Why Can't We?

When our kids do a good job, they just love to hear that we are proud of them. When our spouses really work hard on a project, they like to hear that we appreciate their hard work, their expertise, their labor of love. Mothers love to hear that little voice say thank-you, or "I love you, Mommy", when its been a long day of little bodies digging everything out, and you trying to keep ahead, by putting it all back just as quickly, and then you turn around and something else is out again! And then there is dinner, baths, and night-time stories – all way after the point of xhaustion – yours! The more tired you become, the more energy they seem to have. They are tired, but just simply falling asleep seems like a dream. (Couldn't they just once fall asleep without a fight?) My kids loved a back rub. That would put them right to sleep. No matter who we are, or what we do, we like to be appreciated for our hard work and effort. Sure, some of the things we do have self-satisfaction. If there wasn't some pride in what we did, why would we try? Why keep on with our hard work? But humble as we are, we do enjoy a pat on the back for effort. Somehow those few simple words, "Wow, great job!" or "I really like how you did that," or, I know you must be worn out after a long day with the kids, but you are doing such a great job," or even, "how about letting me give the kids a bath tonight?" does wonders for a tired out parent. We really don't have to worry about someone getting a big head. Most of us crave just a few kind words. Why is it that those few little words like "great job!" seem to stick in our throats? It's like when "the Fonze" tried to say "I was r-r-r-r." He just couldn't get the word wrong" to pass his lips. Believe this. When a spouse comes home from a long day at work, a hug and a cup of hot tea are greatly appreciated. When one of you works hard on a project for the house, a "What a great job" is like rain in the desert.

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