Little good byes and hellos

Lorna, Emily's preschool director, once said during a parent orientation that we shouldn't leave or greet our kids with phrases like, "Be good." or "Were you a good girl today?" Of course that is what I was currently doing, so it perked up my ears when I heard that. She suggested saying something positive, loving and specific. It is a great point. What we leave our little ones with for the day and then pick them up with matters. I have heard three parents lately who really blew my socks off (how's that for a dorky phrase!)
A few weeks ago I was walking behind a father and son on my way to drop Sarah off at kindergarten. The boy was probably in 3-4 th grade. He was carrying a huge presentation board, and obviously had a big day ahead of him. A few houses before the crosswalk, the dad stopped, turned his son toward him, put his hands on his shoulder (cue Leave it to Beaver theme song) and said, "Son, just remember, I am always so proud of you." It was so beautiful! Yes, I teared up, if you are wondering. What an awesome thing to say to your son as he heads into school.
Last week, I overheard a mom and son who were running past me on the way toward the crosswalk. The bell had already rung and he was going to be late. Although he was late, they were laughing and running hand in hand. (not doing my normal "RUN, RUN, RUN SARAH WE ARE LAAAATTTTEEE! routine). They parted at the crosswalk and the mom yelled some cute phrase about loving him, but his response is what caught me. Mind you this boy was 10 or 11 He stopped in the middle of the street and yelled back, "Crazy mom, you just remember you are the best mom ever and I love you!" Can you imagine! What a great way to start off the day. I literally watched that mom's face break into the most glowing smile I have seen in a long time. Her son didn't just whip up those parting words on his own, he has surely grown up in a life of being told that he is loved.
On the other side of the spectrum, on Monday I heard a preschool mom ask the teacher how her son had been that day. The teacher said he had been fine. The mom then said to the son, as they were walking toward the door, and said, "So, you weren't evil today huh?"
Oh that poor little guy, it broke my heart.
Hearing all those examples, has made me try to stop and be more intentional with my farewells and greeting for the girls. How do you drop off or pick up your kids? Do you have any little traditions or greetings in the morning or afternoon? I would love to hear your ideas.