is a mother.” I told her that was a very good thing to want and she would be an awesome mother! So, she went on that day and soon she became a police officer, the day after she was a detective and after that she was a doctor/detective!
I know that words can hurt but I didn’t realize how serious she took my words, and that instead of encouraging her it put pressure on a six year old that didn’t need to be there. So, I won’t say that anymore, I will find other ways to compliment her to others and keep encouraging all the many occupational changes she makes before she decided on her own what she will be when she grows up!
His Grace For The Journey 