Each time you do something I should pat you on the back
Shower praise on you for staying on the right track
Every accomplishment of yours I should celebrate
Applaud you for each activity in which you participate
Tell you repeatedly how awesome you are
With positive reinforcement in life you should go far..
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As your mother I think you are fabulous
But I must not spoil you, I should be cautious
That I do not create in your mind the false impression
That you are unique, extraordinary, or better than the competition
I must encourage you, but be stingy with my praise
At every small effort of yours, I do not want to raise
A child who is discouraged easily, who gets upset
When praise for each endeavor he does not get…
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I want you to succeed with all my heart, I do
But I want you to have realistic expectations too
The rest of the world will not see you with my eyes
And as you grow up, I hope you would not be surprised
When your efforts go unnoticed, your achievements uncelebrated
Both praise and criticism in your stride you would take
And I would know in parenting I’ve made one less mistake…
Passion...unbridled 