Goodness versus Greatness

It's been a great few weeks for me. I've met so many parents in the last few weeks that I feel that I am having my own series of "Parent-Consultant" Teacher Conferences all in the months of November and December. What I have found is an extremely wonderful set of moms and dads that I can welcome to my practice.

The many parents that I meet are quite exceptional. What I find most intriguing and admiring about them is that they never stop looking for resources to help them with their child. As we sit across from each other or discussing options in their living rooms or over coffee at the local coffee house, I see their eyes wide open with curiosity and an eagerness to learn as I give them the type of information - I would want them to know if they were my sister or brother (of which - I have four of so this happens quite frequently when I see urgent text messages that say - "call me back. It's really important.")

I know that this was something that my late father implored very early on. Before he would ramble about how I should study and become a member of the nursing profession. Later on, his chant started to be something different. "I want you to be someone who will help people. You are good at helping people in need - and they will listen to you. Whatever you do in life, make sure that you serve them before you serve yourself. Be unselfish - there are enough people that are selfish in this world."

Everyday I wake up to his voice in my head. When I meet mothers and fathers who may be in tears because they do not know what to do and are afraid - I make sure that everything that I tell them - whether it be one of the 1000 techniques that I have learned or one of the thousands of books that I have read - makes a difference in their lives. The only gift that I know is that down the road, I (hope) that they will remember the "tireless tutor" that worked day and night to help them as a parent go from "goodness" to "greatness". No greater satisfaction comes from appreciation and making a difference. It's what I believe, and what I look forward to each and every day.

So - if you are one of the many parents that I have worked with in the last few years - I want to take the opportunity to tell you "thank you" for all of your hard work. I know that sometimes it is hard, but your time and your love in your children is an investment that cannot be taken away.